Minister welcomes publication of Independent School Funding Review
Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has welcomed today's publication of an independent review of school funding.
~ Monday, 21 January 2013
In June 2012 the Minister had appointed leading educationalist, Sir Robert Salisbury, to head an independent review of the Common Funding Scheme which governs the funding of schools. Sir Robert was assisted by Dr Eemer Eivers and Mr Evan Bates.
The review report outlines the conclusions the panel have reached and sets out 30 recommendations for change. The report spans a number of key areas, including financial management of schools, central funding for services and policy initiatives and finally proposals for a revised funding formula for schools.
Welcoming the report, Mr O’Dowd said: “Since my appointment as Education Minister I have moved to ensure as much money as possible is directed to schools. Given the budget settlement the Executive was presented with, it is more important than ever to ensure we derive maximum benefit from the resources at our disposal.
“That is why I asked Sir Robert Salisbury to lead a review into the operation of the Common Funding Formula. I was not satisfied that the current scheme adequately supported my key policy objectives, in particular raising standards and targeting social need.
“I welcome today’s publication of the review and would like to thank Sir Robert and his team for their hard work. I will wish to consider the findings of the report in detail over the coming weeks before making decisions on the way ahead.”
The report can be accessed on the following page:
