Public School Principals Nationally Now Applying For Grants

Public school principals already have enough paperwork, but lack of funding for basic school maintenance and other infrastructure needs has meant principals are now applying for grants outside of the education system.

In an article in The Conversation today, it quotes a study of 18 principals nationally, all of whom expressed frustration with the extra load of time-consuming funding applications and the impact it, diminishing time available for important education roles.

"I didn’t come into this role being a grant applier. For me, it’s about the kids, the education, the passion of being here, it’s about being present. Not sitting in an office […] I’ve already got enough paperwork to then have to compete for grants."

Public Schools have recurrent funding determined by their number of students and 6 needs based loadings the "resource standard". A 2023 analysis indicated 98% of private schools are funded above the schooling resource standard and more than 98% of public schools are funded below it.

Not only do public schools nationally not usually receive enough funding for educational requirements, but applying for capital project funding which includes building maintenance is a separate process. And it seems, there is just not enough education department money, state or federally, to do it properly. Hence, principals are going outside the education system to apply for funding for basic projects and services, such as functioning toilets, roofing, windows and retaining walls.

See the article here