Students in the electorate of Light will benefit from a $10 million upgrade to the Gawler and District College B-12 announced this morning by Premier Jay Weatherill and Education Minister Susan Close.
Member for Light Tony Piccolo has welcomed the State Labor Government’s unprecedented investment in public school infrastructure upgrades at the Gawler and District College.
The $10 million announced today is in addition to the $3.5 million dollars announced in July 2016 to build STEM related facilities and equipment, and the announcement in December last year to expand the Special Education Program.
“These three important projects represent an investment of over $15 million in improving the educational facilities for children and young people in our community,” Mr Piccolo said.
Gawler and District College is one of 91 public priMary and secondary schools across the state to receive funding to upgrade or redevelop their school facilities under the Building Better Schools program.
Mr Piccolo said the State Labor Government believes our children deserve a high-quality public education that helps them to achieve their best and prepare for the jobs of the future.
“This State Labor Government understands the importance of continuing to grow and improve our public education system, because every child deserves a chance to reach their full potential,” Mr Piccolo said.
“In addition to providing better education outcomes for children, these school upgrades will also create local jobs for South Australians.
“The additional places for children with special needs mean that some more Gawler families will be able to send their children to a local school rather than sending them to schools located out of the area,” he said.
Gawler and District College Special Class Unit will receive a major upgrade to accommodate the new places.
Mr Piccolo said the investment in STEM will assist our young people in obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for the jobs of the future.
“With our state economy shifting focus to new technology based advanced manufacturing, we need to ensure our schools are equipped to deliver relevant curriculum.
“Three quarters of the fastest growing occupations are technology-related, so our children and young people will need new skill sets in the workplace, with a strong focus on STEM.
“The infrastructure program will not only provide exciting, new facilities for students in our local schools but also a boost to local economies through the significant building works generated,” he said.
The State Labor Government is also building new public schools - Adelaide Botanic High School in the city and new Birth to Year 12 schools for northern and southern Adelaide.