Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Budget Threatens Operation Of Schools
Budget Threatens Operation Of Schools
Wellington – NZEI Te Riu says the Government is failing to provide enough money to cover the cost of running the country’s schools.
“The government is continually asking schools to do more to meet the educational needs of our children but it is failing to provide the money to cover the costs of running a school,” says NZEI Te Riu Roa National President, Bruce Adin.
“The Budget increased operational funding for schools by only 1.8%. Inflation is running at 2.5%, so that amounts to a cut in the money schools have to meet their core costs,” says Bruce Adin.
Schools use their operational funding grants to cover costs such as maintaining school buildings, which includes paying for caretakers and cleaners, and employing support staff such as secretaries, executive officers and IT technicians.
NZEI Te Riu Roa represents 9000 support staff who work in primary, intermediate, area and secondary schools.
“The union has a real concern that their jobs, pay and conditions are under threat because the Government did not provide enough money in the Budget to adequately cover their employment,” says Bruce Adin.
“Support staff such as secretaries and executive officers are essential to the smooth running of schools, while librarians and IT technicians are increasingly important in giving students the skills needed to build a knowledge economy.”
“If the
government is serious in wanting to build a knowledge
economy it has to ensure that schools are funded adequately.
That means they have the money to pay for basics like
building maintenance and employing the staff that run
schools and help equip students for the 21st century,” says
Bruce Adin.
NZEI Te Riu Roa
New Zealand Educational Institute
NZEI Te Riu Roa members work in every community in New Zealand, leading and advocating for quality public education.
We are the 50,000 principals, teachers and support staff who work in primary, area and secondary schools as well as early childhood centres, special education and school advisory services. We come together as NZEI Te Riu Roa - New Zealand's largest education union, a Treaty based organisation and a powerful advocate for quality public education.
We have the most important job in New Zealand - educating for the future.
Braden Currie: Sets Sights On The Ironman North American Championships In Texas
Whanganui Regional Museum: Historic Wedding Dress Unveiled, A Piece Of Marton’s Heritage
Donovan Ryan: Local Runner Takes Out Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon
University of Auckland: Tributes Flow For Much Loved Pacific Leader Melegalenu’u Ah Sam
NZEI: Ministry Of Education Cuts Will Disproportionately Affect Pasifika
Day One Hapai te Haeata: Call To Action For Young Filmmakers Against The Backdrop Of Funding Cuts