What was once just the library at Cromer Public School
is now The Panasonic Learning Common, complete with
distinctive signage and product placement.
Students at Killara High meanwhile could soon be
studying in a Microsoft Technology Centre or Oracle
Science Lab, with the school seeking $18 million worth
of private investment to cover government funding
shortfalls.
The two schools are being used as templates for private
sponsorship across the state being considered by both
corporate Australia and the Department of Education.
Parents and school communities have welcomed the private
investment as a way of giving students the best
technology and learning resources otherwise not
available.
Opposition education spokesman Andrew Stoner said they
must tread carefully as there was a danger of going too
far.
"The Iemma Government has to meet its obligations to
fund public schools or we are going to see unacceptable
levels of corporate intrusion into our schools as seen
in America," Mr Stoner said.
The facility at Cromer Public School brought together
Panasonic engineers and teachers over the past eight
months to develop an interactive white board.
This will become the company's flagship model to be
marketed throughout schools across the world. In return,
the five-year deal has given the school library $100,000
of Panasonic product.
Killara High School P&C is trying to raise $18 million
worth of private investment to fund upgrades including a
new science and technology building to replace 14
demountable classrooms.
The school is working with the Education Department to
see which ideas can be used and expanded to other
schools throughout the state.
"The department has set up an infrastructure working
party, including the school principal and members of the
school community to develop a four-year master plan for
the school and to explore the community's ideas," a
departmental spokesman said.