Calls for more support for regional schools, teachers as reports of outdated infrastructure, resignations grow

Local MP Kirrilee Warr is calling for more support for Geraldton’s local schools and teachers as reports of outdated infrastructure and mass resignations circle.

Many public schools across regional WA are calling for help as buildings are becoming apparently outdated and failed to “maintain the modern demands of education”.

According to Ms Warr, Holland Street School, Northampton District High School and Geraldton Senior High School were all in need of upgrades and TLC.

Amid the complaints, Ms Warr said the Geraldton electorate was no exception and local children deserved to thrive in an educational environment.

She said a big part of excelling in a school came from having access to quality infrastructure.

“A number of schools within the electorate are dealing with outdated infrastructure, transportable buildings which are being treated as permanent, and facilities which are in desperate need of repair,” she said.

Ms Warr noted a lot of educational buildings remained underfunded or not funded at all by the State Government, despite some projects included in the Budget.

A funding commitment by the Government for a hoist at Holland Street School in Geraldton was said to be “not enough” by Ms Warr, who highlighted funding shortfalls in Parliament.

Ms Warr said she was pleading with Education Minister Sabine Winton to understand the money allocated was welcome but not enough.

“People seek to send their kids there for very good reason, because they feel supported, they feel their families are supported and their child is supported through an educational journey,” she said.

“It has been allocated a portion of money but, as we know, as time goes on and there is inflation and with all of what considered in a build, $30,000 is simply not going to be enough to make a fit-for-purpose ceiling-mounted hoist that they require in the new undercover area.”

In addition to ageing infrastructure in schools, Ms Warr said there had been reports of growing teacher resignations.

“Teachers love what they do and they play an important role in society, but it’s clear that the demands are high and burnout is a significant factor in these resignations,” Ms Warr said.

“Greater emphasis needs to be put on supporting our teachers, including boosting education assistants and education support centres would have significant benefit, particularly in regional WA.”

The State Government’s 2026-27 Budget included $7.1 million for classroom and building upgrades at Geraldton Senior High School, as well as $21.4m for a new sports hall and refurbishments at Champion Bay Senior High School.

The Department of Education has been contacted for comment.