The Narrabri branch of the National Party hosted an informal gathering of local educators and parents to hear from Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell.
Ms Mitchell provided an update on matters across the education and early childhood space at a forum held at the Tourist Hotel last Wednesday night.
She spoke about reforms, including the School Success Model, as well as other happenings across the Department of Education, including a closer look at senior secondary years, the Brighter Beginnings initiative and infrastructure renewal.
When the discussion was opened to the floor, concerns were raised about staff shortages and the need for additional incentives to encourage teachers to relocate to rural areas.
Schools also issued a plea for permanency, with worries that staffing numbers would decrease if enrolments decline.
Ms Mitchell said staffing and incentives had been raised as an issue in the Narrabri community.
She reassured the gathering’s attendees that she was open at ways of attracting teachers to join rural schools as well as looking at methods to ensure staff are retained.
As part of the School Success Model, she is hoping the administrative burden and red tape would be eased for staff.
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