Bureaucracy keeps 200 teachers out of classrooms

The Government’s school staffing system is so complicated that schools and children missed out on 200 government-funded teachers last year, says National’s Education spokesman, Bill English.

“At a time when the Government is spending millions on more teachers, the bureaucracy is keeping them out of classrooms.”

Figures from the annual New Zealand Schools Report reveal a surplus of 200 full-time equivalent teachers in the staff banking system - that is, funding for 200 extra teachers was available but was not used.

“Children are missing out on teachers because of how complicated the system is.

“Schools are cutting back teacher aides, and parents are raising millions of dollars for extra teachers themselves – meanwhile, 200 existing teaching positions have gone unused.

“Principals tell me the staff banking system is so complicated they can't understand it and can't use it properly. Labour introduced staff banking when they abolished bulk funding.

“Schools need more flexibility so they can use all the teaching positions available. The Government should sweep away the complicated bureaucracy that is coming between children and 200 more teachers,” says Mr English.

Ends

© Scoop Media