Sue Moroney
Education spokesperson
3 October 2011

Will public schools pay for $2.5 million worth of incompetence?

Minister of Education Anne Tolley must answer for a $2.5 million botch-up, which saw private school benefit at the same time as the Government is sacking 170 Christchurch teachers, Labour education spokesperson Sue Moroney says.

“At a time when schools are strapped for cash as parents struggle to pay school donations because of the rising cost of living, it is astounding that private schools will receive a $2.5 million botch-up bonus.

“What is even worse is that just last week the National Government announced it was scrapping 170 teaching positions in Christchurch, telling schools that if they wanted to keep teachers to take money out of their already stretched operational budgets.

“It’s insulting that the Minister of Education Anne Tolley has told Christchurch schools to choose between books and teachers, while at the same time overseeing a $2.5 million windfall for private schools.

“It is clear that this National Government prioritises private schools ahead of the rest of education.",” Sue Moroney said.

ENDS

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