Cebu, C. Visayas schools set to increase tuition next year

AT least 26 private elementary and secondary schools in Central Visayas, mostly in Cebu, will implement an increase in tuition and other fees for  school year 2011-2012.

While the increase ranges from four to 42 percent, the Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd-7) said the figures may double after the May 15 deadline for the submission of requirements.

Dr. Marcial Degamo, DepEd-7 chief for quality assurance and accountability division, said they are still getting confirmation from  private schools including universities based in Cebu City.

Degamo said the requirements include a letter of intent, the minutes and resolutions of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) meeting on consultations of parents and students and submission of compliance of the previous tuition hike.

As a policy,  70 percent of the increase should go to faculty salaries,  20 percent for  improvement of school facilities and 10 percent for return of investment.

“The salaries of public school teachers are quite big now. Teachers of private schools threatened to transfer unless their salaries are increased,” he said.

The schools are also required to post their decision to implement an increase to inform the parents and allow them to choose which school to enroll their children in.

As of March 16, Degamo said seven other schools also notified that they will not ask for any increase. /Jhunnex Napallacan, Correspondent