|
Schools in Wairarapa will get an estimated $17,323,311.62 in operational funding for 2004, a $309,648.62 increase from last year.
Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer says Budget 2003 is providing further resources for an all inclusive education system that helps pupils in schools in Wairarapa and across the nation to achieve their full potential.
"Equipping New Zealanders with 21st century skills and reducing the level of under-achievement experienced by some groups in the education system are the government's two top education priorities," Georgina Beyer said.
Education Minister Trevor Mallard announced new funding of $61.2 million nationwide over four years to increase operational funding to schools, as part of Budget 2003. The extra $17.5 million per school year involves a 2 per cent increase to per-pupil funding and most other components.
This estimated increase is based on 2002 rolls. A final estimate based on projected 2003 rolls will be available later in the year.
This year's budget sees an increase of $715 million annually in new spending for education by 2006-07 to bring the total to $8.6 billion in that year.
The new education spending equates to increases of $393 million for 2003-04, $479 million for 2004-05, $617 million for 2005-06 and $715 million for 2006-07, over education spending in 2002-03.
Along with the increased schools operational funding, Budget Education 2003 initiatives include:
- $78 million in new spending to develop ICT infrastructure and networks, to increase teacher ICT capability and the use of ICT in the classroom, and to enable schools to connect with one another, the Internet, and to the Ministry of Education;
- New funding of $55 million over four years will be invested in early childhood education to ensure more children can access quality education before they get to school;
- $15 million extra over four years to improve literacy teaching;
- $400.7 million is available for new school property works in 2003-04, an increase of $108.6 million over 2002-03, to support roll growth and upgrade existing schools.
|
|
|
