Private schools receive funding clarity for 2012

Private schools receive funding clarity for 2012

The Ministry of Education has contacted private schools to apologise for any confusion caused by an overpayment for the 2011 school year and clarify funding for 2012.

Secretary for Education Karen Sewell said the 2011 rates were set incorrectly.

“Budget 2009 added $10 million in funding for private schools. Some of this was allocated to the new Aspire Scholarships. When determining the 2011 pool, this amount was not excluded.

“Private schools received almost $2.5 million more than they should have for the 2011 school year. The Ministry apologises for this mistake and we are reviewing our systems to ensure the correct rates are applied in the future.”

Private schools will receive their correct rates for 2012. While this is less than received in 2011, it is what they should receive.

“I have written to all affected schools today to explain the difference in funding levels between the 2011 and 2012 school years.

“No school or student will be disadvantaged by this. The Ministry will not seek to recover the overpayment from schools,” Karen Sewell said.

ENDS

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