Part of the Rudd Government’s $178 million National School Pride program, Tea Gardens Public is one of nine schools in the Port Stephens electorate to receive funds.

Principal Sue Estens said the grant is primarily for upgrades and maintenance on the school.

“It’s being used for a number of different things from new carpet in some of the classrooms to painting internally and externally, renovating the art area and refurbishing the administration block.”

Country Labor MLC for Port Stephens, Greg Donnelly, said aside from the benefit to local schools the project will create an estimated 1000 jobs across NSW.

“This will stimulate the local economy, creating jobs when the improvement works begin. Soon, projects to build new halls, classroom, libraries and science labs will also be announced,” he said.

“In total, $3.2 billion will be spent in NSW public schools through Building the Education Revolution.”

Other schools to receive the funding were Salt Ash Public School, Soldiers Point Public School and Tomaree High School.