Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, is confident that the Government can sustain the proposed tuition fee policy which takes effect at the start of the 2016/17 academic year, in September.

He gave this assurance while addressing school board chairpersons, principals and bursars at a special meeting to discuss the policy, at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston, on Friday, May 6.

Senator Reid advised the administrators that the Education Ministry’s 2016/17 capital budget has doubled to $1 billion, noting that funds have been earmarked to support building and maintenance projects carried out at schools.

Additionally, he said the Ministry will be “working closely” with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service “to ensure that we receive incremental increases from the education tax.”

Senator Reid said based on these developments, “we feel confident that we will be able to support and sustain this policy.”

Under the policy, the Ministry’s subventions to schools will increase from $11,500 to $19,000, consequent on the impending removal of auxiliary fees which are currently charged by institutions.

Senator Reid indicated that while the payment of these fees by the parents of enrolled students will be discontinued under the policy, voluntary contributions will be accommodated, and emphasized these should not be regarded as mandatory.

 Senator Reid underscored that the administration’s philosophy is to have the operations of government schools “properly funded” from the public purse “while encouraging stakeholders to make voluntary contributions.”

“The Ministry will work out with each school, the level of resources required to carry out its core instructional function and provide (these) accordingly,” he added.

Senator Reid also encouraged school administrators to initiate discussions with the Ministry on their budgetary requirements.

Source: Jamaica Information Service