TROY BELL MP
Member for Mount Gambier
Your Independent voice
in State Parliament
School Funding Call
Friday April 26, 2024Published by The Border Watch
EVERY student deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, well-maintained, and equipped with the necessary resources to support their education.
Our physical environment fosters motivation, engagement, and a sense of belonging, which not only enhances students' academic achievement, but it also contributes greatly to their emotional wellbeing and fostering a sense of pride amongst peers.
Considering this, I recently visited our local public schools to observe the conditions within the facilities where our children learn, and engaged with principals about the challenges they are currently facing in maintaining their facilities.
What was very evident is that our public schools need a facelift.
The vast majority of principals are facing issues in securing funding for essential needs such as repainting, updated flooring and replacing window treatments.
The current funding system is failing our schools, especially those in regional areas, when it comes to carrying out basic routine maintenance in a cost-effective manner.
Excessive bureaucracy and red tape are creating prolonged delays and budget overruns, as well as forcing many schools to engage with government-approved contractors from Adelaide, rather than local providers.
Our public schools are the cornerstone of our children's education and play a crucial role in accessible and quality education for all.
We must ensure they have access to equitable funding that allows our children to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their location or background.
Troy Bell, Member for Mount Gambier