Private schools under pressure to retain teachers amid public sector salary hike

 

The implementation of the government's new public sector compensation scheme has increased pressure on principals of private schools to retain teachers as more leave for the attractive salaries in the public sector.

 

In an interview with Radio Jamaica News on Friday morning, Wesley Boynes, President of the Jamaica Independent Schools Association, said the movement of teachers from the independent school system to public schools has become more pronounced since the hike in salaries.

 

Mr. Boynes said at a recent meeting with principals, they expressed concern about the teacher shortage and discussed way to deal with the problem.

 

He said it is expected that some principals will increase school fees come September in order to retain their teachers and in response to factors such as inflation.

 

But Mr. Boynes added that principals have been encouraged to highlight to teachers the non-financial benefits of remaining with their institutions. 

 

"The principals will create different types of packages for their staff members with a lot of non-financial benefits. And I believe that many of our teachers will choose to hold on to those positions because, apart from the financial limitations, our teachers who work in private schools are very happy; it's a very peaceful environment," he suggested. 

 

He said principals will also be forced to become more creative and inventive to attract more people. 

 

"I saw one private school in Montego Bay a couple of days ago, the way how they did the graduation, they had a big march, parade through the street...and many parents looking on were saying I want my child to be there," he pointed out.  

 

Mr. Boynes said he believes parents of children attending preparatory schools will come to terms with the inevitable increase in tuition fees. 

 

"I know the parents are facing a challenge because it's not like their salaries are getting larger, you know...and now they have to pay a bigger school fee in many instances. But I think that they recognise the value that their children are getting attending our schools," he reasoned.