Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison has welcomed news that local public schools will receive more than $11 million in 2016 through the Gonski funding program initiated by the Federal Labor Government.

“After months of playing politics with our community, I am glad the NSW Government has finally recognised that education and children are above petty political games and allocated this funding to public schools that need it most,” Ms Aitchison says.

“With our population continuing to grow, it is important that schools in Maitland have access to the technology and resources that will guarantee that all students can reach their full potential”.

“Last week I visited Telarah Public School and was amazed at the work the school is undertaking to provide a variety of educational opportunities. An additional $1.2 million will allow the school to continue with the implementation of successful educational programs that encourage students to achieve their full potential”.

Examples of local needs-based funding allocations in Maitland include $1.2 million to Telarah Public School,

$874,000 to Rutherford Public School and $1.2 million to Maitland High School.

“I will be writing to the Minister for Education to ask him how and when the funding will be rolled out to ensure schools have the earliest opportunity to implement new programs and I will continue to advocate on behalf of all our local schools”.