Parents could get detailed school fees

Secondary schools may soon have to give parents detailed lists of school fees after a Ministry of Education investigation.

Associate Minister of Education David Benson-Pope ordered an investigation into "irregular" subject fees at Otumoetai College in Tauranga six weeks ago after it had threatened to take court action against parent Ian Mason over $700 worth of unpaid fees.

Otumoetai principal Dave Randell has been working with government officials to resolve the matter. As a result, clearer guidelines would now be developed regarding fee statements sent to parents.

But Mr Randell has warned the practicalities of implementing the changes could be "horrific" given the detail expected.

The college might have to list the charges individually for everything from student ID cards to school diaries -- and requiring parents to sign a contract saying they will pay those fees.

Students and parents would receive a detailed outline of where every dollar is spent.

Mr Randell said a new "contract of intent" system would require parents to sign a contract to enrol their students in courses and accept the cost for those courses.

Payment options for families would still be available.

"We don't push for payment until the end of the year. We share the financial burden with our parents," Mr Randell said.

The school confirmed it has resolved the issue of outstanding fees with Mr Mason but would not elaborate on what outcome had been reached.

Secondary School Principals' Association vice-president Graham Young said the school fee system needed a national revamp and it was unfair to single out Otumoetai College.

"We need to do this for all schools," he said.

"Free education" was no longer a reality because of the range of options and opportunities available to students.

Mr Young, who was also principal at Tauranga Boys' College, said the Ministry of Education was about to form a working group to revamp the structure of school fees across the country.

The review was expected to establish clearer guidelines for charging school fees for all secondary schools.

The group was yet to be appointed but could include officials from the Principals Association, School Trustees Association, New Zealand Education Institute and the Post Primary Teachers' Association and parents.

Mount Maunganui College principal Terry Collett said his school already itemised subjects on fee statements and referred parents to a booklet which gave a detailed breakdown of fees.

The booklet was given to students before they selected their courses.

"Parents get a very detailed description of what they have to pay, I'm not sure what more we can do."

But he supported the idea of having a signed declaration from parents that they would pay fees.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES