Forbes and district public schools will receive a substantial increase in funding for 2015, collecting an additional $516,246 more than this year.
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The announcement was made on Thursday by the state government and the additional money stems from $97 million in Gonski funding that will benefit schools right across NSW.
The funding will be part of $664 million delivered to schools in 2015 through the needs-based Resource Allocation Model (RAM), which allocates funding according to the background of students at each school.
Next year Forbes North Public School will receive an increase of $189,713, Forbes High School will receive an $126,156 boost while Forbes Public School will receive $65,938 more than in 2014.
The RAM allocates extra money to schools with low socio-economic backgrounds, that are remote or isolated, those who have low-level disability, are still developing their English language skills or are Aboriginal.
Deputy principal of Forbes North Public School Michele Herbert said the funds are most welcome.
“It’s a huge help,” Mrs Herbert said.
“It allows us to continue with extra programs ... and can contribute to resources, professional learning and additional staffing to ensure smaller class sizes and additional learning support officers.”
Mrs Herbert said that unlike previous funding models, the RAM program allows each school flexibility and the autonomy to decide where the funds should be spent.
“Funds used to be either global or tied so they were tagged to specific programs,” Mrs Herbert said.
“But now we have the choice of how to spend it which is better for our school because we can use it more effectively.”
Member for Orange, Andrew Gee, said the idea of the RAM funding is that the money goes where it is needed.
“It’s what NSW public schools have wanted - a significant increase in funding guaranteed into the future, with the greatest benefits flowing to school and students with the greatest need,” Mr Gee said.
“The core of the government’s Local Schools, Local Decisions reforms is to put decision making about students and school communities with the people who know them best - the principals, school staff and parents.
“Many schools in the Forbes area will see additional benefits in areas such as literacy and numeracy support, teachers’ professional development and community engagement.”
Total preliminary funding for 2015:
Forbes North Public School - $612,917
Forbes High School - $497,130
Forbes Public School - $317,612
Bedgerebong Public School - $88,149
Trundle Central School - $137,492
Eugowra Public School - $50,981
Bogan Gate Public School - $71,407
Tullamore Central School - $97,568
Corinella Public School - $16,502