Ministry of Education news release
Friday, 25 May
Too soon to talk about redundancies – Ministry of Education
The impact of Budget changes on next year’s staffing entitlements will not be known until the provisional rolls are set
in September, Lesley Longstone, Secretary for Education said today.
Mrs Longstone said: “Some schools will see funding reduced, others will receive an increase. I have written to the ten
per cent that are likely to be most affected by the changes and we are committed to working with these schools to
develop transition plans.
“It should be noted that most surplus staffing is managed by attrition. Each year around 5,000 teachers enter and leave
the profession, so many of these changes will be manageable within normal turnover.
“If a reduction in teacher staffing is required, boards can then look at the non-renewal of fixed-term contracts before
disestablishing permanent positions.
“The impact on schools with technology centres will be determined in part by the decisions of schools with years 7 and 8
children who currently use these centres. Our expectation is that where these centres are offering high quality teaching
and learning, these arrangements would continue.
“The ministry is committed to improving the educational outcomes of all learners. In particular we have an intense focus
on those who are currently underserved by the education system, such as learners who are Maori, Pasifika, have special
needs or are from low socio-economic backgrounds.”
ends