Schools maintain funding

SCHOOLS in the area will get an immediate injection of badly needed funds to address maintenance issues.
Berwick and Emerald secondary colleges and primary schools at Officer, Beaconsfield, Upper Beaconsfield, Berwick, Gembrook, Emerald and Cockatoo are to receive funding.
Local schools will get between $2198 and $36,787.
“Maintenance needs such as roofing repairs, asphalting, electrical and plumbing upgrades will all be addressed,” Ms Lobato said.
The $50 million statewide maintenance boost was great news for parents, students and schools, Ms Lobato said.
But Opposition education spokesman Martin Dixon said it was hopelessly inadequate.
“When averaged out over Victoria’s 1600 government schools, the $50 million grant equates to just $31,000 per school,” Mr Dixon said.
“Even with this grant, the Labor Government has spent only an average $4400 per school per year in major maintenance works.
“The Labor Government’s neglect of schools has reached crisis point.”
Ms Lobato said the State Government had invested more than $400 million in school maintenance since 1999 and $1.65 billion in capital works.