Riverina public schools will be among the state’s biggest losers if the federal government slashes Gonski-style needs-based funding.
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Local schools have collected more than $14 million in the past four years, clawing back decades of chronic under-funding.
Leeton High School, Griffith High School and Griffith Public School were the big winners, banking an average of $558,049 each.
Wagga’s top funded schools were Wagga High School ($507,610), Mount Austin High School ($427,946) and Kooringal High School ($406,003).
The federal electorate of Farrer – which incorporates Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera – was ranked 5th out of 47 for Gonski funding, while Riverina – which takes in Wagga, Junee and Gundagai – ranked 11th.
Wagga’s most needy schools will see an extra $1.5 million this year, but there’s no certainty for schools over how funds will be distributed from next January.
The federal government is planning to slash around $3 billion from the money that was supposed to go to schools nationally for the final two years of Gonski from next year.
Griffith-based education minister Adrian Piccoli has slammed his federal Nationals colleagues for not placing enough importance on under-performing students.
The Prime Minister and premiers must reach a new deal before the May budget, but political pundits suggest Mr Piccoli could lose his education portoflio next week in a cabinet reshuffle.
NSW Secondary Principals' Council president Chris Presland backed Mr Piccoli’s stance, claiming needs-based funding ensured money went to where it’s needed most – the bush.
“There's no intelligent argument why you’d pour money into rich schools that don't need it,” Mr Presland said.
“The vast majority of this money goes into employing teacher’s aides to assist kids with learning difficulties to improve literacy and numeracy.
“It’s a no-brainer.”