Parents and guardians at a school are seeking an explanation from the board of directors on how they used K32,631 recently paid by the government as subsidy.
The parents, whose children attend the Tangu Primary School in Bogia district, Madang province, met the board of directors last weekend to seek an explanation.
One of the parents, who asked not to be identified, said K32,631 was paid to the school as the tuition fee subsidy from the national government. It is understood that the money was deposited into the school’s account at Bank South Pacific late last year. But the board, at the beginning of last month, allegedly withdrew all the money without consulting or informing the school administration, teachers and parents.
At the meeting, the parents demanded that the board members explain the whereabouts of the K32,631. They also wanted the school administration to suspend or remove the current board members.
District education officer Philip Morris and the district school inspector are reportedly aware of the situation. The matter has also been reported to police in Bogia.
No comments could be obtained from the school management.
The Tangu school is a Catholic agency institution with a roll of more than 400.
Officials at the district education office in Bogia had informed the Catholic education secretary Bruno Tulemanil of the matter. They had also requested the BSP branch in Madang to freeze the school’s account.
The parents are concerned because they believe that the funds should be used to benefit the students.