The public schools still waiting for better funding | 7.30

Key Concepts

• Gonski School Funding Model (GSKY): A national funding model designed to address inequities in school funding, particularly for public schools and disadvantaged students.
• Schooling Resource Standard (SRS): The target level of funding per student that the Gonski model aims to achieve.
• Better and Fairer Schools Agreement: The latest iteration of the Gonski funding agreement between the Commonwealth and state/territory governments.
• Funding Gap: The difference in funding between public and non-government schools, and between schools serving different socioeconomic areas.
• Socioeconomic Background: The social and economic circumstances of a student's family, which can impact their educational outcomes.

Gonski Funding Model and Its Objectives

• The Gonski report, delivered 14 years prior, aimed to transform the schooling system by addressing funding disparities.
• Professor Glenn Savage explains that the Gonski reforms were designed to fix the underfunding of public schools compared to non-government schools.
• The model proposed a formula requiring state and federal money to close the funding gap, particularly for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, remote schools, or areas with other educational needs.
• The goal was to improve key educational measures for disadvantaged students.

Victoria's Delay and Its Implications

• Victoria has delayed meeting its Gonski funding commitments by 3 years, pushing the target date to 2031.
• This delay means Victorian public schools will miss out on an estimated $2.4 billion.
• Jess Wilson, the Victorian shadow minister for education, highlights the lack of a clear undertaking that the $2.4 billion has not been cut.
• Other states, such as New South Wales, Western Australia, and Queensland, are meeting their Gonski commitments earlier than Victoria.
• Principal Lisa Branch emphasizes that the delay is a "missed opportunity" for students who require additional support, especially those affected by disruptions during COVID-19.

State Government's Response

• Victoria's Minister for Education, Ben Carroll, declined an on-camera interview.
• Carroll denies cuts to school funding and highlights Victoria's large school building program.
• He reiterates the state's commitment to meeting its funding obligations within the timeframe of the latest agreement.
• The government claims to be committed to funding public schools at 75% with the Commonwealth contributing 25%.
• The State Treasurer mentioned the government's commitment under the Gonski agreement to fund public schools for 75% with the Commonwealth being 25%.

Federal Government's Perspective

• A spokesperson for the federal education minister, Jason Clare, stated that "Negotiations are ongoing."
• The Better and Fairer Schools Agreement extends from the current year until 2034, more than two decades since the initial Gonski reforms.

Impact on Schools and Students

• Principal Lisa Branch highlights the need for more funding for administrative assistance to free up teachers.
• Megan Zeno shares her experience with her daughter Meline, who benefited from group therapy sessions at school.
• Zeno emphasizes the positive impact of school support on students' well-being and classroom performance.
• Without full Gonski funding, some students miss out on necessary support, adding pressure to families and disadvantaging students.

Expert Opinion

• Glenn Savage states that whether it's called a cut or a delay, the key issue is the need to get resources to public schools faster.
• He emphasizes the consequences of Victoria's decision to delay meeting its funding commitment to 2031.

Conclusion

Victoria's delay in meeting its Gonski funding commitments raises concerns about the impact on public schools and disadvantaged students. While the state government denies cuts and emphasizes its overall investment in education, the delay means that Victorian schools will miss out on significant funding, potentially hindering their ability to provide necessary support for students. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving equitable school funding across Australia and the importance of timely implementation of the Gonski reforms.