PM's "Empowering Local Schools" Welcomed by APPA

The Australian Primary Principals Association today welcomed Gillard Labor’s Empowering Local Schools announcement that will give principals and local school communities greater responsibility over school budgets, the selection and employment of teachers and staff and identifying future funding priorities.

Click here to download APPA's media release.

Click here to download the Prime Minister's media release.

“This is a very positive announcement that is consistent with the greater involvement principals have been looking for,” APPA President Ms Leonie Trimper said.

“It recognises that local schools need local solutions and that each has different priorities.

“In particular, many principals have been seeking a greater say in employment and budgetary decisions.

“APPA also welcomes the fact that the Labor Party’s policy will help parents have a greater say in their children’s education.

“Importantly, the policy recognises that different school communities, due to their size and location, will be able to draw on a wider range of skills and expertise than others. The Gillard Government must ensure those schools that are difficult to staff, for a range of reasons, are not further disadvantaged by any unintended consequences of this policy.

“APPA and the principals it represents look forward to working with a Gillard Government and local school communities to ensure appropriate resources, roles and responsibilities are put in place to help meet the expectations and increased workload of both principals and parents. The resourcing and leadership infrastructure in primary schools is very lean – there is no fat on the bone – so this policy must ensure that primary schools have ongoing adequate resources for its effective implementation.

“APPA welcomes the commitment of the $40,000 to $50,000 start up fund and training to help principals meet these increased responsibilities. It will also be important that appropriate training be made available to help parents play their role too.

“Ensuring that appropriate resources flow from the good intentions of this policy will be critical to its success in practice,” Ms Trimper said.