Making the most of the schools funding review

By

Gary Zadkovich

Independent polling for the Australian Education Union (AEU) shows strong support for increased public school funding. An overwhelming majority believe governments' primary obligation is to fund public schools.

So we have the majority of students, parents and teachers. We have majority public support. For years the challenge has been to bridge the gap between this support and government policy. The hope is that the Review of Funding for Schooling will enable the democratic will of the people to determine a new, fair and just recurrent schools funding system.

Annual Conference on July 4-6 endorsed Federation's funding review campaign and the AEU hosted a planning meeting on July 22 to coordinate nationwide action.

Details regarding the review process and timelines are not yet specified. Based on previous statements, it is assumed the review will accept submissions until the end of this year, and that the panel will prepare its report by mid-2011.

Accordingly, Federation will be supporting school communities and individuals to contribute to the review in the last five weeks of this school term and the first five weeks of term 4. This integrates this campaign into the period between the August 21 Federal Election and the March 2011 State Election. The relationship between total government public school spending and current teaching and learning conditions will be emphasised.

Federation is working with the peak NSW principal and parent organisations to maximise submissions to the review. The target is one from each of our 2240 public schools and thousands more from individuals. The campaign will include Trade Union Training courses; multimedia/online information, links and submission guidelines; PowerPoint presentations to school and P&C meetings, and local politicians; submission writing workshops; and events and activities to encourage support.

While this action is called for a crucial time in the school year, Federation members are urged to do everything possible to make the most of this vital opportunity - for our students, our profession and the future of Australian public education.

Gary Zadkovich is the Deputy President.

School funding review is crucial

For further information

July 2010 contents