Karumba State School was established on the 16th of September, 1968, and currently it is a level 2 School with a transfer rating of 7B.
The school building at Walker and Yappar streets was completed on 28 February 1969. The official completion date, however, was delayed until work could be properly inspected by the Works department, and thus the new building was recorded as officially completed, and keys handed to Head Teacher, on 10 April 1969.
The, then Minister Alan Fletcher, took a keen personal interest in the development of Karumba and indicated that he wished to officially open the school in person. However, the official opening was delayed because of the failure of the prawning season in 1969 and the consequent exodus of much of the population of Karumba. There is no indication in the records as to whether the school ever had an official opening.
The school has continued to grow over the years with:
19 November 1970 – a new classroom was added at the cost of $10,408.
1971 a septic system was installed.
1972 fencing of the reserve was completed and a covered play area was built.
With projected increases in enrolments to 85 students in 1973 the Department of Education approved a new classroom, and teacher accommodation. This comprised one double teaching space (the equivalent of two classrooms) plus an extension of the existing single teacher’s quarters at a cost of $58,300.
During January 1974, significant damage was caused to school facilities by flooding, particularly carpets, library books, electrical goods and sporting equipment. As a consequence the school buildings were raised.
As of 1978, Karumba State School was included in the Department’s Early Childhood Education program, and 1981 another covered area was completed. In 1999 ‘C Block’, a new double classroom was built, complete with wheelchair access.
Throughout 2008, Karumba State School continued to improve its facilities thanks to an Investing in Our Schools Grant. This grant enabled an upgrade of the amenities block and resurfacing of our basketball/tennis courts. The school now has an impressive Resource Centre and many covered areas to play. In 2014 new carpet was laid in A and B block, giving it a fresh look for the students to enjoy.