The Catholic Education Commission of WA has a list of priorities for Catholic schools for the next term of State Government.
Director of Catholic Education, Dr Tim McDonald, said all education sectors face challenging conditions over the next four years and it is important that whichever party wins, government is aware of them.
“One of the most challenging issues is rapid population growth and the need to build new schools and expand existing schools.
Five new schools are proposed over the next four years, on top of capital development in existing schools and many more will be required longer term,” he said.
The cost of establishing a prim-ary school (around $20m) and secondary school (around $60m) makes access to funding a major issue.
Grants, low interest loans and other government assistance and partnerships with the non-government sector are important ways of meeting demand.
“Catholic education has always played an important role and will continue to be a key partner in the state’s future. By providing places for almost 20 per cent of children, the Catholic sector saves taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. This is a wise investment in our next generation,” he said.
Dr McDonald noted the State Government’s commitment to maintaining educational choice for all which presumes prosperous government and non-government sectors.
Besides doubling the current Low Interest Loan scheme, he called on parties to implement a system similar to the Building Our Future Schools Fund in Queensland which will inject $115 million on top of existing capital grants into the system; $48 million will be provided to the Catholic system.
“Such funding would assist Catholic schools to undertake the necessary expansion and meet the common goal of maintaining educational choice,” Dr McDonald said.