MEDOWIE’S two closest public High Schools each have an approximate $1.5 million maintenance backlog.

This was documented in the NSW Department of Education’s annual report for 2014-2015.

Both Hunter River and Irrawang High school have not been given the funds allocated to them for basic necessities.

The unallocated money was designed to go towards general repairs such as painting, improving toilets and general maintenance.

Shadow Minster for The Hunter and Early Education, Kate Washington told News of The Area, “Our kids can’t possibly thrive in an environment with dilapidated guttering, mouldy walls and leaking taps.”

“The Department of Education should be doing all that it can to ensure that students’ educational needs are met, including the provision of an environment, which is not in poor condition,” she said.

The maintenance backlog has raised further discussion of a public high school for Medowie.

Despite the fact the previous Liberal state member said there was a dire need for a local high school, there has been no talk of allocated funding.

“I’ve been fighting for a public high school in Medowie for many years now, and every year that passes, Medowie grows and the need only increases,” said Ms Washington.

There are approximately 1,000 students that travel from Medowie everyday to attend other local schools in Raymond Terrace, Maitland and Newcastle.

 

By Simone Johnson