Dubai school principal defends fee hike: Why are parents reluctant to spend for education?

Dubai schools, given the go-ahead by the emirate’s education regulatory authority – the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) for a fee hike, are now having some moments of uncertainty fearing parent backlash.

Despite a well-planned and lengthy process of application and approval, some schools claimed that even after receiving the KHDA green light, they have not yet set a time-frame by when the fee hike will be implemented.

However, they defended their decision to seek a rise in their profit stream.

A school principal, who supported the fee mark-up, stated it was only a natural reaction to Dubai’s high cost of living.

“Prices have gone up for almost everything, so why should the school fees remain the same?

There has been no increase in three years, so it’s about time there was one.

Did parents think there would be no increase ever?”

The escalation, the school head observed wasn’t prohibitive.

“It’s only 3 per cent to a maximum of 6 per cent, which isn’t much when compared to the other things people spend on.

“Why are parents reluctant to spend for good quality education?”

Click here to read: Parents worried over Dubai schools fee hike

The principal, however, refused to commit to a timeline, thrusting the onus of such decisions on the school management, suggesting they are already facing criticisms from belligerent parents.

S Kumar, a parent, said any fee hike should be accompanied by an improvement in education.

“Why should I pay more for the same quality of education my child receives? Have school costs risen?

“Apart from rent, the schools continue to pay the same low salary to teachers, who have little motivation to raise their level.”

Meanwhile, Rashmi Nandkeolyar, Principal of DPS Dubai, requested parents to check the KHDA website and go through the framework provided online, before making any observations.

“KHDA’s entire process is very transparent, scientific and logical. And the entire document is available online.”

The school has yet to make an official announcement on the fee hike.

“We will only do according to the guidelines set by the KHDA. And the decision will be informed to the parents accordingly,” she added.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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