The National and ACT experiment with charter schools that ran from 2014 to 2018 cost up to $48,421 per student annually, more than six times the average funding spent on students in state schools, new OIA documents released to NZEI Te Riu Roa show.
When adjusted for inflation, that is more than $60,000 per student in today’s money. In comparison today, public schools are funded at around $9,000 per student.
The total cost to taxpayers of the failed charter school experiment was more than $125 million.
NZEI Te Riu Roa President Mark Potter says trying to revive the failed initiative of charter schools makes no sense.
"It is absurd that the Government is even thinking about reintroducing this failed and highly expensive policy at the same time as they are backtracking on vital school building projects that put a roof over the heads of our akonga.
"Charter schools are a proven waste of taxpayer money. Schools need funding directed to areas where systemic change is sorely needed, such as learning support and smaller class sizes, rather than wasting public money experimenting with charter schools. That money would be much better spent on initiatives that benefit all students, such as a teacher aide in every classroom, or timely learning support interventions."
The documents also show the huge bureaucratic burden charter schools put on the Ministry of Education, with nearly 30% of the cost (over $35m) being departmental, back-office spending.
ENDS
Recent media releases
-
Historic strikes to save our essential public services
Aotearoa New Zealand will witness historic events next Thursday when more than 100,000 essential workers take part in strikes around the country to call on the Coalition…
-
Hundreds of principals sign open letter urging Education Minister to pause curriculum rollout
More than 650 primary and area school principals have published an open letter to Education Minister Erica Stanford today, urging her to pause all current curriculum rollout…
-
NZEI Te Riu Roa area school teachers to join historic strike on October 23
Area school teachers, who are members of NZEI Te Riu Roa, have voted to go on strike on October 23, growing the number of public service workers walking off the job that day.