Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School

BSR Solutions was engaged to undertake a business analysis to determine the appropriateness of the Needs-based Funding Model proposed for future asset management operations at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in Calala, NSW.
Issues surrounding the use of the model have resulted in the school administration, staff and P&C stakeholders becoming increasingly concerned that the High School may be disadvantaged by the proposed method of determining funding for farm asset maintenance and replacement.
Our assignment involved consulting with senior administrative staff at Farrer in relation to the proposed RAM policy and practice, and the impact on the school, consulting with the school principal and staff in relation to asset management issues and current cost structures, and consulting, if possible, with representatives of the Farrer P&C to ascertain their issues and concerns.
The review documented and analysed issues of cost and revenue drivers at the School, and the impact of the RAM funding model on farm assets, in particular. It also considered relevant existing asset planning and financial documentation from the Department and the School.
The review used the current ATO asset depreciation schedules to determine the life expectancy and related depreciation, modified where necessary, to consider the particular circumstances surrounding asset usage at the school. A report was prepared for the School to assist in facilitating potential changes to asset management and funding principles and practices to attempt to alleviate future asset funding issues at Farrer.