Finance

ANNUAL REPORT – FINANCE

In 2025, despite rising costs of living and tightening education funding policies, Murrumbeena Primary School maintained a strong financial position, thanks to strategic financial planning and a conservative approach to expenditure by the administrative team and School Council. The School Savings Bonus (SSB) provided meaningful support to families during these challenging times.

The school completed a successful financial audit in Term 4, and the Annual Update to the Plan audit was also finalised satisfactorily. As at 31 December 2025, the school held healthy net assets placing it in a strong position to enter 2026 and beyond. The Finance Sub-Committee acknowledges the exceptional contributions of Business Manager Helen Georgitsopoulos for her rigorous business management, and Principal Rochelle Plumb for her strategic leadership across fundraising, asset management, policy implementation, and financial decision-making.

Budget projections for 2026 remain focused on sustainable cost management. While fundraising expectations have been conservatively set, increased allocations have been made across programs to address rising operational costs and maintain high-quality educational offerings. It is important to acknowledge that Parent Voluntary Contributions play a critical role in enabling the school to deliver curriculum programs, facility upgrades, and grounds improvements, as detailed in the Facilities Annual Report. Without these contributions, programs such as the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden (SAKG) and enhancements to school buildings and grounds would not be possible. Parent Voluntary Contributions remain at the same level for 2026, and their ongoing support continues to be essential for sustaining the programs and facilities our students benefit from.

The 2025 School Council acknowledges and thanks parents Nimit Aggarwal and Jenks Guo who worked with Business Manager, the principal and Oliver Johnson to provide their expert oversight of the school’s financial governance. Meetings were held on schedule, with high-quality reporting, and the committee recommends a similar composition for 2026 given the workload and the importance of rigorous financial oversight.

Recommendations for 2026

1. Policies and Funds Management – Continue review of education funding policies and government subsidies.
2. School Savings Bonus Administration – With the discontinuation of the SSB and no replacement funding announced for 2026, it will be important to monitor its impact on the school budget and parent contributions.
3. COLA Shade Project – Maintain close oversight of contracts, timelines, and regulatory compliance. Regular reporting and tight contractor collaboration will be essential to deliver the project within budget.
4. Building and Infrastructure Maintenance – Continue to implement the school’s 5 year maintenance Plan to address aging facilities and equipment approaching end-of-life.
5. Student ICT Device Management – Plan for ~$40–45 k per year for device replacement from 2027 onward, considering DET policies affecting BYOD programs

Entering 2026, Murrumbeena Primary School is in an excellent financial position. Strong cash reserves and net assets provide the capacity to deliver the COLA project, invest in facilities, and continue providing high-quality programs for students. These strong results reflect careful leadership, the dedication of our Business Manager, and the generosity of the school community through fundraising and contributions. The Finance Sub-Committee proudly presents this report to the school community.