Don't let the parent-teacher association become a "money collection committee"

Parent-teacher meeting at a school in Hai Duong city

Recently, many Parents' Representative Boards have not been operating properly, leading to overcharging, even being compared to "money collection boards".

Not in the right role

Ms. Pham Thi Xoan, Principal of An Thanh Primary School (Tu Ky) said that the Parents' Association plays an important role as a bridge so that teachers and schools can closely monitor students' learning and promptly coordinate to take measures to remove difficulties and obstacles.

Many parents agree that establishing a Board of Directors is necessary, but some boards do not function properly, causing frustration among parents. Mr. VVĐ. whose child is studying at a primary school in Hai Duong City said: "The Board of Directors still proposes many voluntary fees but cannot refuse". Many parents are upset when they have to pay additional fees that are unreasonable and not highly agreed upon, such as money to support school facilities. Although voluntary, many fees make parents passive and only receive information of an informative nature.

A parent in Hai Duong City expressed his dissatisfaction when the school board of his child's class announced the installation of a desk in the classroom. According to this parent, the installation of the desk was unnecessary, and although there was no consensus, the desk was still brought to school. "In addition to tuition fees, the fees collected at the beginning of the school year amount to millions of dong. For well-off families, it's okay, but my family has a low income, 3 children are studying, it's very difficult. I don't dare to speak up because I'm afraid it will affect my children's studies as well as being embarrassed by other parents and the school," this parent expressed.

Some of the contributions at the beginning of the year were suggested by the school to be collected by the Board of Directors. The tuition for the second session of the day was also "requested" to be collected by the Board of Directors. Parents contributed money to buy air conditioners and curtains, but had to install them themselves or hire someone to do it. Is the school taking advantage of parents to work as servants for the school?

Tighten management

Mr. Tran Van Trai, Head of the Board of Directors of a school in Kinh Mon, said that the Board of Directors only collects money from the class's parents' fund and transfers it to the school's parents' fund, and does not collect any other money. This money will be used to reward students with high academic achievements, buy materials for exams, give gifts to teachers on holidays and Tet, etc. "This is an organization that intervenes in the educational environment, so I think there needs to be transparency in revenue and expenditure, and there needs to be strict control through the school as well as management levels," said Mr. Trai.

Many parents also believe that the Board of Directors should not participate in proposing specific fees for each collection, but should only consult and grasp public opinion at parent meetings about the collection. Collections and disbursements must be promptly disclosed on the class group to avoid being a "collection committee" that takes responsibility for the school.

Mr. Vu Van Phong in Hai Duong City also believes that members of the Board of Directors should listen, share, and understand the thoughts and economic conditions of each family. From there, they can have a voice to the school so that the collection and support are reasonable. "Parents should discuss and voluntarily contribute according to each family's ability," said Mr. Phong.

Every year, the Department of Education and Training and the District Education and Training Offices issue documents directing schools to disseminate and strictly implement the regulations in Circular 55/TT-BGDDT.

The representative of the Department of Education and Training of Hai Duong City said that the department has directed that all parent meetings must fully implement the regulations on the activities of the Parents' Council. In each meeting of parents' representatives of each class, the school's Board of Directors must be present so that if the Parents' Council proposes any collection that is contrary to regulations, it will be handled immediately... The department has also directed that all collection-related items must be made public by a confirmation document from the school. Thereby, parents will know which items must be implemented according to the general direction of the school, and which items arise from the parents... If schools need to mobilize resources from the people, parents or philanthropists while the budget is limited, they must mobilize sponsorship according to regulations, but the Parents' Council does not have the role of calling for contributions from others. As for the class fund, it must be implemented according to the principles of voluntariness, publicity and democracy. The Department of Education and Training also cannot directly interfere in the activities of the Parents' Council. In addition to directing schools to comply with regulations, coordination between schools and the Board of Directors will be checked during inspections and audits. If violations are detected, disciplinary action will be proposed.

For the Parents' Association to operate effectively, the management role, impartiality and objectivity of the school and inspection and examination are important solutions, and violations must be strictly handled. The Department of Education and Training or the Department of Education and Training should set up a hotline for parents to report and promptly take measures.

HOANG HA