Position on auxiliary fees ‘almost hypocritical’

MANDATORY FEES include auxiliary fees and form part of the cost-sharing mechanism that is currently used to fund schools, but according to Helene Davis Whyte, who was a lead negotiator for JCTU in publicsector wage negotiations with the Government, for more than a decade, the Government’s position is “almost hypocritical” as its counters its own policy under the 2030 vision for education.

“Since we have this problem in terms of our economy, what this period calls for are administrators and professionals to think out of the box,” noted Davis Whyte. “It requires educators and professionals that are comfortable in the knowledge that their efforts are appreciated and who are properly rewarded.”

“Navigating this educational landscape will require educators and professionals accepting that they will have to forge partnerships with other stakeholders in order to realise the vision,” the JCTU boss added. “... And so I would say to our policymakers, rather than lambasting teachers, the policymakers should be part of putting together that framework that we can get the kind of partnerships that are necessary to be able to deliver on that vision.”

The JTA conference is being held under the theme ‘Navigating the Education Landscape: Transforming, Engaging, Collaborating, Facilitating and Leading’ at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay.