SCARBOROUGH MLA, Liza Harvey has welcomed the announcement that Deanmore and Newborough Primary School have been successful in their applications for Independent Public School status.

Mrs Harvey said the selection of Deanmore and Newborough were a testament to the professional applications and the high-level of parent support and involvement at the two schools.

“The Deanmore and Newborough school communities should be congratulated for their hardwork in achieving Independent Public School status,” Mrs Harvey said.

“Both schools have active parent groups whose increased participation in school management will be a positive move for local education.”

Premier Colin Barnett and Education Minister Liz Constable today announced the next wave of schools to become Independent Public Schools in 2012 and 2013. This year a record 109 schools have been successful in their applications.

“We now have one in four schools freed to set their own directions – all with the support of families and communities who are seeing the benefits for their children,” Mrs Harvey said.

“Over the last three years, 40 per cent of all schools have been backed by their communities to put in an application.

“Our policy to empower school communities is one of the most successful reforms in WA education over the past 30 years.”

In total 207 have now been selected to be part of the initiative.

“Importantly, through school boards, parents are empowered to have a greater say in how their children are educated,” Mrs Harvey said.

In 2012, 73 of the 109 schools announced today will be Independent Public Schools, with the rest being phased in for full Independent Public School status the following year.

“Independent Public School principals themselves are saying they would never return to the way things were previously,” Mrs Harvey said.

“Instead of being dictated to by the bureaucracy, they are able to work more closely with parents, communities and others with expertise to provide additional help for those students who need it, or further challenge talented students.

“By working more closely with their communities and others with expertise, principals can tailor programs and resources to benefit their unique student body.”

A key aspect which sets this policy apart from many others around the world is the fact that this is an opt-in initiative. In addition, all staff continue to be employed by the Department of Education under industrial agreements and schools must adhere to legislative requirements.