A total of 34 schools in WA were granted independent public school status on Wednesday morning, and the changes will come into full effect by the beginning of school in 2010.

The new system will allow principals to make their own staffing and disciplinary decisions, and will give parents and the school community more of a say in how the school is run.

EPS principal Lisa Helenius said she was very excited by the decision.

“What it means is that EPS can really take stock of the needs of our community and our students.

“It provides us with a far greater opportunity to make local decisions.”

Ms Helenius said the change would not be immediately noticeable, but had long-term advantages.

“People won’t see a significant change as such, but there are many advantages, such as being able to select our own staff.

“It’s very exciting.”

Ms Helenius said there was previously a great deal of bureaucracy involved with selecting staff, and said the greater control would build a better school.

“Passionate staff help to create a great school,” she said.

Ms Helenius was also quick to block out the notion that by gaining independent status, EPS would become an “elitist” school.

“There is some uncertainty in the media about what becoming an independent school really means, but we undertook a great deal of consultation, and looked at the concerns of the community.

“It’s important for people to understand this is not about creating an elite school, and it is not about denying access for students. Any students within our boundaries will still be accepted into EPS.”

Ms Helenius said there were still elements to the independent public school status that the school was awaiting finer detail on.

Member for Eyre, Dr Graham Jacobs, praised the move.

“This marks an historic leap forward in WA public education and ushers in an exciting opportunity for schools and their communities to shape their future.”