PNP calls for clear funding plan for schools, CAP audit
OPPOSITION SPOKESPERSON on Education Ronald Thwaites yesterday called for a clear funding plan for schools where parents are unable to pay auxiliary fees.
“The schools cannot do without the money – the contributions that come from parental engagement. Warning principals and, on occasions, considering them extortionate does no justice to their need or to the quality of education everyone desires for our children,” Thwaites said at a People’s National Party press conference yesterday.
“If the contributions by parents, which schools need, are to be abolished, then the Government must now – not in the future – provide the additional money so that schools can maintain the highest levels of performance [and] offer the highest
levels of education without calling upon external groups, such as parents, to provide, ”Thwaites continued.
‘NEEDS TO BE DONE NOW’
His comments came after Junior Education Minister Alando Terrelonge’s Sunday statement speaking of impending changes to the funding formula for public high schools in light of discord over auxiliary fees charged by schools.
Thwaites said that while he agreed with the move, the ministry should act now. He said funding to schools should be based on need.
“We would be glad to see that happen, but not in the future. It needs to be done now. You cannot give Haile Selassie and Eltham High and Merlene Ottey the same amount of money that Campion gets and expect that you’re going to have a similar outcome. Why not now? This country is flush with cash,”Thwaites said.