The NSW Teachers Federation is ramping up its campaign to fully resource public schools in Wagga Wagga, 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 14 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 276 vacancies in schools in the Rural South and West region (which includes Wagga Wagga) affecting 93 per cent of its 298 schools.
Interview/picture opportunities
Doorstop - Kooringal High School
Who: NSW Teachers Federation President, Henry Rajendra, and local Federation representatives
When: 0820, Tuesday 5 March
Where: Kooringal High School, 36 Menzies Avenue, Kooringal
Members’ meeting
Who: NSW Teachers Federation President, Henry Rajendra, and local Federation representatives
When: 1520, Tuesday 5 March
Where: Lake Albert Public School, 120 Main St, Lake Albert NSW 2650
To arrange interview: Jack O’Brien 0407 936 948 or Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032