THE Allan Labor Government have just announced they’re delivering their promise for 100 new schools by 2026; however, San Remo Primary School are left waiting; questioning ‘what about maintaining the schools that already exist.’
The Premier’s office declared more growing communities across the state will soon have the world-class education facilities that every Victorian child deserves, but San Remo Primary School were promised $5.3m for critical infrastructure improvements that aren’t in the state budget.
The school were disappointed about today’s (June 4) announcement simply because promises to their growing school have now been delayed with the Department of Education responding with “Plans to upgrade San Remo Primary School are progressing, with the design team to complete the tender documentation stage later this year.”
San Remo Primary School have received no infrastructure upgrades only having portables for their students, with no permanent buildings that are adequate for a classroom.
The promise of funding for upgrades should be honoured and fulfilled before investing in new projects. It is crucial for the state government to prioritize the maintenance and improvement of existing school infrastructure to ensure all students have access to safe and suitable learning environments.
The Department of Education responded to the Sentinel-Times stating, planning funding allocated to San Remo Primary School ensures that building work can begin as soon as possible once future construction funding is allocated.
The Department have declared ‘we fund school infrastructure projects in stages, with funding often allocated across multiple budget cycles. “It is not uncommon for election commitments to be met in the later years of an electoral term - but we will deliver on every promised school upgrade to give Victorian kids the best education.”
The San Remo School Council have raised a parliamentary petition requesting that the Legislative Assembly call on the Government to reinstate the remaining promised funding for the primary school to commence construction works at the end of 2024 as planned.
The San Remo Primary School is disappointed that the funding was not included in the state budget. There are also issues with electricity and fibre optics that can impact the safety and functionality of the school environment. It is crucial for schools to have proper infrastructure in place to support teaching and learning activities.
San Remo Primary School is the most disadvantaged infrastructure wise in Bass Coast and it’s a growing community school, one that has high academic results as a result of fantastic teaching with facilities that could be better.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale has endorsed the San Remo Primary School petition.
The San Remo Primary School Council is advocating for the promised funding and encourages the community to help them by visiting, Funding for San Remo Primary School (parliament.vic.gov.au)