The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information says that approximately $800 million will be spent this year on textbooks for the new school year, which formally kicks off on Monday.
In addition, the ministry said that a budgetary allocation of $759 million is already being spent on repairs to 190 schools.
“Though these are ongoing repairs, all critical areas will be completed before September 5,” the ministry said, noting that $70 million of the sum has been set aside for renovation or modification works leading to the creation of 30 infant departments and 15 primary schools for partition.
The ministry also said that the remaining 69 schools which utilise pit latrines will have proper restrooms completed during the financial year, through partnership with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, Food For The Poor and non-governmental organisations.
The information was contained in a release issued at a press conference yesterday by the ministry.
The release reiterated that the ministry has started “to honour” its commitment to increase funding for school operations for the upcoming academic year, with a budget of $5.3 billion.
It said that the disbursements to secondary institutions represent an increase from the previous $11,500 to a maximum of $19,000 per student and, therefore, will provide additional support for schools. The $5.3 billion will be provided to the schools for the upcoming school year, outside of the payment of teachers.
The ministry, meanwhile, has also committed to four scheduled disbursements. Schools have already received the first tranche and will receive the second in the second week of September.
Guidelines have been sent to schools regarding the new school support contribution policy and to reinforce the ministry’s non-obligatory policy towards the payment of contribution by parents.
Parents are, however, encouraged to contribute to their schools, once agreement has been reached and approved by the board of governors. Primary schools are funded with their first-term grants, showing an increase in maintenance grants of 90 per cent.
Source: Jamaica Observer