By Kelly Yates
Henry Grossek from Berwick Lodge Primary school is
writing a book about his school’s journey through the
Building the Education Revolution. 49859
A SCHOOL principal in Berwick is writing a book about his school’s journey through the Federal Government’s schools stimulus program.
Henry Grossek is speaking out about his frustration at what he says was a “poor deal” Berwick Lodge Primary School was getting under the Building the Education Revolution (BER).
Mr Grossek says the book will be an “honest and accurate account” about what he believes was a “lost opportunity” for Government schools to have a genuine education revolution.
Mr Grossek spent 13 months putting pressure on the Federal Government after his school was given a $3 million grant to build a gym, even though they already had one.
“We were disappointed at being told we had to have something we didn’t want,” he said.
“We couldn’t see the logic in having a second gym.”
The Mansfield Street school was later offered a library and six classrooms but Mr Grossek said he felt the school wasn’t getting value for money.
Mr Grossek then got an independent report from a surveying company.
“The report suggested the project could be completed for $2 million,” he said.
“The school has had productive discussions with the department and negotiated a mutually satisfactory outcome,” he said.
Mr Grossek said the book wouldn’t be a “witch hunt” on the BER.
“It’s not a kick them in the guts book,” he said.
“It will be an honest account which will hopefully provide valuable advice on how the Government can do better in the future for Government schools. The point of the book is to move forward in terms of Government funding arrangements.”
A spokesman for the Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said through the BER, the Brumby Government was giving Casey schools a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild and renew their facilities.
“The rollout of the BER in Victoria ensures every project tender is subject to a rigorous, market-based competitive process – ensuring maximum value for money.”
Mr Grossek has always had a passion for writing and is expecting to finish the book by the end of the year.
“I’ve been writing for much of my life. Writing for me is like painting would be for an artist,” he said.
This won’t be the first book for Mr Grossek, who says he is halfway through one based on his school’s five year involvement with coaching programs between staff and students.
