As the global economic crisis deepens, at least one independent school has been forced to abolish its payment plan and is now barring students from attending classes unless their tuition fees have been paid in full.

"In critical cases, we did allow (students to start school without payment), but in light of the financial crisis, we had to abandon that," Basil Tabannor, head of the Willowdene Group of Schools, told The Gleaner yesterday.

Tabannor said he was forced to turn away a guardian yesterday who only had 20 per cent of the school fees. Students at the high school pay $24,800 per term, while students at the preparatory school pay $21,800.

"It breaks my heart to see her go, but we have to take a serious stance," said Tabannor.

Increase in numbers

The head of the Adventist institution said classes resumed last week, but not many students were present. He noted that the numbers were increasing this week, as parents were now coming up with the money to pay the fees.

The school also receives assis-tance from the Adventist Church.

Tabannor, who is also the president of the Jamaica Independent Schools' Association, said some private schools have had to lay off teachers to find creative ways of balancing their budgets.

Financial problems

"Now, we have to ensure that we collect 100 per cent of the fees, because, if not, by the end of February, schools will have financial problems," Tabannor said.

In the meantime, the president said the Independent Schools' Associa-tion was working on a proposal to share the concerns of private schools with the Ministry of Education at a meeting to be held this month.

"I am sure we can get the minister to respond in a positive way," said Tabannor, adding that the independent schools played a vital role in the education system and if they closed their doors, the Government would be hard-pressed to find additional school spaces.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com