May 3, 2016

$4m boost for sunbury & macedon ranges specialist school

Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School is one of twenty specialist schools across Victoria that will have their classrooms upgraded and there will be more support for its students, as the Andrews Labor Government continues to make Victoria the Education State.

Premier, Daniel Andrews and Education Minister, James Merlino, the visited the school with the Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, to announce $4M funding as part of $155.8 million boost in the 2016/17 Victorian Budget to ensure students with special needs get the opportunities they deserve.

The funding includes:

-An unprecedented investment of $68.5 million to upgrade 20 specialist schools, including seven in regional Victoria, and double the Inclusive Schools Fund, which helps schools meet the learning requirements of all students, including those with special needs.

-$49.7 million to support an extra 1,750 students who are expected to be eligible for the Program for Students with Disability in 2017.

-$22 million to help students with autism and dyslexia by increasing the number of speech pathologists, reading intervention programs, language screener tools, providing extra teacher training, as well as developing and delivering Victoria’s first dedicated strategy to help students with learning difficulties like dyslexia.

-$15.6 million to help students with disabilities travelling between home and school, which includes the replacement of up to 56 older buses.

The Andrews Labor Government is making Victoria the Education State for all students – no matter what their background or circumstances.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
"We’re getting on with providing the support that has been missing for far too long by building schools, supporting teachers and helping all kids achieve their best."

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"Having seen the amazing work that takes place at the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School, I’m thrilled for students, families and staff with this announcement".

"I’ve spoken to many parents of kids with special needs who face challenges getting help for their kids in mainstream education and today’s announcement will be very welcome news for these families".

"Previous governments have failed to support students with special needs and the Andrews Labor Government is determined to change this".

Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury Josh Bull
"We are making sure that every student with special needs has the chance to fulfil their potential".

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