Hope William-Smith
Primary schools in the elective district of Davidson are set for a funding increase, with local public schools to receive $4 912 741 in 2016.
This will be a substantive share in the record $113 million dollars of additional funding announced by the NSW Government to support public education for students. More than $16 million has been committed to the Davidson area since 2011.
St Ives North Public School will receive nearly $600 000 in funding, up from $250 000 last year. Lindfield East Public School will also benefit, collecting an increase of $251 000 and bringing total funding to nearly $353 000 for the next school year. Killara High School, one of the most consistent strong performers in the public sphere, will also receive $801 000.
Examples of works being funded include upgrades food technology facilities, science labs, general renovations, sports areas, roofing, recarpeting and painting.
“This substantial ongoing investment in public education is fantastic news for our schools, and will further boost their efforts to deliver improved student results,” said Jonathon O’Dea, MP for Davidson.
The additional funding over the next four years will be allocated in the upcoming NSW Budget for non-government schools capital works, and represents a 100 per cent increase under the scheme.
“Schools in Davidson will be able to apply for funding under the scheme which is directed to low to medium fee Independant schools and Catholic schools,” said Mr O’Dea.
“Demand for school places is increasing across the State and this funding recognises the significant role non-government schools will play in meeting that challenge.”
Many schools in the electorate area of Davidson have benefitted from increased funding in the last year; St Ives High School were able to entirely refurbish the school canteen with a grant of more nearly $110 000 and Kambora Public School received $22 000 for a new entrance path.
“The NSW Government is determined to provide the best learning environments possible in our schools now and in the future,” said Mr O’Dea.
Across the State, more than $3.2 billion dollars has been set aside for school infrastructure and maintenance.
