By Alecia Pinner: apinner@mmpgroup.com.au
SCHOOL principals in the City of Greater Dandenong have been left confused by contradictory Gonski figures released by the state and federal governments last week.
Figures released by state Education Minister Martin Dixon show some schools could lose millions of dollars if Victoria signs on to the controversial Gonski reforms, while federal figures show the same schools will gain millions.
State government data shows Hallam Senior College would be out of pocket $3,501,994 by 2019 under Gonski. According to the federal government, it will be $4,234,144 or 19.4 per cent per student better off over the same period.
College principal Anne Martin said she had not been contacted by representatives from either level of government and was not sure what the school would be entitled to.
‘‘I’m hoping the [state] government will sign up,” she said. “I think the Gonski reforms are great because this whole system is under the pump.
‘‘If the federal figures are right, then that’s much better for us. That sort of money would have a significant impact. It would make a huge difference to the school’s staffing profile and programs for our young people.’’
Ms Martin said the college was proud of its large Vocational Education and Training program and was interested in how the state government would fund VET in the future.
In a statement last Monday, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and federal Education Minister Peter Garrett said claims by Premier Denis Napthine and Mr Dixon were wrong and they should apologise to the 249 schools listed for causing unnecessary alarm.
In response, Mr Dixon’s office said funding growth between now and 2019 was “unpredictable and is subject to a number of variables, including new programs, lapsing initiatives and wage increases”.
“The Victorian government is determined to ensure that all schools, not just most schools, will be better off under the new funding arrangment.”
Some principals say they are uncertain about what Gonski would mean for their school. Many are reluctant to talk about the proposed reforms.
