ACT Parents, the peak body representing more than 60,000 public school families, has launched a territory-wide survey of parents and carers as schools grapple with escalating costs, staffing shortages, and increasing student needs.

The organisation says the ACT public education system is under severe strain: schools are projected to overspend by almost $70 million this year — a sign the current funding model no longer keeps pace with expectations.

The ACT Government’s Public School System Resourcing Review is now underway, and ACT Parents says family voices must be central to shaping any reforms.

“We hear from parents and carers who are deeply supportive of their schools but can see they are stretched thin,” Executive Officer Veronica Elliott said.

“Teachers are doing everything they can, but the system around them isn’t keeping up. We need to ensure public schools are funded to deliver the things we all expect of them, and that means listening to families.”

The survey includes a short five-minute section and an optional detailed component for those who want to share more. Responses will inform ACT Parents’ submission to the expert review panel.

Ms Elliott said parents have an opportunity to highlight practical issues affecting student learning — from having a qualified teacher in every classroom to access to learning support, behaviour and wellbeing services, specialist staff, and fit-for-purpose facilities.

“Right now, many parents are seeing the impact of shortages and rising need in real time,” she said. “Their insights are critical to ensuring the review panel has a clear picture of what is happening on the ground and what must change.”

ACT Parents urges all families in the public system to participate.

“Whether you have two minutes or ten, your voice can help ensure ACT public schools receive the resources and support they need to do the work we all rely on them for,” Ms Elliott said.

The survey is now open at www.actparents.org.au.