School report gives Department administrators an F, Gardiner

Author: Philip Gardiner
Published on: 02-July-2010

The report of the Standing Committee on Estimates and Financial Operations into the removal of senior school allocation funding for Years 11 and 12 courses at district high schools has reinforced widespread concern at the cuts, according to Hon Philip Gardiner MLC.

As Deputy Chair of the Committee Mr Gardiner concurred with the majority report, tabled in the Legislative Council yesterday, which calls on the Minister for Education to immediately reinstate the senior school allocation funding at 21 district high schools.

The report had four main findings:
 

• The cost savings to the Department of Education are minimal and far less than the costs that will be imposed on other departments to provide bus services and subsidise children living away from home;
• The Department undertook no consultation with schools and their communities prior to making the decision to remove the funding;
• The Department poorly communicated its decision to the affected district high schools and communities resulting in confusion amongst principals, parents and the community about what the decision meant and what options were available, and;

The broader economic and social consequences of removing the senior school allowance had not been considered.

Mr Gardiner said the Committee’s findings only echo significant dissatisfaction with the Department’s decision from the schools, families and communities affected.

“As a member of the Committee I heard firsthand how in many regional towns the communities are deeply involved in the vocational education pathways offered to local Years 11 and 12 students,” he said. “This only serves to illustrate the commitment of country towns in nurturing their youth, something that must not be compromised.

“Furthermore, in many of these towns no viable education alternative exists. Sitting on a bus for two or three hours each day is certainly not the best road to a quality education.”

Mr Gardiner said that the education effect of providing access equity and excellence in education on a regional level must be strengthened so that there is universal opportunity for students to achieve their potential.

“I strongly encourage the Minister for Education to heed the calls and continue the courses, acknowledging the unique circumstances that apply to some families in regional communities.

“Isolation should not be an impediment to quality education,” he concluded.