Current South Australia Public School Fees

Look for these to increase dramatically in some cases.

The only alternative is a reduction in services in the schools and I doubt that schools will go down that route.

What annoys me is why should people who are sending kids to public schools dip into their pockets to prop up the State Government Public School System. We already pay a large contribution through taxes.

Don't be Fooled

From Adelaide Now

Public schools are facing a further $73 million of budgeted education cuts over the next three years, despite the State Government scrapping its controversial workers' compensation levy.

The proposals, outlined in last year's State Budget and which "remain on the table", equate to each of the state's 600 preschools, primary and secondary schools potentially being more than $120,000 out of pocket until 2009-10.

As predicted in The Advertiser yesterday, the State Government removed the 1 per cent levy on schools to help pay for the Education Department's workers' compensation scheme, which would have reaped it $17 million over three years.

However, the education fraternity remained concerned about the impact of other department "savings" listed in the 2006-07 Budget.

Of most concern to schools are "efficiency dividends" paid to the department, which purport to raise $32.5 million over the next three years, $18 million for losing the benefit of earning interest on unspent funds, and a surplus teacher levy of $17 million.

The Government has also budgeted to save a further $6 million from energy and water-saving efficiencies.

The Australian Education Union has postponed today's planned one-hour teachers' strike. However, industrial action was "not off the table".

AEU state branch president Andrew Gohl said the union would meet with the Education Department in the coming weeks to discuss its remaining concerns and would report to its members on August 17 to determine if further strikes were required.

Premier Mike Rann, who admitted the Government "got it wrong" by introducing the workers' compensation levy, said services or programs in the Education Department would not be cut as a result of its removal.

Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith, in Budget estimates committees yesterday, could not answer what the Government's new savings target was after the decision to drop the levy, saying only that the Government would strive to reduce WorkCover claims.

She maintained reform of how WorkCover applied to schools had to occur, but it was yet to be proven if savings could be made in that area.

So good. One part of the plan to dismantle public schools reversed. The State Government is still looking for $73 million in efficiency dividends (cuts) over the next three years. That is a lot of paper and pencils.

Public School Funding Still Many Issues

Despite the back down on the ludicrous Work Cover levy, the State Government is still hell bent on pursuing deep cuts in public school funding. Treasurer Kevin Folly has an agenda of efficiency dividend. Quite where these are going to come from with schools having classroom budgets for kids of around $50 a year and money for computer upgrades hard to come by without Commonwealth support.

There is only so much fundraising and fee raising that Public Schools can do.

Despite the fact that Public Education preschools and schools have been subjected to more than two decades of cost cutting and so called ‘efficiency’ drives this State Labor Government seems intent on extracting $54 million from 2008 to 2010 from cash strapped preschools and schools.

The Fight Continues!

Thanks AEU SA

From the Australian Education Union

WorkCover victory! Stop work postponed
27 June 2007

AEU member campaign forces Government backdown

This result should be a lesson to remember for the South Australian Education Community; that when AEU members campaign strongly side by side with parents, Principals and their Associations on behalf of our students and their learning we can make Governments listen and act appropriately.

WorkCover

The AEU welcomes Premier Rann's backdown on all aspects of the attempt to cut $17 million from preschools and schools through scrapping the 1% WorkCover levy, payment by sites for the first $100 of any medical treatment for injured workers and payment for the first four weeks of TRTs ($7000).

The Government and DECS have also indicated that there will be no attempt to find the $17 million from elsewhere in the Education Budget.

DECS has committed to discussions with the AEU as to how to prevent workplace injuries and reduce Workers' Compensation costs.

Swimming Aquatics and Music Programmes Win Too!

The State Government has announced that the funding for these programmes will not be cut. The reviews of both programmes are currently with Minister Lomax-Smith. Congratulations to AEU members in these programmes who have run successful high pressure public campaigns.

Stop work postponed but campaign continues - new deadline of 17 August established.

The one hour stop work scheduled for the last hour of the school and preschool day tomorrow 28 June 2007 has been postponed.

Recognising the difficulties this late notice presents to schools and preschools the AEU has made every attempt to communicate this decision as quickly as possible.

The AEU has called upon DECS to engage in further and immediate negotiations to examine the outstanding areas identified for funding reduction in the 2006-2007 State Budget.

