Parties promise school funds

A PRE-ELECTION battle has resulted in State Government funds being poured into Greater Dandenong schools as criticism flows in for the region’s class sizes.
Lyndhurst MP Tim Holding this week announced a $630,000 maintenance package for Greater Dandenong schools, but his seat’s Liberal candidate Gary Anderton said Labor needed to focus on class numbers.
Mr Anderton said Noble Park Primary School, Lynbrook Primary School and Chandler Primary School in recent statistics showed the maximum class size for grades prep to two was 26 students, well over the State Government’s promise to cap class numbers to 21.
“One look around Lyndhurst classrooms shows Labor has failed to achieve what it promised,” he said.
But Mr Holding said education was the Bracks Government’s “number one priority” and that vital maintenance money would be given as early as next month to allow schools to begin repairs on outdated buildings.
“The extra money will be provided to schools before the end of the month, so they can get to work on the most urgent repairs,” he said.
“Education is the Bracks Government’s number one priority, it is great that schools in Lyndhurst are receiving such terrific support.”