A complete re-evaluation of the way public school infrastructure priorities and investment is decided has been detailed, providing a new framework for the equitable distribution of funding over the next few decades.

The release of the infrastructure plan supports the State Budget announcement of $250 million spent on school sites – including $155 million for a new high school to support growth in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, $63 million for a new primary school and preschool to support families in Mount Barker and a $38 million investment to address urgent upgrades for schools across the state.

The plan will inform the Department for Education’s future management of its sites and building stock. The department currently has about 5,700 buildings across 900 public schools, preschools and children’s centres across the state.

The new plan is intended to support high quality and fit-for-purpose infrastructure, targeted school improvement, specialisation and marketing to uplift all schools and preschools.

It is focused on ensuring local parents and families use the public schools closest to their residential location for the education of their children and recognises that great schools will look different across different communities.

South Australian Primary Principals Association President Tobias O’Connor said every local public school should be the best option for families in that community.

“A commitment to a 20-year plan to uplift our ageing school building to be modern and fit-for-purpose is welcome news to the SA Primary Principals Association and its 490 members”.

“Ageing infrastructure is a pressing issue for our members, particularly primary public school principals and leaders. The 20-year infrastructure plan, which aims to improve the teaching and learning conditions in our public schools, is a significant step in the right direction”.

In the case of Oakbank School, in the Adelaide Hills, this will see a $15.9 million rejuvenation to provide an enriched learning experience and opportunities for local children and young people. This will build on the school’s well-regarded agriculture focus which already offers learning programs for students from reception to year 12, supported by a working farm on its 22-acre site.

Oakbank School Principal Lee Knight said this injection of millions of dollars in spending is extremely exciting news for Oakbank School, for our 350 students and their families, and for our wider community.

“This will rejuvenate our school, which has been serving this local community since 1938, allowing us to better meet the needs of our students now and into the future”.

“While full extent of the work will need to be considered, I expect that this will deliver flexible, inspiring learning spaces that will support every child and young person at Oakbank School to develop knowledge, skills and capabilities to thrive at school and beyond”.

The new infrastructure plan has identified key indicators that will be taken into account when assessing what infrastructure work will be prioritised such as:

• Enrolment trends and capacity
• Index of socio-economic disadvantage
• Asset condition
• School culture
• Local community opportunities.

SA Secondary Principals' Association Chief Executive Jayne Heath said this framework outlines how the government will prioritise much needed investment in public education infrastructure ensuring equitable investment in our public schools.

“Ensuring local schools are a welcoming and inspiring place to learn is essential for our children’s and young people’s future”.

“The design and quality of learning environments is an important consideration when a family is choosing a school for their child”.

“This important investment in public education will go a long way to ensuring their local school is their school of choice”.

Read more about the 20-Year Infrastructure Plan for Public Education and Care.