11 May 2005
Today's Schools Need Funding Today
New Zealand First is calling for a complete review of the formula for secondary schools’ operational funding.
“In 1988/89, the formula for schools’ operational funding was extensively reviewed before the changes to Tomorrow’s
Schools,” said associate education spokesperson Jim Peters.
“Since then, there have been selective additions, some to account for annual and inflationary pressures, some to account
for special projects and programmes, but no overall attempt to analyse the needs of contemporary secondary schools.
“In 2005, there needs to be recognition of the resources needed for ICT and e-learning, with a high quality
infrastructure required in every secondary and area school.
“New Zealand First strongly supports the need for every child to have developing and improved learning experiences. For
that to happen, teachers must have the tools for quality teaching.
“It’s imperative that everyday resources and materials are adequately resourced in 2006 to meet the challenges of the
reviewed school curriculum and the demands of NCEA.
“New Zealand First recognises the inadequacies of the present formula, and demands that the review begin now,” said Mr
Peters.
ENDS