AEU members should still ensure that local MPs are fully informed about the impact of other funding cuts on children and students in preschools and schools.

AEU Branch Council on 18 August will determine whether or not further industrial action is required in light of continuing discussions on these outstanding matters.

Letter from Dr Jane Lomax Smith

Dear Mr Campbell



Thank you for your email regarding education funding and your expression of support for our public schools and children’s services.



Clearly, you recognise the vital role our schools and preschools play in developing the skills and values of children.



Indeed, the Rann Government also acknowledges that the care and education of our children is at the heart of their future success, and the economic and social prosperity of South Australia. That is why, despite claims to the contrary, funding for public education has again been increased for the 2007-08 financial year. Indeed, the Budget increases total spending in education and children’s services by $127.2 million compared to the 2006-07 Budget. The Budget provides on average an extra $708 for every government school student compared to the previous Budget, which is a 6.7% increase. Since 2001-02 spending for each student has increased by $3,606.



This year, we are investing $54.9 million to deliver the latest instalment of the government’s 14% pay rise for teachers. However, we are also making major reforms and re-investing savings to focus more support on priorities that will make a difference to the opportunities and skills of young people.



Many of those priorities have been supported by governing councils, school principals, teachers, parents and local communities, as reflected by views contributed during public forums and reviews that were initiated by the Rann government. These public consultations over the past five years examined how government might better provide services, particularly in early childhood, senior secondary education, school infrastructure and training.



As a result, reforms and re-investment of taxpayers’ dollars include:



· Brand new schools as part of a $216 million Education Works investment in better school buildings and learning environments.

Investment of $28.8 million for 20 new ‘one stop’ children’s centres that bring services together for families and young children
An $84 million ‘School to work’ reform that includes a new senior secondary ‘SACE’ qualification and new trade schools to foster practical work skills
Increased investment in literacy and numeracy, and smaller class sizes in the early years


Working toward reform also requires change that I acknowledge may sometimes be unpopular. However, while a number of concerns have been raised, implementation of proposed savings measures is yet to be finalised. In particular, I draw your attention to the following issues:



Workers Compensation: We have seen a 25% reduction in the number of open claims from 2005/06 to 2006/07 thanks to the efforts of teachers, principals and other staff. The Department of Education and Children’s Services believes further improvement is possible by giving schools greater local management responsibility for workers compensation. The aim is to achieve savings by reducing the number and duration of compensation claims, because we would rather that money be spent on children’s education.


While the finer details are being worked out with stakeholders, the impact on school budgets will be reduced through effective management of occupational health and safety at the local level.



Unattached Teachers: Improvements in existing practices and the new local selection policy have resulted in a reduction of permanent teachers waiting for placement in our schools. The department will continue to identify and introduce new ways to manage teachers who are permanently employed, but who do not hold an ongoing position in a school, in order to allocate them to a position of genuine need as soon as possible. Progress is being made and savings already achieved are being reinvested into education.



School Accounts: Details of this proposal are being finalised with stakeholders. However, interest will be paid to schools on balances related to Out of School Hours Care, Vacation Care, canteens, Building Funds, Library Funds, Special Accounts (including Farm Accounts) and proceeds of fund raising activities.



Aquatics and instrumental music: No reduction in budget funds has been made despite misleading public comments by some, and reviews of these programs are still being carried out. We will continue to consult, listen and work with local communities on how we might best achieve and re-invest savings.



If you have any further enquiries about these or other savings for reinvestment announced in last year’s budget, or specific questions regarding your school, please contact your local Department for Education and Children’s Services District Office for information.



Thank you for your interest in our public education system. I have also enclosed a copy of our recent education budget overview, which highlights initiatives to further improve opportunities for children.



Yours sincerely







Jane Lomax-Smith (Name title case and not bold)

MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES

MINISTER FOR TOURISM

MINISTER FOR THE CITY OF ADELAIDE

So what does this Polly Speak really mean?

Just Call the Radio

Another good way to make our argument is to call the radio stations. It is very easy. Our issue is very basic and resonates with the community. Just tell your story and the impact that these policies may have on your school.

I have called and been on the air 4 or 5 times now. You reach a lot of people that way.

