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Overseas Examinations Commission says it is working on SBA payments for teachers

Published:Monday | May 20, 2024 | 5:03 PM
File photo.

The Overseas Examinations Commission (OEC) says it is working to have payments for teachers who marked School-Based Assessments (SBA) dating back to 2022 promptly resolved.

The Jamaica Teachers' Association recently expressed frustration about outstanding SBA payments to teachers.

READ: SBA Pay Frustration

The commission, in a media release today, said it has been tasked by the Ministry of Education to handle disbursing the payments.

It says due to the necessity for meticulous verification of all payments, disbursements have been delayed.

“Consequently, payments have been extended into May and are expected to be completed by early June.”

The OEC said to date, 20% of schools have been paid, with an additional 40% to be paid by the end of this week, taking the total to 60%.

The commission said some schools have not submitted their data regarding the marking of SBAs or their claim for the marking of SBAs and others were advised of corrections to be made as per submissions.

Once schools flagged for corrections have made their amendments and other schools submit their outstanding SBA claims, a total of 40% of schools would be scheduled for payment by early June 2024, the agency said.

The OEC said it will be providing updates to aid with tracking the progress of the scheduled payments.

“To enhance our efficiency and service quality, the OEC will coordinate extended effort to ensure all payments are completed within the stipulated timeframe.

“We are dedicated to collaborating with schools and key stakeholders to uphold the highest standards and apologise for any inconvenience caused to the affected teachers.”

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