Tuesday, April 10, 2012

News Update Tuition to rise in 25 Central Visayas schools

CEBU CITY -- At least 25 private pre-school, elementary and secondary schools in Central Visayas are set to raise their tuition and other fees this June.
Average increases range from four to 42 percent, radio dyLA reported Monday. Most of these schools are in Cebu.
Marcial Degamo, chief of the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Visayas quality assurance and accountability division, said more schools may increase their tuition and other fees, since his office will continue accepting applications for tuition increases until May 15.
In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu, Degamo said they cannot stop private schools from raising their fees. These schools, he said, are compelled to increase their tuition to raise their teachers’ salaries.
Many teachers in private schools are tempted to transfer to public schools, which offer higher salaries to teachers, Degamo said.
Before approving applications for tuition increases, the DepEd requires schools to present a resolution from the Parents and Teachers Association, showing that parents were consulted about the proposed increases.
The school should also submit a letter of intent from its board. Degamo said 70 percent of the increase in tuition should go to the teachers’ salary and 20 percent should be used to improve the school’s facilities. The other 10 percent may serve as return to investment.
As of March 16, DepEd approved the application for tuition increase of 25 schools.
In Cebu City, these schools include St. Thomas Aquinas School, which will implement an average increase of 42.98 percent for elementary and 31.17 for preschool.
Lahug Christian School and Capitol Center SDA Elementary School will raise their fees by 8.95 percent and 10 percent, respectively.
The Holy Rosary School of Pardo will implement a 10 percent increase in its fees. (RSB of Sun.Star Cebu)