SA Teachers to Strike

The AEU are balloting their members on a strike. Our school voted 14-0 to go on strike for an hour next Thursday.

"We're today sending a ballot out to all schools and preschools asking them to vote on stop work action for Thursday June 28. We've asked for the results to be returned by close of business on Monday."

"We are proposing a one hour stop work meeting from 2.30 until 3.30 pm. Our aim is to minimise inconvenience to parents while sending a strong message to the government that we're prepared to defend schools and defend our children's right to quality learning."

Bullying OK at Department of Education

So bullying is OK in Public Schools? As long as it is teachers and principals being bullied by Department of Education Supervisors.

From Adelaide Now

School principals who have spoken out against education budget cuts are being "chastised" by their superiors, effectively gagging them from making public statements.

The Advertiser yesterday telephoned 10 principals across the state about the budget cuts. Only two were willing to comment.

Seven principals did not wish to comment while one in the Mid North referred The Advertiser to the Education Department's regional district office.

SA Primary Principals Association president Glyn O'Brien said the State Government had pushed "very strongly" for principals not to comment in public on the issue.

"The people who have made comments have been somewhat chastised and been reminded in no uncertain terms that they are public servants," she said.

Ms O'Brien said there was an element of "fear" among principals about speaking out.

It was revealed this week nurses had been gagged from speaking to the media about their dispute with the State Government over pay and conditions.

Black Forest Primary School principal Phil Greaves said he had not officially been told to avoid speaking to the media about the Budget cuts but was aware some principals would be reluctant.

"I think you'll find a lot of principals would be outspoken about this topic because of the enormity of the issue," he said.

"In our budget, we'll have to make provisions for about $50,000 less, which translates to about $80 per child meaning we'll have to make cuts in key areas."

Dover Gardens Primary School principal John Grant said the "savings initiatives" listed by the Government in the 2006-07 State Budget were "going to have a significant effect".

"We're a small school with close to 80 students and if they take 1 per cent of our salaries for the WorkCover levy along with the other changes, it's going to have a big impact," he said.

Treasurer Kevin Foley defended the changes as the result of devolution policy instigated by the former Liberal government.

A spokeswoman for Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith said "no directive about speaking to the media has been given by the Minister or her office to any principal or staff member."

Personally I think what Foley is saying is bollocks. Although there was some devolution of power in theory, in reality, the Department of Education is involved in every last decision at the school. Fine to devolve power, but you also need to give schools adequate resources to run schools effectively. This is just a ruse for a cut.

As for Mrs Lomax Smith, again bollocks and polly speak. The directives seem to be coming from operational people. Our principal has been very careful about what he has said and done. Obviously a culture of fear and bullying in place at DECS.

More Background

From Adelaide Now

Public schools will soon forcibly cut funding for major resources - ultimately disadvantaging students - in response to new taxes outlined in the 2006-07 State Budget.

Principals have warned the new taxes, which include a 1 per cent WorkCover levy on total staff salaries, mean they have the tough choice of either slashing funds for learning resources or increasing school fees.

The warning came as Premier Mike Rann denied Labor MPs were concerned about losing their seats because of the cuts.

One school has detailed to The Advertiser the direct impact of the cuts on their resources, which they estimate would total $50,000 from discretionary funds out of their annual budget.

The resource cuts - five lots of $10,000 in this school's case - would hit:

IT which would result in its network and hardware becoming outdated over time.

SPECIAL Education support program, disadvantaging those most in need.

STAFF training, reducing the knowledge and skills of its staff.

LIBRARY resourcing - which is most of its budget - resulting in out of date resources "very quickly" and $10,000 more, which "gives them nowhere else to cut from without impacting on staffing and class sizes".

The school's principal said: "We can either charge parents an extra $100 per child . . . or we can reduce resourcing."

SA Primary Principals Association president Glyn O'Brien said the cuts were "something Treasurer Kevin Foley doesn't understand".

"We want the opportunity to sit down and put in front of him the facts and figures but we've had no response at all to our pleas or letters asking for that," she said.

Mr Rann told Parliament yesterday that no Labor backbenchers, including former teacher Chloe Fox, had indicated to him they held concerns about their jobs.

His denial was met with howls of protest from the Liberals after speculation Ms Fox raised the issue in Caucus. Ms Fox yesterday refused to comment.

