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Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer has welcomed the new school funding package announced today, saying it was a positive change for Wairarapa schools.
"Overall, I am pleased with the benefits that this change brings to Wairarapa," Ms Beyer said.
"It means a $685,341 or 4.6% increase to schools in Wairarapa.
"Most of the schools have received a significant increase in funding. For example, Masterton East School (23.3%), Featherston School (17.6%), Masterton West School (18.8%), South End School (16.7%) and St Patrick's School (18.8%). I know that this kind of funding will be a real help as schools continue to provide a top quality education for all their children.
"The Government has also announced new flexibilities within the school system. Schools will be able to use their operational funding more widely than the current central resourcing system allows.
"A few schools in Wairarapa will get less funding next year and I know that some of those schools will be unhappy with the announcement. However, this policy was well signalled more than two years ago, so I do not believe that it will come as a major surprise to those schools.
"I must also stress that the Government is not treating bulk funded schools any differently from other schools, but putting all schools on an even keel.
"Improving quality and participation in education is one of the Government's key objectives and this announcement is a key part of that. Overall there is $107 million to distribute to all schools as a result of ending bulk funding including $45 million of new money set aside for schools expected to enter bulk funding, but never distributed."
Ms Beyer is writing to schools in the electorate about the changes and making herself available for school meetings.
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