Cashed up college set to spend

By Callan Date
EUMEMMERRING College has defended its standing as the richest state school in Victoria.
The cashed up school, with two campuses in Endeavour Hills and one each in Hallam and Fountain Gate, had more than $3.69 million in its coffers at the end of 2006.
The college, with about 2700 students, was ranked number one in Department of Education (DOE) figures that detailed every school’s financial accounts.
The next closest school in the state was more than $500,000 behind Eumemmerring.
Eumemmerring principal Sue Peddlesden said a large amount of the $3.69 million, sourced mainly from DOE grants, had been committed to major projects being undertaken across the four campuses.
“Eumemmerring College is one of the largest colleges in the state. The college operates a substantial budget that reflects this size and complexity,” Ms Peddlesden said.
She said the figure was unusually high due to a major building program currently constructing a theatre on the Hallam campus.
“The building program is jointly funded between the City of Casey, the Victorian Government and Eumemmerring College. The project is funded but is yet to be completed.
“Funds are held to cover the cost of the building program and are released as stages are completed,” she said.
She said Eumemmerring had reported all financial commitments to the DOE.
“The remaining uncommitted funds of approx $500,000 supports the (education) program across four campuses.”
Ms Peddlesden said sound financial management had resulted in the cash surplus and, in turn, an array of exciting opportunities being offered to Eumemmerring students.
“The college increased teacher staffing for 2007 and this will be supported in part by the cash asset,” she said.
“We have increased literacy and numeracy support and have further developed our team teaching program.
“This has resulted in a significant increase in the number of classes where two teachers plan and deliver the curriculum in the same classroom.”
Other recent projects include the installation of 16 interactive whiteboards at a total cost of about $120,000.
“The college clearly operates within the DOE guidelines for cash reserves.
“The college council, with a majority of parent members, receives a monthly detailed report on our financial position,” she said.