Principals not happy with auxiliary fees freeze

The Education Ministry may be forced to find more funding for schools following its directive that there should be no increase in auxiliary fees.



The Ministry announced today that it has asked school administrators not to increase auxiliary fees for the upcoming academic year.



The freeze on auxiliary contributions comes as the country battles the global financial crisis.



But the president of the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools, Nadine Malloy said schools will not be able to function if they do not get more Government support.



President of the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools, Nadine Malloy



The education ministry said auxiliary fees for the next school year should not be more than what now exists.



The ministry said where auxiliary contributions were for special projects that are now completed, the fees should be reduced.



After winning the 2007 general election, the JLP Government abolished school fees in public high schools.



It has since insisted that auxiliary fees are not mandatory and therefore no child is to be denied access to education.



But the Ministry is encouraging parents to contribute as much as they can afford to.



Axialiary fees cover expenses like insurance charges and identification cards.