After a decade in education as a teacher, school leader and former President of VATE (the Victorian Association for the Teaching of English), Goffin has seen first hand the pressure that public schools are under to deliver quality education within a strained budget, with limited investment in essential upgrades.
On Sunday 18 October, Melissa Goffin gathered with supporters and constituents at the Village Green in Mount Eliza to announce her Better Schools Plan:
“For too long, Mornington’s schools have been left behind. After over 40 years of being a Liberal held seat, most of the schools in our district are rated ‘poor’ or ‘worn’. Mornington Secondary is rated ‘poor’, with more than half of its buildings being relocatables. The Year 7 intake at Mount Eliza Secondary halved this year, with expanded intakes at nearby independent schools and almost 70% of those choosing to send their children elsewhere citing facilities as a key driver of their decision. We know that educational outcomes and student satisfaction is comparable across our public and private systems but those students shouldn’t have to compromise on facilities that support their learning. Our public school students simply deserve better.”
According to a report from the Auditor-General, almost half of the public schools who received upgrades over the last 10 years were already in good condition. Only 19% were in poor condition. How are schools in good condition receiving upgrades while our schools rated poorly here in Mornington continue to miss out? It’s not good enough. With the major parties handing out funding promises left, right and centre the past couple of weeks, our community deserves to know - how are these funding decisions being made, and why do some seats get more promises than others? It’s not equitable, and it’s not fair. Our kids are not pawns in a political game.
“My Better Schools Plan funds schools based on need - out in the open. I’m calling for every school’s condition to be published every year, to fund the worst first, and record why each school was chosen.” said Goffin. If elected, I’ll push for the funds our public schools desperately need. Starting with a master plan for both schools in year 1 of my term - that puts them in the queue for upgrades. Followed by $20 million dollars each for Mount Eliza and Mornington Secondary Colleges, in line with their need, to bring their facilities up to date and meet the needs of students and teachers.
But it’s not just about facilities. Our schools are facing increasing levels of violence against teaching staff and more of our young people need support. My Better Schools Plan includes a fully funded, qualified psychologist in every state school, plus early-intervention staff, speech therapists and OTs in our primary schools.
“When funding goes to the seats a party wants to win or keep, it doesn’t mean it’s going where it’s needed most. And being seen as ‘safe’ should not come at a cost. The Auditor-General's report shows how that works. As an independent I represent this community - not party room priorities." said Goffin.
Get involved
Do you have a story to share about your child's school's facilities or the supports available? Contact the campaign.
Want to show your support for Melissa's campaign to represent the Mornington electorate as an independent? Click here to request a corflute.
Interested in making a donation to Melissa's campaign? Click this link to donate.
Want to support the campaign in other ways? Click here to volunteer.