School funding out of date

A major review into the distribution of the State’s public school funding has found the present method is outdated and failing to adequately meet the needs of students.

The review, prepared by University of Melbourne professor Richard Teese, advises giving greater flexibility to principals to decide how their funding is used and simplifying how funding is allocated.

Parkfield Primary School principal Charlie Serravite welcomed the report’s findings.

“I thoroughly agree that the current funding system is outdated and based on historical data,” he said.

“Schools and students haveevolved greatly since the current system was developed and the students are much more complex, meaning local decision-making needs resource flexibility.”

“As an Independent Public School we embrace great flexibility and an ability to meet the specific needs of our students and community.

“The one size fits all system is antiquated and central control of resources does not support school autonomy — schools need to have a greater say in resource allocation to maximise student outcomes.”

Education Minister Peter Collier said the State Government was working on developing a fairer and more equitable funding model.

“It is clear from this comprehensive review that the current funding mechanism has passed its use-by-date,” he said.

“According to the report, the methods have become complicated due to years of adding layers and layers of funding lines, implementing complicated multiplier effects and creating numerous bolt-ons.”

The report suggests a new funding model that considers individual students according to their educational needs rather than just where they live and the kind of school they attend.