We know that many of our members are concerned about the recently announced funding cuts to public schools. We are also aware that some confusion exists with respect to P&C raised funds and frozen accounts.
The NSW Department of Education has responded to our questions with the following information.
When P&Cs hand over funds to their school, these funds are held in a 6300 account – School and Community funds. Other sources of revenue such as scholarships, sponsorships, voluntary contributions, bequests, trust money, excursions and extra-curricular activities are also held in this account.
We have been told that School and Community funds are unaffected by the recent budget adjustments. These funds are not frozen.
Projects funded by school communities (from 6300 funds) are being prioritised and the Department of Education’s Asset Management will contact schools to schedule these works. We have been told that If the project is urgent, please discuss the details with your school, or speak with your school’s Asset Services Officer to see how it can best be prioritised.
If you have concerns about a project funded by your P&C that you believe have not been addressed, please contact our Member Services team with the details, and we will raise this directly with the Department.
Unspent funds from previous years’ school budgets (referred to as accumulated ‘6101’ funds) have been frozen by the department. These funds are currently unavailable to principals.
Infrastructure projects funded from school budgets (6101) where the funds have been transferred before the end of 2023 will progress. New projects that have not been approved or funded will need to be reviewed.
Again, if this raises concerns you can’t address at a school level, please contact our Member Services team.
We are here to support all our members, and will continue to engage the Department on this and other issues of importance to you.
The Member Services team can be contacted at mail@pandc.org.au, or 1300 885 982
Yvonne Hilsz
President, Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales
