THE face of Tasmanian schools could change as a result of staffing cuts, the state's principals association says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The state government will axe 266 staff from the Education Department before the end of the financial year after failing to secure agreement for a pay freeze across the public sector.
Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff says primary and secondary schools will lose a maximum of two full-time staff, while up to four workers could go from each college.
Mr Rockliff said the state's smallest 16 schools and support schools would be exempted.
Tasmanian Principals Association president David Raw said the cuts could have a profound impact on schools, with staffing decisions to be made in the coming weeks.
"You're going to end up with parents wanting to speak to teachers and principals next year and getting an appointment for three days' time," he said.
"The capacity for schools to provide flexible programs for a whole range of kids will be diminished.
"The face of schools potentially will change."
Mr Rockliff said the government had increased overall education funding by 5 per cent, the majority of which was through the Gonski agreement.
Greens education spokesman Nick McKim accused Mr Rockliff of undermining the Gonski reforms.
"Mr Rockliff has basically walked away from the Gonski funding reforms today," Mr McKim said.
"He is giving money on one hand under the Gonski banner but is then clawing that funding back with the other hand with his unnecessary cuts."
Mr Rockliff said the Australian Education Union was to blame, after refusing to accept the government's offer of a 12-month, legislated pay freeze.
"They have chosen a pay rise over a pay freeze," he said.
"As a result, we simply do not have the money to fund existing staff allocations. That is regrettable and very disappointing."
Public sector unions, including the AEU, will hold two-hour stop-work meetings in Launceston, Hobart and Burnie on November 27.
Parents have been told that no supervision will be available at schools, colleges and TAFEs until 10.30am that day.