FACILITIES at Grant High School are set for a major transformation following the State Government’s unprecedented $692.2m investment in public school infrastructure upgrades announced today.
One of three education facilities in the Blue Lake city promised millions of dollars to upgrade or redevelop facilities under the Building Better Schools program, principal Fleur Roachock said it was very exciting for the school community.
She listed numerous options for the school’s new $7m allocation.
“Principals always have a list of things they want to spend money on – we would have no trouble spending that money,” she said.
“We are pretty excited about any sort of money that comes in and helps our students and want to make sure the outcomes are just as good here as they are for young people in the city, if not better.”
Depending on the requirements, Ms Roachock said the funding would go towards a new gym, classrooms and a sound proof recording studio for music students.
“We are just about at capacity and our enrollment numbers are increasing, so we are probably in need of some new classrooms,” she said.
“The tech studies area and home economic kitchens could also do with a bit of an upgrade.”
Mount Gambier High School and Reidy Park Primary School were announced as the two other recipients of funds, expected to receive $6m and $5m respectively.
Employment Minister Kyam Maher welcomed the State Government’s decision and said our children deserve a high-quality public education that helps them to achieve their best and prepare for the jobs of the future.
“In addition to providing better education outcomes for local children, these school upgrades will also create local jobs for South Australians,” he said.
Labor Upper House candidate Clare Scriven said the funding also demonstrated Labor’s commitment to public education.
“I am delighted to students in Mount Gambier will benefit from the State Labor Government’s record investment in school infrastructure,” she said.
The announcement builds on the State Government’s $250m STEM Works program, which is building 139 new science and mathematics labs in public schools across the state with Grant High School and Mount Gambier High School both recipients of the funds.
The State Liberals welcomed the school infrastructure upgrades announcement, while claiming the party would deliver the best schools in Australia by modernising and improving our education system if elected to power next year.
“Upgrading school infrastructure is very important and many school communities across SA will be rightly thrilled with building improvements,” Liberal education spokesperson John Gardner said.
“However, South Australian students are being let down by a State Labor Government which refuses to transition Year 7 into high school and increase student access to specialist teachers.
“If elected in March 2018, a Marshall Liberal Government will fulfil these school infrastructure upgrades as part of our plan to modernise and improve our education system.”
