Local schools score in statewide funding Schools across the region have received a more than $700 000 funding boost to improve learning outcomes in the region. The funding is part of the Victorian Governments $747 million education boost, to be delivered across Victoria over four years. Cobram Secondary College was one of the biggest winners in the funding, receiving $248 816, while Cobram Primary School received $156 142 and Strathmerton Primary School received $38 506. Nathalia Secondary College received $138 357, Nathalia Primary School received $110 810, Katamatite Primary School received $5339 and Cobram and District Specialist School received $5000. Strathmerton Primary School acting principal Susan Olley said the funding would help boost education in the region. The announcement was very welcome, Ms Olley said. The school has not yet decided where the funds will be spent. It will be great for improving education outcomes for students learning at the school, she said. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the schools had gained equity funding that was targeted at disadvantaged institutions. Its recognising the extra help that country schools need, Ms Symes said. Youve got different dynamics in the country. This extra investment is exactly what schools in north-east Victoria need. It means that every child is given the best chance in life. Ms Symes said the government had decided funding based on an education state funding model that looked at key areas such as parents education levels, concentration of disadvantaged schools, parents occupations and Year 5 students NAPLAN results. She said schools were currently doing a great job but this money would help them maintain necessary programs and improve student outcomes. This is going to be a welcome injection of funding for those country schools that are doing it a bit tough, she said. The extra support being provided to teachers and principals will be accompanied by a new emphasis on collaboration and accountability, including a set of statewide targets that will help focus on students, according to the Victorian Government. The funding is designed to see more students reaching the highest levels of reading, maths and science and give students the skills they need for work and life: confidence, resilience, and the capacity for critical and creative thinking. The additional funding to schools is on top of funds already provided for enrolment growth, indexation and the everyday costs of running a school. State Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed said it was fantastic Goulburn Valley Schools received significant funding above their normal annual budgets. She said the funding had come based on a recognition of disadvantage in regional and rural areas. Im delighted that this recognition of need is there and that our schools will be equipped to have programs to increase our young students opportunities, particularly in maths and science, she said.