Public school parents paying millions in fees
New South Wales parents are paying $50 million a year for public school education, 7News reports.
In a government report of 'voluntary school contributions', a list of payments showed that parents are willfully assisting schools monetarily in two categories: general contributions; and subject contributions.
General contributions are described as voluntary payments that principals can suggest to the school community. They are funneled into the enhancement of educational programs.
While public education is intended to be of minimal cost, schools say the extra funds from parents are vital.
"Not enhancing something that is luxurious it's really just providing what most of us would consider is a basic education and the resources to support that." Cheryl McBride from the NSW Public School Principal's forum told 7News.
Some public schools ask for subject contributions when taking on an extra-curricular activities or subjects that are not outlined in the government's minimum requirements for schools.
"Every couple of weeks we more or less feel like we're paying for an excursion or something." a parent told 7News.
According to government codes of practice parents cannot be forced to pay either of these fees, a strict confidentiality surrounds the payments, or lack thereof.
In addition to these fees, the government assists public schools in the lowest socio-economic areas with a variety of funding programs like the Priority Schools Funding Program, Priority Action Schools, Country Areas Program and Schools in Partnership.
Financial assistance is available for parents who cannot afford fees for elective subjects and activities.
Top ten most expensive public schools:
1. Sydney Boys High School
General contributions: $974,801.0
Special contributions: $65,315.98
Total: $1,040,116.98
2.Pennant Hills High School
General contributions: $264,752.00
Special contributions: $206,394.75
Total:$471,146.75
3. Cherrybrook Technology High School
General contributions: $260,719.50
Special contributions: $194,042.00
Total:$454,761.50
4. North Sydney Boys High School
General contributions: $192,452.00
Special contributions: $254,556.00
Total:$447,008
5. North Sydney Girls High School
General contributions: $146,838.00
Special contributions: $299,222.40
Total:$446,060.4
6. Sydney Girls High School
General contributions: $266,028.00
Special contributions: $145,900.0
Total:$411,928
7. Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus
General contributions: $336,192.90
Special contributions: $73,878.66
Total:$410,071.56
8. Baulkham Hills
General contributions: $246,459.50
Special contributions: $147,795.90
Total:$394,255.40
9. James Ruse Agricultural High School
General contributions: $322,432.50
Special contributions: $48,653.70
Total:$371,086.20
10. Newtown High School of Performing Arts
General contributions: $144,427.80
Special contributions: $225,979.93
Total:$370,407.73
For the complete list see the Department of Education's Voluntary School Contribution Report here.
