Alice Springs College needs more than $500,000 for upgrades
Two high schools merging in 2027 need much more than $500,000 for upgrades, educators say.
From 2027, Centralian Middle School and Centralian Senior College will merge into Alice Springs College, operating from the middle school site in Gillen. The NT government committed $500,000 for infrastructure upgrades.
Educators and parents say the amount is too small. Classrooms, the hall and library are too small for more students.
Science labs, computer rooms and the home economics kitchen need updating. Air-conditioning is not working well, lifts are broken or breaking, and walls need repainting.
The Australian Education Union says this merger is a critical chance. Only about 700 students currently attend public high schools in Alice Springs.
The new school could help keep students in public education. The Department of Education says more funding will be provided but has not said how much or when.
- $500,000
- Committed funding
- About 700 students
- Current public high school enrolment
- Lowest 3 per cent nationally
- Alice Springs grade ranking
- $14 million
- Adjacent sports facility funding
Why it mattersSchool infrastructure affects learning outcomes and student retention, and Alice Springs sits in the lowest 3 per cent nationally for student grades.
AustraliaThe merger and funding shortfall affect about 1,700 students in Alice Springs public schools and influence whether students stay in or leave public education.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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