The Nationals Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, says the education department’s decision to offer incentives of up to $80,000 to attract teachers to Greater Shepparton Secondary College highlights the critical issues the school is facing.
Ms O’Keeffe is adamant the school should have been more strongly supported since its inception in 2020 and says the Allan Labor Government is to blame for Shepparton’s “education crisis”.
“This school needs to be supported and listened to. The Allan Labor Government is responsible for this current situation. It decided to give our region one secondary state school and is realising the consequences of that decision. This is a wake-up call to the enormity of the situation,” Ms O’Keeffe says.
Ms O’Keeffe says the cash incentives is an “extreme” measure that may only have a short-term effect.
“Whilst this financial incentive may attract teachers to the region what, my concern is the long-term sustainability to keep them here,” Ms O’Keeffe says.
“I’m concerned that this will just be a cash grab for some who only come for the incentive instead of for the long-term commitment to the school.”
Ms O’Keeffe says she is passionate about solving the underlying issues the school faces and has key questions for the Allan Labor Government.
“I have called on the Education Minister in Parliament numerous times for the government to give this school more support and have made the minister very aware of the many concerning issues that this school is facing,” Ms O’Keeffe says.
“Now, the education department has had to resort to this extreme. The school should have been more supported from day one.”
Ms O’Keeffe wants urgent answers and asks if there should be a review of the school’s structure and system.
“How is the school going to be supported to address the other ongoing issues including losing teachers, losing staff and losing students? Will there be a review of the school system? How are they addressing other concerns that have been raised at the school,” Ms O’Keeffe says.
“I have concerns of the health and wellbeing of both the staff and students. I’ve heard first-hand from teachers that have left due to the school’s dysfunction, ongoing issues and the lack of support from the department of education.”
Ms O’Keeffe also raises concerns about the inequity of rewarding new teachers, as hardworking loyal teachers are overlooked for bonuses.
“What incentives are being provided to the current dedicated teachers who have been doing the heavy lifting during this teacher shortage crisis?” Ms O’Keeffe says.
“Also, what is stopping teachers from other local schools leaving their position for this cash incentive. This shuffle will not address the teacher shortage.”
Ms O’Keeffe says the housing crisis was as also an issue.
“I’d like to know how Labor is addressing the lack of housing to house these teachers when they move to the region. Does the government have a plan to build accommodation to facilitate relocating teachers?” Ms O’Keeffe says.
Ms O’Keeffe says she will continue to support the school and work with families affected.
“I’ve been contacted by many families with issues they have experienced at the school since the amalgamation. I’ve met with the executive principal, raised those concerns and have tried to stay connected and supportive to the school,” Ms O’Keeffe says.
“Greater Shepparton Secondary College is the only choice for many, and I want to see this school be a success for the sake of the families, students, staff and the community but there are serious issues across the board.
“I will continue to do my best to ensure that it gets the support it so badly needs.”