Auckland schools which lost money in decile funding cuts could find their budgets restored after a promise by Education Minister Chris Carter.
Some Auckland schools lost thousands of dollars under funding changes taking effect next year after Census data was used to determine budget allocations from the Government.
Mr Carter came under pressure on the issue yesterday from National education spokeswoman Katherine Rich.
In Parliament, she questioned the new Education Minister on whether he would be providing transitional funding to help all schools hit by the cut in decile funding.
She said that although some schools won extra funding as a result of decile changes, this was no consolation to those facing cuts with only three months to prepare.
"How does cutting funding to a cluster of South Auckland schools, some $500,000, help those schools deal with lifting students' achievement, funding, teacher shortages and other problems," she asked.
Mr Carter said if there was a case for transitional funding or extra funding, the Government would look at that.
"I've asked officials to report to me on how we can provide support on a case by case basis," he told Parliament.
All schools would get a 4 per cent increase in their operational grant next year.
- NZPA
