Hon Bill English National Education Spokesman

6 September 2004

Parents meet schools' funding shortfall

National's Education spokesman Bill English says parents are paying about one third of school operating costs.

In 2002 total school operating costs were $1.45 billion.

"Parents and communities contributed $473 million of that and the Government contributed $949 million," says Mr English.

"The breakdown shows higher decile schools are raising around 40% of their operating costs.

"Lower decile schools receive bigger operating grants from the Government but, on average, they still raise around 20% of their operating costs.

"The reality is, the government funds only part of the cost of running schools in even the poorest areas.

"Under this Government, every family is paying for a 'free' education.

"It's about time the Government acknowledged the huge contribution parents and communities make by giving them more say in how schools are run," says Mr English.

Ends

Attached: Table showing schools operational funding by decile

SCHOOLS OPERATIONAL FUNDING BY DECILE

School Decile % of Operations Funding Derived from Local Funds
1 16%
2 20%
3 26%
4 29%
5 32%
6 34%
7 37%
8 38%
9 39%
10 45%

* Excludes direct teacher-salary funding

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