HUNTER schools will be able to push ahead with capital projects including building refits, playground upgrades and shade structure installation, after they received funding in the first round of the state government's $240 million regional and metro renewal programs.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said 792 projects were approved in the first tranche of the programs and the second round of assessments was underway.
School communities identified the projects, which were co-funded by the school and government.
The programs are part of the government's economic stimulus response to the pandemic.
"The projects will support over 1300 jobs across regional and metro NSW, and wherever possible, schools will use local contractors and suppliers ensuring the positive impacts of this stimulus are felt as far and wide as possible," Ms Mitchell said.
"This is particularly important in regional areas, because after a devastating period of drought, bushfires and the pandemic, we need to ensure we are doing everything we can to build a safer and stronger regional NSW."
Her office said 60 Hunter projects had received funding through the regional program.
Of these, 18 received $100,000 or more.
Francis Greenway High at Beresfield received $1.75 million for its $2.5 million canteen and toilet upgrade.
West Wallsend High received $550,000 for an $800,000 refurbishing and repurposing of an existing block.
Scone High received $450,000 for a $750,000 upgrade of its administration block, which has had no major work since the school opened in 1964. The building was identified in 2005 as in need of an upgrade.
Stanford Merthyr Infants School received $320,000 for a $400,000 permanent administration building to replace its demountable.
