Budget 2008 sees schools get a significant boost in funding to help meet their day-to-day running costs and provide computer technology, Education Minister Chris Carter announced today.

Budget 2008 boosts schools� Operational Funding by 5 percent, or $171.6 million over the next four years.

Included in this increase is $65.3 million over four years to help schools meet the costs of Information Communication Technology (ICT).

�Our education system needs to prepare our young people for a rapidly-changing world, particularly in the area of information technology, and to provide a world class education for all students,� Chris Carter said.

�This money will help schools provide technology and a wide range of other resources, everything from library books to support staff.�

The additional ops grant funding is the biggest increase since 2001, and follows increases in both of the past two years. The government�s total investment in schools� operational funding is $4.7 billion over the next four years.

A funding review in 2006 found schools had cost pressures around ICT and support staff. Sector representatives had significant input into the review.

�All up over the past three years operational funding under the Labour-led government has risen every year and since 1999/2000, over 40 percent and when that�s adjusted for inflation, the figure is close to 20 percent,� Chris Carter said.

The Minister announced the new funding at Auckland�s Matipo School which will see its operational funding rise from $283,094 in 1999 to $423,178 January 1 next year. A large secondary school such as Rangitoto College on Auckland�s North Shore will see its operational funding increase from $1,983,570 in 1999 to $3,993,326 next year.