Parents, teachers and principals are joining together on World Teachers Day today to urge the Federal Government to give public schools a significant new funding injection at the November 17 Council of Australian Governments meeting.

Parents group the Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO), the Australian Education Union (AEU), the Australian Government Primary Principals Association (AGPPA) and the Australia Secondary Principals Association (ASPA) have united to emphasise the urgency of greater funding levels for public schools.

Mr Steve Carter, President ACSSO said: “Today we are urging every parent and teacher in Australia to send a message to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Education Minister Julia Gillard to ensure that all public schools have the resources to provide a high quality education to every child.

Parents, teachers and principals are joining together on World Teachers Day today to urge the Federal Government to give public schools a significant new funding injection at the November 17 Council of Australian Governments meeting.

Parents group the Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO), the Australian Education Union (AEU), the Australian Government Primary Principals Association (AGPPA) and the Australia Secondary Principals Association (ASPA) have united to emphasise the urgency of greater funding levels for public schools.

Mr Steve Carter, President ACSSO said: “Today we are urging every parent and teacher in Australia to send a message to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Education Minister Julia Gillard to ensure that all public schools have the resources to provide a high quality education to every child.

“The upcoming COAG meeting is absolutely critical. AEU Federal President Angelo Gavrielatos said: “The National Education Agreement due to be finalised over the next 2 weeks gives the Federal Government an opportunity to ensure public schools get the investment they deserve.

“The agreement provides an opportunity to increase general funding for public schools and announce further targeted funding to address disadvantage.

“Government research shows public schools need at least $2.9 billion per annum. Mr Andrew Blair, President ASPA said: “With greater investment public schools could reduce class sizes, increase individual attention for students who need it most and provide better and more modern facilities and equipment.

“There will be no Education Revolution unless the Rudd Government substantially lifts funding for public schools.

Mr Tony McGruther, President AGPPA said: “The most recent OECD figures show that Australia ranks second last out of all developed nations when it comes to direct public expenditure on our public institutions. The same report shows that experienced Australian teachers work longer hours and are paid less to teach larger than average class sizes.

“A recent national survey of principals found the majority of public schools in Australia are fundraising for basic classroom equipment. This is unacceptable.”

Parents and teachers are urged to make their voices heard by logging in and sending an email to the Prime Minister at www.forourfuture.org.au.