The dream of a free education

We should all know by now that the term ‘‘free education’’ in New Zealand is something of a misnomer.

Young people aged between five and 19 certainly have the right to attend a public school and be taught a curriculum by a teacher for free.

But the sundry items needed to facilitate and expand on one’s education leads many schools to insist on the payment of ‘‘voluntary’’ donations.

Principals, politicians and education officials are quick to remind us about voluntary fees being just that.

There is no legal obligation to pay them but the children whose parents will not or cannot do this may find themselves in the unenviable position of being denied valuable educational resources.

One school taking a stance against donations is Palmerston North’s Monrad Intermediate, which, for the first time in its 53-year history, will not ask parents for fees this year.

The decision was made after the low decile school had just 23 per cent of families pay fees in 2016.

Monrad principal John Forsyth also won’t charge for sports fees to ensure talented children from lower socio-economic backgrounds were not disadvantaged.

It is an admirable pursuit, and one schools are adopting in increasing numbers as they recognise the hardship some families are facing.

Many of the schools still welcoming donations are at least attempting to plug the gaps by fundraising and applying for grants.

Opponents will argue it is easier to reject this revenue stream at a low decile school, as they receive more Government funding.

It is a fair point. For higher decile schools these fees might be crucial in ensuring the additional bells and whistles needed to provide a more fulsome education are an option - a fact especially pertinent for high schools where the standard of education expected is higher.

Demand for donations is likely to remain, especially with the Government spending on school operations going up by just 1 per cent.

But it is important for the standard of a child’s education at a state school to not be comparative to their parents ability to pay for it.

If parents can afford fees then that’s great for all involved, but we must be careful to not inadvertently punish the children of those who cannot.