Education Minister: School Fees Are Not Mandatory

Education Minister Fayval Williams says schools should not force parents to pay school fees for services the Ministry has already provided. However, she states that stakeholders may, if they choose, make voluntary contributions to support their children’s education. The Ministry’s non-mandatory fee policy is set for Infant, Primary, and Secondary educational institutions.

Minister Williams noted in a press release on Tuesday, August 3, that requests for school fees cannot be compulsory and must not be a requirement for registration, school attendance, access to online learning programmes or criteria for graduation, examination slips, application to sixth form or access to any public service at a public educational institution.

She further adds, registration packages for students should be no more than $5000 for this academic year and should outline what the package entails to justify the need for the fees. Items that attract a cost such as IDs, insurance, PE uniforms, and regular uniforms should not be included in the registration package.

The Minister explained that the Ministry has already outlined to schools the schedule through which they will receive funds from the Government and where there is a need for additional funds, this should be requested from the Ministry by the school board with supporting documentation and not from parents.

Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesperson Dr. Angela Brown-Burke is in support of the Minister’s statement. Dr. Brown-Burke, however, adds that while most schools are on tight budgets there should be dialogue with school administrations regarding gaps and proper structuring of the COVID-19 protocols.

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