Schools need to look at reduction of fees
I refer to a letter on Tuesday (April 28) regarding a parent’s ability or inability to pay their child’s school fees.
Are you aware that most of these schools (ex-Model C) have trust funds; trustees — ex-principals and the current principal? How was the trust fund established?
Most of the principals drive around in cars, probably paid for with your school fees.
Some even have petrol cards. Principals and staff earn a 14th cheque.
State-paid teachers are appointed as sports masters and remunerated by the school over and above their state salary. Some teachers in management are exempted from teaching, and SGB-appointed teachers fulfil their teaching duties.
Sports coaches are appointed — does every child in the school benefit from their coaching? Everybody pays the same fees. Similarly, with art and music.
Certain pupils are afforded full scholarships, yet when there are defaulters, they are unceremoniously handed over debt collection.
Must each school have a state-of-the-art astro turf, which is only used by a few hockey players?
There are huge clubhouses for exclusive use by the staff and SGB.
You can apply for full or partial exemption of fees in terms of the South African Schools Act.
Please note, I am not advocating the non-payment of school fees if you able to do so, as educators employed by SGBs to reduce class totals need to be remunerated.
I am making a call on SGBs to review their annual budgets as NO sport, art, founder’s day and other mass events will take place when schools reopen.
Furthermore, the section 38A payments to state-employed educators need to be reviewed as this expense increases a school’s expenditure and directly influences the monthly school fees.
This crisis calls on our schools to revisit what is important for a school as the financial crisis will not disappear overnight.
It will take families years to recover financially and schools must do whatever is necessary to ease the financial burden of parents.
Above are only a few points for you to ponder as to why there should be a reduction in fees and temporary exemption during this state of disaster.
Parents, engage your SGBs and ask pertinent questions.