The package is part of the first round of the National School Pride maintenance program, part of the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution.

Schools will undertake construction of small scale infrastructure and minor refurbish- ment projects while at the same time supporting the local economy.

Kempsey Adventist School will receive $125,000.

Principal Rohan Deanshaw said the funding was a major boost.

“We will be able to continue the school’s master plan and build an outdoor learning area with new seating and tables for classes and recreation,” Mr Deanshaw said.

The school will also erect new shade sails over the canteen and sports storage areas to provide all-weather access.

Kempsey Adventist School opened in 2003 with just 12 students and one teacher, and has grown to 270 students and 37 staff.

At Kempsey High School, major construction works are already underway for a new start-of-the-art science lab.

The project is not part of the National School Pride maintenance program but is improving learning opportunities for students and provides local jobs.

“We have contracted local firm O’Donnell and Hanlon for the job and once finished it will be an enormous benefit to students,” principal Mick Eller said.

Projects funded under round one are to start immediately in order to meet the completion deadline of December 20.

To help connect people in the construction industry to the jobs , the NSW Department of Education has set up a website.

Contractors, tradespeople and suppliers can register their details at www.det.nsw.edu.au

A variety of projects have been funded including refurbishment of playing fields, repairs of roofs, downpipes and gutters and replacement of blackboards with interactive whiteboards.

Those schools that did not apply in round one will have an opportunity to apply for funding in round two.

Round two projects must be completed by February 1, 2010.

q Local schools that received grants in round one include:

Eungai $75,000, Kinchela $50,000, Kempsey Adventist $125,000, Kempsey East $125,000, Kempsey South $125,000, Kempsey West $150,000, Kempsey High $200,000, Melville High $200,000, Millbank $50,000, South West Rocks $125,000, Macleay Vocational College $75,000.