Gonski to hurt Masada
MASADA College is the only Jewish school that will lose funding if the Gonski 2.0 proposals are passed by the Federal Senate.
MASADA College is the only Jewish school that will lose funding if the Gonski 2.0 proposals are passed by the Federal Senate.
According to government estimates, Sydney’s Jewish school on the north shore will see its annual Commonwealth funding drop from $3524 per student, this year, to $3215 in 2027.
While the change may seem insignificant, with the cost of education rising, a freeze in funding could pose a serious problem for the school.
“Masada College is concerned that not all schools are starting on a level playing field as Jewish day schools face unique security challenges and costs relating to security,” Masada treasurer Darryl Dorfan told The AJN.
“The College is concerned that the current funding model does not properly reflect the capacity of parents to contribute to school fees.
“Surprisingly, Masada College will be worse off than other comparable Sydney Jewish day schools, even though it is in greater need of assistance.”
While Masada’s funding is being cut, Kesser Torah College (KTC), Emanuel School and Mount Sinai College will see increases of more than 50 per cent and Moriah will receive an increase of more than 10 per cent.
As a result, in 2027 when Masada receives $3215 per student, KTC would receive $13,937 per student.
“Gonski 2.0 will result in Masada College being significantly worse off and by 2027 the College will receive around $540,000 less per year than it would have under the old funding arrangements, after allowing for ‘lost’ indexation on existing funding,” Dorfan said.
Australian Council of Jewish Schools (ACJS) executive director Leonard Hain said that despite the discrepancy when it comes to Masada, the organisation supports the proposed changes.
“We believe the amendments now proposed strengthen the model,” Hain said.
“We noted in our submission that the use of both average district data used to determine the capacity to pay and the data used to determine need-based loadings is generally correct and generally reflects the demographic profile of schools and their needs.”
Hain noted the problem with Masada however, and said that he understands that an impact fund is being established to address schools adversely affected by the proposed change.
“We have raised the matter of Masada College specifically, in giving evidence before the Senate enquiry. We have noted the circumstances and impact to Masada with the Minster’s office and with the department as best we can and we are continuing to address the issue with Masada.”
Bialik College in Melbourne is due to benefit the most of all Jewish schools in Australia. It will see its Commonwealth funding increased by 120.27 per cent over the next decade.
JOSHUA LEVI
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