School parents angry over funding cuts

Angry parents have staged a protest outside the education department over budget cuts to public schools.

They claim money they raised for excursions, sports equipment and even iPads is being spent on bills and general school maintenance.

Chris Potter, from Woodcroft Primary School, told 7News: “We can’t keep taking money out of school budgets.”

“The kids are going to lose out in the end.”

Shadow education minister David Pisoni had a giant budget page replica on display, which he says proves that $40 million needs to be raised by schools.

“We will see more staff cuts in schools and fewer facilities for school students,” Mr Pisoni said.

Education minister Grace Portolesi has dismissed the claims and said schools are now getting millions of dollars in extra funding.

“I think it is scaremongering,” Ms Portolesi told 7News.

“In relation to breakdown maintenance, I’ve asked the department to go back to the principal associations and to work with them.”