Urgent Appeal: Nationwide Schools Grapple with Looming Financial Crisis
Communities Fighting to Keep Local Schools Afloat to Offset Government Shortfall
A survey carried out by The National Principals’ Forum has uncovered grave concerns among the majority of primary school principals across the country. It has been revealed that schools are in danger of not being able to run through the winter due to crippling increases and insufficient funding from government.
The survey of more than 500 principals found that 73% expect not to have enough funds for essential school operations even with possible renewal of the government’s one-off cost of living grant, with only 35% of principals deeming it adequate. 95% indicate that last year’s slashed ICT grant impairs their capability to strategise and execute digital learning initiatives for the current academic year.
These concerns of principals across the country are not new. Historically, the underfunding of the capitation grant has been a concern, with schools obtaining less than €1 per pupil daily for all expenditures encompassing electricity, heating, and other utilities. Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis, the Department of Education’s response in terms of funding adjustments has been inadequate. Reports from principals nationwide signal alarmingly low school account balances, with many anxious about heating their schools during colder months.
In a concerning revelation, Anne Marie Griffin in Sessiaghneill NS in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, which enrolled fifty-one children living in Direct Provision in November 2022 has yet to receive any funding from the Department of Education. This has led them to seek a €20,000 loan from their parish to remain operational.
Special Schools face even greater challenges. Past financial strains from surging insurance costs are still being felt, with all surveyed special school principals apprehensive about maintaining standard operations, let alone managing specialized training costs. “Training expenses must be government-funded,” insists Karen Byrne, Principal of St. Michael’s House Special National School in Skerries.
Another pressing issue is the unpredictability surrounding grant delivery. Brian Kearns, principal of Castletown NS, Co. Meath, mentions, “Grants are often delayed, and at times, even the Department of Education is unclear about their disbursement.” The delayed ICT grant, originally scheduled for April 2023, failed to materialise, leaving numerous schools in contractual limbo. Furthermore, the discontinuation of the cleaning grant has begun affecting school hygiene standards.
Principals unanimously call for not just increased funding, but also greater transparency and consistency. “Budgeting for the school year becomes an impossible task when we’re kept in the dark about the grants,” shares a Cork-based principal.
In light of these challenges, the National Principals’ Forum’s 2024 Budget Lobby Campaign advocates for fair and equitable funding to ensure schools can aptly cover their foundational, insurance, ICT, and administrative expenses.