Not all schools will get $19,000 per student from Education Ministry - Reid

Sherine Williams, Gleaner Writer

Education Minister Senator Ruel Reid says not all secondary schools will get $19,000 per student when the government abolishes the payment of auxiliary fees. 

Reid had initially announced a proposal to increase the ministry's contribution per student from $11,500 to $19,000 per child.

However, at a press conference today Reid said some schools may require less than the $19,000 per student to cover operational costs.

Reid also said schools with a large number of students on the PATH programme are likely to receive greater subventions from the ministry. 

Some principals have stated that $19,000 per student would not be enough to cover operational costs for the academic year.

However, at a meeting with school administrators this morning, Reid said schools can continue to ask parents for contributions towards their institutions'  development.

But Reid cautioned that these fees must not be mandatory.