Schools missing out on extra teachers, say principals

The Secondary Principals Association says it is not sure what alternative system could be put in place to stop schools missing out on extra teachers.

The National Party says 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.

National's Education spokesman Bill English says principals have told him the staff banking system is so complicated they cannot understand it and cannot use it properly.

Labour introduced staff banking when they abolished bulk funding.

Graham Young of the Secondary Principals Association says the idea of bulk funding for teachers may not work and he doubts any government would return to that kind of funding given the current political climate.

However, he admits the current system is fairly complex to use. Mr Young says teachers often avoid using the fund because of the hassle, and seek funding for extra teachers from other sources.

- NEWSTALK ZB