$50 MILLION FOR LOCAL SCHOOL PROJECTS

Queensland state schools have another three weeks to consult with their community to determine suitable projects under the Beattie Government’s new $50 million School Community Development Fund.

Education Minister, Rod Welford, said state schools were being asked to complete submissions by Friday 3 November.

“Each of Queensland’s 1276 state schools will receive funds for local projects through the School Community Development Fund,” Mr Welford said.

“It is up to the school community how this money is spent in partnership with the principal and within some very flexible guidelines.

“This is an opportunity for parents to get involved with their school and influence their children’s learning environment. There’s a great degree of scope – it depends on what the school P & C considers most important.

“It could involve installing water tanks, upgrading the library, refitting the science lab or putting in playground equipment.

“The amount of the grant is determined by a combination of factors, including the size of the school, the enrolments and the locality.

“The online submission process has been designed to be as straightforward as possible, and submissions will be assessed by regional and state panels.”

The School Community Development Fund is the first stage of the State Government’s Tomorrow’s Schools – Providing for a Smarter Future package.

Mr Welford said the package provided a record $1 billion funding boost for education, directed at modernising and building new school facilities.

“Tomorrow’s Schools heralds an unprecedented level of parent and community involvement in deciding future school facility needs,” he said.

“In addition to the School Community Development Fund, the package includes an $850 million capital works program for state schools and a $100 million contribution to the non-state school sector to improve school facilities.”

Media contact: Greg Milne or Marnie Stitz on 32371000