First school improvement grants announced

LOCAL schools which have not yet applied for federal funding from the National School Pride program have been urged to do so before May 8. Announcing the first round of grants yesterday, Federal Lyons MHA Dick Adams encouraged all remaining schools to contact the relevant authorities and submit their proposals for round two.

Of the 146 Tasmanian schools in Tasmania sharing in $20.5 million for minor infrastructure and refurbishment projects under round one, only three are in the Derwent Valley. They are:

Maydena Primary School: $50,000 for a store-room, school infrastructure and playground equipment
Ouse District High School: $50,000 to replace the gymnasium floor
Westerway Primary School: $75,000 for a covered outdoor learning and play area

“Under this program, every Australian school will receive up to $200,000, based on the size of the school, for maintenance and minor building works," Mr Adams said. “Successful projects for Lyons range from installing an outdoor sports facility to the refurbishment of early childhood classrooms.

Mr Adams said the $1.3 billion National School Pride program would deliver much needed funding for school maintenance and importantly, support local jobs by creating demand for tradespeople in communities across the state. Construction and maintenance work will start as soon as possible, with many of the National School Pride projects planned to begin this month.