President of the Secondary Schools Principals’ Association, Charlene Hicks-Raeburn has reiterated that schools cannot charge registration fees.
She told News Power Now that principals have been aware of this for years.
She was at the time responding to complaints that some Secondary schools are charging exorbitant fees for various items as part of the registration process.
Mrs Hicks-Raeburn admitted that some schools may encourage parents to buy branded items but suggested that this may be part of developing the school’s culture.
Mrs Hicks-Raeburn was asked what recourse parents have if they feel obligated to make these purchases.
She objected to the use of the word “obligated” and recommended that any parent or guardian who is unable to make the purchases should simply have a conversation with the school’s officials.