FOURTEEN schools in Melton are to gain millions of dollars through the Better Schools Plan, which has been endorsed by the state government after months of delay.
Also known as the Gonski reforms, the federal government Better Schools Plan has been waiting on state support to go ahead.
Melton Specialist School council president Elle Gillard said it was great news for the school.
“It’s an achievement and a relief that finally something might get done,” she said. “The increase in funding will support the school in providing improved resource and that will improve student outcomes.”
Federal projections show the school will receive $5.8 million in 2014 and $7.8 million in 2019.
In Moorabool, Bacchus Marsh College will get $11 million in 2014 and $14.9 million in 2019.
Melton MP Don Nardella said it was a good outcome for schools but came at a cost.
“The government has given away the education maintenance allowance,” he said. “There’s no reason to have done that. The allowance helps families and students to buy things like school shoes and books. That assistance is very important.”
Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor said the deal would give pupils the help they needed to reach their potential.
“In dollar terms, schools benefiting in my electorate will be on average $1.6 million better off over the next six years,” he said. ‘‘That’s in excess of $100 million… to build new classrooms, sporting facilities and trade training centres for our schools.
‘‘[The] plan means more money to pay for additional teachers and student aides, and more specialist classes and tutoring.”
