Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli visited the school on Wednesday to make the funding announcement.

The upgrade comes as part of the NSW Government’s ‘Innovative Education, Successful Students’ package, which includes a $28 million program to upgrade 14 secondary schools in the Hunter and Central Coast regions.

The $1.5 million of capital funding will go towards upgrading the appearance of front of the school.

Nationals candidate for Cessnock Jessica Price-Purnell was present for the announcement, and said the investment will improve the school’s amenity and enhance the learning experience for the students.

“We know that a school’s appearance is important in how it is perceived by the community. This funding will go a long way to upgrading those schools that need it most,” she said.

“All children, no matter what school they attend, deserve a great education in a well-equipped school with up-to-date facilities.”

Kurri High principal David Hunter was pleased with the announcement, and said as the school has been open since 1956 it is fabulous to be getting an upgrade.

“This is an exciting project for us,” he said.

“The front of the school is important to the community.”

Mr. Piccoli said that although the appearance of the school is significant, it is the learning that takes precedence.

“More important than capital works is the stuff that goes on in classrooms,” he said.

He said across the state $148 million will be spent on improving facilities at almost 60 secondary schools, improving teaching practices and creating better engagement.

“Expert principals and head teachers will provide instructional leadership to develop the capabilities of their staff, leading to improved student results. Public secondary students will benefit from better trained teachers and more civilised learning.”

Mr. Piccoli also mentioned an $800,000 annual investment into Kurri High School including funds reallocated from the Gonski Reform for extra teaching resources.

“We’re trying to give you all the tools, all the resources you need,” he said.

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr welcomed the announcement, describing it as ‘wonderful’.

“I think it’s great; we’ve got to invest in our schools,” Mr. Barr said.

“I think in our area we’ve got to be positive in our education.”

He said an elected Labor government would introduce a different type of capital funding that would focus on upgrading demountables in schools to purpose-built classrooms.

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While in the area on Wednesday, Mr. Piccoli met with 15 local principals at Mount View High School to have a round table discussion about various issues.

He asked the principals to provide feedback about things the government are doing and give ideas about where reforms should go.