PY Education Committee

PYEC (Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee) is a body of traditionally oriented people which is responsible for strategic planning and determines policy and operational procedures across the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. Its membership includes an elected representative from each community, the Anangu Coordinator from each school (joint administrator working with the Principal) and an Anangu Executive Officer, known as the Director.

The schools work under joint management of the Department of Education Training and Employment and the PYEC. PYEC was granted policy control of schools in 1987 and this was followed by operational control in 1990. PYEC makes decisions about the directions of schooling. From these directions, strategic priorities are developed between PYEC and Leaders Group, which is comprised of principals, the superintendant, and other administrators. Schools are able to determine their local priorities from within these frameworks.

AES (Anangu Education Services) works in partnership with PYEC and communities to develop and implement educational programs which are Anangu friendly and at the same time meet the needs of mainstream bodies.

The most significant advancements since 1993 when AES and PYEC were formed include Anangu Coordinators taking on joint management of schools alongside DETE principals. Anangu continue to take on positions of responsibility in schooling ensuring close liaison with community members and structures, and assisting to provide schooling which is culturally appropriate.