Students in a certain part of New Zealand, Whangarei may have to learn in a hallway or refused entry to particular subjects if their parents do not pay compulsory course fees. Whangarei Boys High School headmaster Al Kirk alleges about $10,000 is owed from last year.
Unlike school donations which are on a voluntary basis, course fees are mandatory for subjects with considerable take-home items, like tools for technology or photography. The school’s plan is to single out students who have not yet paid, teaching them in a hall until the debt is settled.
Not surprisingly, the plan has been met with condemnation from the New Zealand Education Ministry, but headmaster Kirk attests that parents who are “really” not able to pay fees can talk to the school about payment options, and after all, a budget group is available to give parents advice.
But Mr. Kirk feels as like the problem is more from parents who purposely don’t pay because they think education should be free of charge- high school education has not been free of charge since the 1960s. The school used the same scheme in 2008 and 90 to 98 percent of parents paid immediately, according to Kirk.
Clearly, this plan has its nay-sayers. “The fact that this school would single out childrenchildren who have nothing to do with their parent’s finances, it’s unfathomable” laments Michael J Koopmans, education expert.
Local critics have made a point to point out that there are a number of ways to collect the legitimate charges: re-payment plans, or as a last resort, a third party collection company can deal with the parents who won’t pay. Headmaster Kirk alleges that it wouldn’t be cost efficient to use a debt collection agency.
This is an problem for other schools in the vicinity as well. One local school is considering not permitting a student to take a course that their parents cannot pay for. “It’s a big issue that needs to be critically and carefully addressed,” says Michael J Koopmans. “We don’t do that lightly.
Mallory Megan works for a debt collection company. Also she writes stories on business, finance, consumer spending and collection agencies.
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