Schools must justify fees hike

THE EDITOR: I agree that private secondary school operators who are given a meagre $1,200 per term for a student assigned to their school by the Government deserve an increase. However, after listening to them on television I get the impression they are only interested in the money.

As a taxpayer I want them to justify such a big jump to $5,700. I did not hear them speak about their academic performances and any plans to contribute to a better education for these students.

These are private schools and are not compelled to follow the rules of the Ministry of Education like the Government schools and the denominational board schools. Ministry officials such as school supervision, curriculum officers and student support staff have no say in the management of the schools and how the curriculum is taught.

The ministry must determine if these students are getting the best education at these private schools and if there is value for money. Nevertheless, in the interest of the students I hope they can arrive at a compromise so that students are not deprived of their education and the staff can be paid their salaries.

RAJENDRA NARINE, Princes Town