Budget Pleasing for Boards and Schools says NZSTA

MEDIA RELEASE

16 May 2013

Budget Pleasing for Boards and Schools says NZSTA

“The 2013 budget is, overall, a pleasing result for both boards and schools” says Lorraine Kerr, President New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA).

“NZSTA is particularly pleased that the Government has continued to recognise on-going financial pressures on boards operating grants by budgeting for an $M80 increase over four years.

“Boards and schools will welcome this overall 1.9% increase in operational grant funding”, says Ms Kerr, which is slightly above the expected inflation rate.

NZSTA also welcomes the additional $M62.5 over 4 years to support an increase in schools able to participate in the Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L) initiative.

Ms Kerr says that PB4L is an important initiative designed to improve student behaviour, and thus learning outcomes for these students, and is a worthy recipient of additional funding.

“The need for greater and more targeted support for boards of trustees has been a priority of NZSTA’s for some years” now says Ms Kerr, “and the Association is delighted that the need for greater support has been recognised by the Government.

“We very much welcome the decision of the Government to allocate $M14.5 over four years for additional board support, which will enable NZSTA to enhance its capability to better support boards for better students outcomes”.

There are a number of other positive outcomes for boards and schools in this budget, and including $M12 over 4 years for Maori Medium, $M37.5 over 4 years for enhancing quality teaching, and additional provision for school property.

“Overall then, and as we start to emerge from a tough economic climate, it is very pleasing to see that education remains a high priority area for this Government, as evidenced by this 2013 budget” says Lorraine Kerr.

Ends

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