Wyndham schools worry over funds after federal budget

More than 20 school principals in the Wyndham area have united to share their concerns about the federal budget.

Shadow education minister Kate Ellis and Lalor MP Joanne Ryan met with the principals last week.

Ms Ryan said questions about whether schools would need to axe programs and lose teachers or support staff was at the top of the agenda during the meeting.

“This time last year, schools were excited about the future for education,” Ms Ryan said.

“The Gonski funding review was undertaken in a deep and measured way, and it showed a way forward.

“This year’s Victorian budget was silent on Gonski funding. [Last week’s] federal budget just rips money away. It’s all bad news and, worse still, there is absolutely no certainty.”

But Education Minister Christopher Pyne said the government would be investing
$64.5 billion in recurrent funding for schools over the next four years.

“The government’s commitment over the next four years will provide funding certainty for all schools while it works with all states and territories to deliver stable and sustainable funding into the future,” he said.

“Schools can and should do what they judge appropriate in their circumstances and within their budgets to ensure adequate progress in literacy and numeracy for all students.”