Andrews Government unveils $10.4 million school maintenance package

More than 200 state schools will be upgraded as part of a $10.4m maintenance blitz. See how much your schools is getting.

More than 200 government schools will be upgraded in an unprecedented $10.4 million maintenance blitz.

The funding boost, announced by Education Minister James Merlino on Friday, will help primary and secondary state schools fix plumbing issues, painting, resurfacing floors and replacing windows, as well as external landscaping works including pathways and lighting.

More than $2.4 million will go towards maintenance to shelter-in-place buildings at 11 schools, which provides emergency accommodation to staff and students in the case of a bushfire.

Marie, 11 Ethan, 12 and Aksha, 11 are excited that their school Flemington Primary will receive funding. Picture: Jason Edwards.

The funding will also ensure existing buildings at Victoria’s 1500 state schools are safe, modern and properly maintained.

Mr Merlino said the Planned Maintenance Program was about ensuring that every Victorian school was well maintained and safe to provide the best possible environment for students to learn in.”

“Our record investment in school infrastructure is delivering high quality classrooms for our hardworking principals, teachers and staff, as well as students and families,” he said.

Flemington Primary School will receive a funding boost of $95,000 to help fix its roof plumbing issues.

Other much-needed maintenance at the school will include external floor revarnishing, window repairs and landscape and wall repainting.

Principal Amanda Williams said she was thrilled the school had received a long-awaited maintenance boost.

“The school has flooded quite a number of times, it affects students learning and the morale of our staff, it also takes the staff away from the focus of their work,” Ms Williams said.

“This is something our school and all schools have waited on for a long time and it’s so fantastic that it’s finally happening.”

Students at more than 200 schools across Victoria are set to benefit from an essential maintenance boost. Picture: Jason Edwards

Ms Williams said the maintenance upgrades were also welcomed by the wider school community.

“Parents are focused on what the facilities are for their children, they have high expectations their children are going to have outstanding facilities and our students have a right to have this.”

Works are determined by an evaluation system which uses up-to-date information on the condition of schools to create a faster and more targeted allocation of the Planned Maintenance Program.

The cash boost is on top of more than $27 million of funding already provided to 357 schools last year.