Eden schools will benefit from a substantial increase in NSW Government funding next year, as they receive a share in $664million designed to assist students with the greatest need.
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Eden Marine High School will receive a total of $519,004 of Resource Allocation Model (RAM) funding – an increase of $128,642 from 2014, while Eden Public School’s $445,497 represents a $27,902 boost.
While Eden-based schools are among the 84 per cent of NSW schools to receive a higher level of funding this time around, Towamba ($8309 decrease), Wyndham ($16,450 decrease) and Pambula ($3969 decrease) public schools will all receive lower totals.
Under the RAM, each school’s level of needs-based funding depends on five dynamic factors – socioeconomic background, Aboriginal background, English language proficiency, low-level disability and location.
Eden Marine High School principal Ian Moorehead said community consultation will determine how the extra money will be used.
“I’ll be sitting down this week to isolate and interrogate the figures and see exactly which areas the increase has come in for us, but we’ll be working very closely with the school community before any decisions are made,” he said.
“We could use it to maintain and support our existing programs, introduce new programs, employ more specialist staff or more learning support officers.
“Whatever we do though, there will be a process of community consultation to ensure we’re using it in the best ways to improve student outcomes.”
Eden Public School acting principal Tanja Vogt said the boost will allow the primary school to build on what has been put in place this year.
“The biggest part of the funding goes towards employing school learning support officers (SLSOs) to assist the teachers in our support classes,” Ms Vogt said.
“Our Aboriginal funding allows us to employ an Aboriginal education officer, and something that we’ve focused on this year is strengthening our community partnerships.
“All our students also have access to iPads to combat the rural isolation factor, and we’re always looking to enhance our staff by putting money into teacher development and training.”
Education Minister Adrian Piccoli said the $664million investment is a $97million increase across the board.
He said the funding, which is a result of the Gonski agreement, will allow every child to have access to the best possible education regardless of their personal circumstances.
“We trust NSW public school principals, and their school communities, to decide how this additional funding can best be used to support learning needs in their school,” Mr Piccoli said.
“It is principals, teachers, staff and parents who know students best, and how their needs can best be met to improve student performance.”