By Sumeyya Ilanbey
Exford Primary School will be brought into the 21st century with much-needed upgrades, including a school gymnasium and permanent buildings, the Labor government has promised three months out from an election.
Education Minister James Merlino visited the 116-year-old school on Wednesday to announce a $6.25 million for stage one upgrades if Labor was re-elected.
Stage one would involve a master plan for the site and replacing portables with permanent buildings.
The school’s population has more than quadrupled to 440 students since Lisa Campo was appointed principal in 2007. The number of classrooms has increased from five to 18 this year.
“We have been communicating with the [education] department for a number of years, just ensuring they understand the growing needs at our school and the recognition that we have a lot of growth coming our way [from] new estates between us and Melton South,” Ms Campo said.
“We need to be ready for the wave of children coming our way, so we’re thrilled the department has taken this action.”
As part of the funding deal, the school council and leadership team will work with the Victorian School Building Authority to identify upgrades that need to be made and decide whether additional land needs to be purchased.
Ms Campo hopes the school will also be connected to the main sewer and water system. She says the school has previously run out of potable water and has outgrown its current sewerage treatment plants.
“[We’re also] after an attractive environment that [caters] for all learning needs, so you can have dedicated classroom spaces but spaces that can be collaborative, used across year levels … for science, literacy, arts.
“Having a gym would also be fantastic.”
Mr Merlino said the state government recognised the urgency of upgrading the facilities at Exford Primary School.
Work will start “immediately” after the election if the Labor party is re-elected, according to Mr Merlino.
“Stage one will … go towards masterplanning the whole site, but it will be that the majority of funding will go towards permanent facilities to replace the portables,” he said.
