NLIS 7
September 5, 2001
(Education)
 

Minister, Federation of School Councils support payment of school fees

Education Minister Judy Foote and Denise Pike, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils, issued a joint statement today supporting schools in their request for payment of school fees.

"The concept of school fees is not new," Minister Foote said. "School fees have been an integral part of the education system in this province for many, many years. Nor are school fees unique to Newfoundland and Labrador. Every province in Canada asks parents to contribute to their children's education through the payment of school fees."

The minister noted, however, that some parents in this province have expressed justifiable concerns about how school fee payments are being used.

"Schools are permitted to charge parents a fee for consumable textbooks (workbooks), school supplies which become the property of the student, and for activities which take place outside school hours," she said. "Other items may be included, as school fees vary from school to school. It seems the problems develop when parents are not told how these fees are being spent."

To alleviate parents' concerns, the minister suggested schools provide parents with a detailed listing of the materials/services being covered by school fees, including the specific dollar amount attached to each item.

Meanwhile, the president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils says her organization is concerned that non-payment of school fees will impact on schools which look for opportunities to enhance existing programs. "Many parents are telling us they would prefer to pay school fees than to see the level of fundraising escalate," said Denise Pike.

Minister Foote said parents have always been expected to make a contribution towards the education of their children.

"However, because some parents are truly not in a position to do so, no child can be denied enrolment in school, or in any prescribed course or program, because of failure to pay school fees. This provision is made solely to ensure a child cannot be denied access to an education because of an honest inability to pay."

Minister Foote said the Department of Education is continuing to work with school boards, parents, teachers and other education partners to ensure the policies governing school fees are implemented consistently throughout the province.

Media contact: 

Eric Burry, ADM (Primary, Elementary, Secondary)
Department of Education - (709) 729-5720

Denise Pike, President
Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils - (709) 582-1108

2001 09 05                                             4:45 p.m.