THE body representing state-controlled schools is meeting politicians to discuss a funding crisis in education.
Members of the Controlled Schools' Support Council (CSSC) senior management team first met DUP leader Arlene Foster and former education minster Peter Weir.
More than 450 schools are in deficit and a Westminster inquiry has found a growing cash crisis has resulted in "unmanageable pressures" on schools.
Unions have said members have had to dip into their own funds to buy classroom materials and even food, clothing and toiletries for children.
The CSSC is due to meet the other main parties in the coming days.
Chief Executive Barry Mulholland said schools faced serious challenges.
"There has been insufficient resource made available to the education system," he said.
"This is now resulting in extreme pressure on school budgets and essential support services."
During the meeting with the DUP, it was emphasised that a strategic approach was required to tackle underachievement of Protestant working class boys.
"This is a widely acknowledged cultural disparity which needs to be taken seriously and addressed," Mr Mulholland added.
"We were able to articulate the very real concerns of controlled school principals in terms of effective management of their schools in an increasingly complex and challenging financial environment.
"A properly funded education system is essential to enable all our children and young people to realise their potential Investment in our schools and our education system is an investment in the future of Northern Ireland."
