South Australian public schools to receive $17 million federal funding boost

Eighteen public schools across SA will share in around $17m in federal funding for vital upgrades. See which schools are getting funding and for what purpose.

Elizabeth East Primary School principal Thomas Harvey with students Alexander and Mia both 10. Picture: NCA NewsWire/David Mariuz

Eighteen public schools across the state will share in around $17 million in federal funding for much-needed equipment and upgrades to ageing infrastructure.

The funding will go towards projects such as upgrading food tech and home economics classrooms, new playground equipment and sporting facilities.

On Tuesday, the government will announce the beneficiaries of the second round of the Schools Upgrade Fund, which include Elizabeth East Primary School – set to receive $400,000 for the refurbishment of classrooms and the corridor.

Principal Thomas Harvey said the funding would make “a big difference” to the design of the classrooms.

“We’re going to be able to gut some very old lockers and storage spaces, build in purpose-built storage within the classrooms – that’s going to support the students and the teachers with organisation and aesthetics in the classroom,” he said.

Mr Harvey said the classrooms would also get a fresh paint job to “make it much more 21st century”.

“This will be the first major upgrade in an extended period of time,” he said.

South Australian Education Minister Blair Boyer welcomed the investment.

“The average age of school buildings in SA is 44 years, and even older in regional schools. Regional schools in particular are in great need, and we look forward to further federal investment into facilities in the future,” he said.

Education Minister Jason Clare said the funding was “another important step in building a better and fairer education system”

“I want all students to get access to a quality education, including access to quality facilities to learn in and play on,” he said

Mr Clare said funding would be going to public schools “that need it the most”.

It comes as the Australian Education Union ramps up its campaign for more public school funding, which will see members plant 508 stakes at the Pinky Flat Parklands to represent underfunded institutions across the state.

Federal President Correna Haythorpe said all South Australian public schools were funded

below the minimum level governments agreed a decade ago that was required to meet student needs.