Government on right wave length for rural schools

Media Release

Government on right wave length for rural schools

The Government’s Budget focus on e-learning is good news for rural schools and narrows the digital divide, the New Zealand School Trustees Association says.

General Manager Ray Newport says the commitment to widening fast speed internet access through the Broadband initiative is a technological step forward for many provincial communities.

“Greater use of technology to improve learning outcomes is an essential to rural schools and we welcome the Government’s recognition of this need.”

Ray Newport says the budget holds no real surprises for schools and while the government’s commitment to enhancing staffing levels is not new news, it is good news.

“Investments in more teachers and new technology are about improving the quality of teaching in our schools. This funding helps ensure our children are getting a higher quality of education.”

Trustees will also be pleased with the 2.2% increase in the per pupil component of operations grant funding as it will assist boards in meeting the day to day running of their schools, Ray Newport says.

“While it is also good to see the Government’s further recognition of the need to allow the extension of social workers and social programmes, the level of funding appears to be less than what might be considered desirable.”

Ray Newport says today’s Government financial announcement is largely about building on previous budgets.

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For more information contact:
Ray Newport, General Manager, NZSTA
027 444 9629

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