$50 million announcement no relief for schools staff
色狼社区Media release
The announcement by NSW Minister for Education, Rob Stokes about reducing the administrative burden on Principals, demonstrates his lack of understanding of how our public schools really function said the Public Service Association (PSA).
The union was responding to the Minister鈥檚 announcement that $50 million in flexible funding is to be provided to Principals to employ business managers.
鈥淭he fact is School Administrative and Support staff (SASS) rather than Principals shoulder the responsibility for the daily functioning of our public schools,鈥 said 色狼社区Assistant General Secretary, Troy Wright.
鈥淪chool Admin Managers and School Admin Officers expertly undertake the financial and administrative role in schools while General Assistants handle maintenance and the upkeep of school grounds.
鈥淪chool finance was delegated to schools as part of the Local Schools, Local Decisions initiative which saw Principals get a pay rise when in effect, these tasks were delegated to School Admin Managers and School Admin Officers.
鈥淭he Minister is clearly unaware of this yet is throwing $50 million at an issue he doesn鈥檛 understand.
鈥淲hat is needed is better resources and more existing staff.
鈥淔urther training for SAS Staff such as School Admin Managers and School Administrative Officers would cost far less than $50 million鈥.