Broke school pleads with parents to pay their fees
The school management and governing body have exhausted all efforts to recoup outstanding payments and are relying on parents and the community to take responsibility and ownership of a school which has served the community for 30 years
GRAPPLING to recover R4.7-million worth of outstanding school fees from the last three years, Richards Bay Secondary School in Brackenham has appealed to parents to pay up and help the school out of its severe financial crisis.
The school management and governing body have exhausted all efforts to recoup outstanding payments and are relying on parents and the community to take responsibility and ownership of a school which has served the community for 30 years.
Despite their efforts to fundraise and also collect outstanding fees, the school was left in a difficult position last month when they could not fully meet their operational costs, and school governing body staff only received half their salaries.
While the school is plagued with financial challenges, acting school principal S Balram said teaching and learning is at optimal levels and they are doing their best.
‘Our appeal for school fees is not being taken seriously and parents need to understand that it is their children who will be impacted by this.
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‘The school is 30 years old and the infrastructure is aging and in urgent need of maintenance; we have a plumbing issue which needs to be fixed and will cost about R15 000.
‘There is a terrible stench and water is stagnant in certain areas where the pipes have been broken or damaged.’
With many other pressing issues such as no photocopying paper, teachers are buying their own paper to make worksheets which are a crucial aspect of teaching and learning.
‘Our office equipment needs constant servicing and repairs but we cannot afford it and we are calling on our parents who can assist to please help.
‘We have a critical shortage of furniture and for the matric exams we have been moving desks and chairs from three classes to accommodate our matriculants.
‘This poses a shortage of exam space for Grade 8 -11 learners as we have the rooms but no furniture.
‘The school fencing needs to be repaired as learners are damaging the boundary walls to escape the premises during teaching time.’
Balram said they understand that not all parents can afford the school fees but there is an exemption process in place to offer assistance. However, parents must apply in advance.
‘Most only declare their financial state late in the year and there is not much that can be done to assist them.
‘The department helps those who cannot afford to pay their fees and parents must be honest in their applications and provide all the necessary supporting documents.
‘If parents would like to offer their time and services it will be highly appreciated,’ said Balram.
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