Next Thursday, teachers are expected to strike for one-hour to protest against the new taxes.

A spokeswoman for the Education Department said "all savings measures announced in last year's Budget will be redirected back into public education".

Louise Quinn, who has two children attending Reynella Primary School, is concerned about the impact of the new taxes.

"It will impact severely on an already limited school budget and there will be the financial impact on parents if the extra costs are passed on," she said.

What You Can Do to Oppose Public School Education Cuts

This is from the Australian Education Union Web Page. I used it to write a bunch of emails and talk to people from these offices. Be persistent and demand a response. Unless sufficient pressure is put on politicians, these cuts will just happen. This will translate directly into a significant reduction in classroom resources, including support staff and other high value programmes. Don't let this happen to your children. Some of this stuff is a bit technical, but I got a good response when I talked to people in the politicians office. The time is now in terms of making a difference. Let politicians know that you are not happy.

Background Information - Cost Cutting and efficiency Dividend Proposals

Workcover - $7m cut
# All sites are levied 1% of total salary starting costs, with a monthly deduction from the site's budget.
# Costs will be met by the site in which the injury occurs.
# Sites to pay the first $100 of any medical treatment.
# Sites to pay the first 4 weeks of lost time from any new Workcover claim; e.g. TRT cover
# $200 late notification fee if exceeding the 2 day period for notification
# A 60% rebate will be provided to sites that make no claims
# A levy/rebate panel will be established to view cases of hardship
# Governing Councils will be wholly responsible for their employees and will be required to register separately and be responsible for compliance

Staffing

DECS acknowledges that there can be no change to staffing arrangements unless by agreement with the AEU because these are secured by industrial agreements.

Their wishlist includes, 45km rule increased to 70km, unlimited tenure for all teaching staff, unlimited right of return.

It should be noted that however some items may not be covered by industrial agreements:
# DECS strategy focuses upon TPT and top ups
# Costs of all surplus teachers transferred to sites
# Introduction of a cost to sites for surplus ancillary staff
# 30 TRT days will be cut each term per 1.0 surplus teaching staff

SASIF accounts
# Applies to all funds in SASIF accounts
# Exempted funds include building, library, OSHC and vacation care, canteen, farm accounts, trusts and scholarships, P&F accounts
# Exempted funds will subject to stricter annual auditing
# DECS examining 5 options.

1) School type
# Specific Limit according to school type
# Preschools $50 000
# Primary $80 000
# Secondary/Area $100 000

2) Enrolment Numbers
# $50 000 up to 100 students
# $80 000 between 101 and 300 students
# $100 000 between 301 and 500 students
# $ 120 000 for 501 and above.

3) Combined enrolment and school type
# Preschools $40 000 - $60 000
# Primary $ 60 000 - $90 000
# Secondary/ Area $90 000 - $120 000

4) Based on 5% RES (2006)

A range between $20 000 and $ 490 000 depending on school size

5) 5% of RES with upper and lower limits
# $40 000 lower to $120 000 upper.

Option 5 favoured by DECS

Energy efficiencies
# 50 sites have met targets
# 550 yet to reach target
# Sustainable Development Grants to be targeted to the 50 biggest energy consumers
# Reduction tied to State Development plan to reduce 2001 consumption rates by 25% - equivalent of $1.8m reduction
# Site redevelopment will include latest energy efficient technology

Water Saving
# Saving of 10% of usage - or $0.7m
# 315 sites have reached target
# ESD funds targeted to top 50 users

Small Programmes/grants

Email links, suggestions and background information to help you get the message through to the state government.

Send an email today telling South Australia's leaders that our schools can't afford their cuts.

The Premier Mike Rann

The Treasurer Kevin Foley

The Minister for Education Jane Lomax Smith


Suggested message

Dear ........

I am appalled that DECS and your Government are making children pay for your government's so called efficiency dividends. Why should public education and student learning again suffer at the hands of politicians and bureaucrats?

Indeed, why shouldn't our kids share in the prosperity of a booming economy after the years of denial brought about by the financial stringencies that followed the ALP's state bank disaster?

Make Public Education exempt from your budget cuts and 'efficiency dividends'.

Shame on this State Labor Government.