Private schools want COVID cushion
Published:Friday | March 27, 2020 | 12:23 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Private schools have urged the Government to outline whether they will receive a COVID-19 stimulus to stay afloat amid mass closures that will last for at least a month.
Dr Faithlyn Wilson, president of the Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA), is set to meet with the Ministry of Education today to discuss a bailout lifeline for parents who might desire a discount on fees after losing a chunk of tuition in the Easter term.
“We’ve heard quite a few announcements in the media regarding funding opportunities, whether by low-cost loans or grants, that are available to the private sector. What we’re not clear on is what elements (types) of loans are available to schools,” Wilson told The Gleaner.
“Many of our private schools operate with very tight cash flows, and so any adjustments can have negative repercussions.”
The Government ordered schools closed for 14 days, from March 13, in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory disease which has been linked to 26 infections and one death locally. The shutdown has since been extended until the end of Easter.
Dr Anthony Taylor, principal of St Mary’s Preparatory School in St James and a member of JISA’s western regional coordinating body, said that the Government may have to give assistance to private schools if the closure is extended further.
The headmaster is concerned that some private schools - which are heavily funded by tuition fees and revenue streams from tuck shops and canteens - could be into the red by mid-April.
“We will not be able to take care of our overheads in terms of salaries, taxes, and paying bills. If we’re going to go beyond April, the Government will have to step in and find a way to assist us,” said Taylor.
Today’s meeting with the Ministry of Education is also expected to address the prospects of a partnership with the Government to share resources online.
The JISA head was non-commital about whether parents should pay over full fees for the summer term, having lost at least a month.
“There may be some discounts offered, depending on the cost structure of a school. I’m not sure of those details, but what I am sure of now is that we are going to be continuing school online,” Wilson said.
“We would still need the parents to meet some kind of obligation, and individual schools will determine with their parents what those obligations would be,” said Wilson.