The NSW Teachers Federation is ramping up its campaign to fully resource public schools in the New England-North West region, encouraging the Prime Minister to provide the funding needed to give all kids a decent shot at life.
The National School Reform Agreement has left NSW public schools grappling with a funding shortfall of approximately 11 per cent, translating to a staggering $1.9 billion this year alone. This equates to over 10,000 permanent school-based teachers.
Regional and rural communities are bearing the majority of the teacher shortfall. According to figures released this month, there were 144 vacancies in schools in the Rural North region (which includes the New England-North West) affecting 54 per cent of its 267 schools.
Interview/picture opportunities
Doorstop - Tamworth Public School
Who: NSW Teachers Federation President, Henry Rajendra, and local Federation representatives
When: 0800, Tuesday 12 March
Where: Napier Street, East Tamworth
Members’ meeting
Who: NSW Teachers Federation President, Henry Rajendra, and local Federation representatives
When: 1120, Tuesday 12 March
Where: Tamworth South Public School, Petra Avenue, Tamworth
To arrange interview: Katie Sullivan 0438 612 550 or Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032