Recent Fee Hike

Dear Parents,

I want to share my views on the recent fee hike announced by the school. Today some of us were present at the school to voice our concern on this matter but somehow the discussions took a direction that was not intended. While it was a common opinion that parents in general are facing the crunch of the global financial slow down yet it was almost a unanimous consent that there was no objection if the fee hike was 5 % of the last year's fee. Becuase the discussions took many unwanted twists and turns, this basic issue became confused and diluted.

Here is the basic issue once again - "School has increased the fee between 20% - 30% which has suddenly put a lot of burden on our pockets"

During the discussions Mr Davey brought out that if we look at the increase over the past 5 years it will amount to 10% approx per year.

While this is absolutely true yet my point here is that if the school did not increase the fee in past, it is unjustified to make up for it by suddenly giving a 20% - 30% hike in one particular year. When the fee was not increased during a certain year, we appreciated the management for their honesty but by trying to makeup for it now, it seems we did it too soon. What I would like to put across are the following suggestions:

1. The increases should not exceed 5 % of last year's fee.
2. It would help if management can give a roadmap of future hikes so that we can plan to withdraw children in time.
3. The current notice of depositing the first installment by Feb 28, 2009 is too short and management should extend this to March 31, 2009.
4. There should be an option of monthly payment as well since it becomes difficult sometimes to make lumpsum payment quarterly, especially if a parent has more than 1 child studying.
5. Sibling discount is a standard practice and should be provided by the school.

Shishukunj is doing a great job in the academic development of our children and we certainly applaud the management for their efforts. I am sure they would keep up to our expectations in this matter as well.

Feel free to share your views but please confine yourself to the points raised here. Do put in your contact details with your posts. Click on "Comments" link below to post your comments.