CHASS Urges Delay in School Reopening Until Financial Arrears Are Settled

The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has appealed to the Ministry of Education to postpone the scheduled reopening of schools on January 3, 2025, until all outstanding financial arrears owed to schools and suppliers are fully addressed.

In a letter to the Ministry, CHASS highlighted the severe financial constraints impacting school operations due to unresolved arrears. It cautioned that reopening schools without settling these issues could lead to significant disruptions.

The letter referenced previous communications dated August 12 and September 20, 2024, as well as the Minister of Education’s assurance during a December 18, 2024, virtual meeting to release funds essential for school operations. Despite this, CHASS expressed frustration over the recent funding allocation, which failed to address critical challenges, including unpaid recurrent grants, overdue payments for perishable supplies, exclusion of single-track and day schools from funding, transportation costs for food supplies, and unpaid utility bills jeopardizing essential services.

CHASS emphasized the urgency of resolving these issues, warning that the inability to release funds promptly would undermine the effective functioning of schools and compromise the quality of education.

“These funds are essential for ensuring a smooth reopening of schools. Without them, school heads will struggle to manage daily operations and safeguard students’ welfare,” the letter stated.