School heads are stealing levies says Coltart

The Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister David Coltart has said some school heads and school development associations are stealing levies.

Minister Coltart yesterday said Government was concerned with the increase in the number of complaints his ministry was receiving from school officials, parents and guardians over the embezzlement of school funds.

He said his ministry had received over 27 cases of "massive corruption" in the past three months, an indication that there might be more unreported cases.

"We have a lot of reports from disgruntled school authorities, parents and guardians over a variety of issues," he said. 

"It's sad that some people are taking advantage of being in charge and are mismanaging public funds in the form of levies and this has created tension between parents and school authorities.

"This has left some members of staff demoralised and we are saying this is unacceptable because it affects development and generally school pass rates." 

The payment of incentives to teachers by parents has also contributed to the increase in corruption at most schools.

He said his ministry had deployed officials to work with provincial education directors to curb the theft of public funds.

"There are two principal ways of attacking this issue, one which involves sending the officials to investigate the cases, but the most effective method is to make the whole process accountable and transparent," he said.

Minister Coltart said the new regulations Government was crafting will end the embezzlement of school funds.

"The regulations are almost ready and the only thing affecting us is that our drafter (of the regulations) is also one of the drafters of the new Constitution," he said.

"He has of late been committed to the new constitution, but it is our hope that soon we will finalise the regulations and start clamping down on these types of abuses."

The new regulations will also ensure compliance with existing procedures in raising fees and levies.

Schools that disrespect Government and court orders will also be punished under the new regulations. 
Minister Coltart said the new regulations will distinguish between the role of school development committees and school authorities.

There have been many clashes between school heads and SDC members over the control of money and schools in general. 

In some cases, teachers have gone on strike protesting against non-payment of incentives and mismanagement of school funds by headmasters.