Dear Editor,

Since the implementation of the Government’s salary restructuring, many private sector organisations have been trying their best to remain competitive as many people could easily migrate to the public sector to benefit from higher compensation.

Several private educational institutions have sought to increase tuition fees so that the salaries paid to their teachers can remain attractive. Many preparatory schools have already informed parents of the new fees that they will have to pay per term. At Stella Maris Preparatory School in Kingston, parents will have to fork out between $40,000 and $50,000 extra to cover their children’s expenses in the upcoming school year. The principal, Sister Mary Joseph, noted that the increase is unprecedented but acknowledged that it was necessary in order to align their teachers’ salaries with that of public school teachers.

This massive hike has certainly triggered concerns among the parent body, and many caregivers whose children attend prep schools are contemplating sending their children to regular primary schools. However, that may be a nine-day talk. While not everyone who sends their child to a prep school is rich, most parents are still from the upper middle and higher classes in the society.

As prep schools make this bold but necessary move, educators at privatised higher education institutions are waiting to see what decisions their university or college administrations are going to take regarding granting a meaningful increase to their already-meagre stipend. In fact, these colleagues are very much on edge because they had to take a salary cut during the peak of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

What may shock the public is that many high school teachers with only a bachelor’s degree earn more than several private university lecturers who have master’s degrees. How could that possibly be?

Imagine working for years and there is little to no incremental benefit annually. I spoke with a colleague from an institution whose contract was under review. I asked her if she gets an increase each time her contract is renewed, she said, “Not a thing no change, massa.” I was in shock! But best believe that those at the management level get the lion’s share.

These lecturers often make a lot of sacrifices with regard to teaching and learning. They also give of their time to sit on numerous committees and attend several (unnecessary) meetings. They are encouraged to get terminal degrees and engage in research and whatever other activities are deemed necessary to enhance institutional reputation and accreditation. But when they assess the insignificant amount that they earn, the above-mentioned elements make no sense to them.

Based on the sound of things, many of these educators and administrators are now considering working at the high school level or switching to a government college or university. They have come to accept that loyalty to an institution or a faith cannot pay the bills.

Levelling up may require private universities to raise tuition fees, which may further affect cash inflow. What will they do? Interesting days are ahead.

Oneil Madden

maddenoneil@yahoo.com