Students Pushed Into Hallway As New Zealand School Struggles To Collect
Students in a certain part of New Zealand, Whangarei may have to learn in a hallway or refused entry to particular subjects if their parents do not pay compulsory course fees. Whangarei Boys High School headmaster Al Kirk alleges about $10,000 is owed from last year.
Unlike donations to the school that are on a voluntary basis, course fees are mandatory for subjects with considerable take-home items, like tools for technology or photography. The school’s plan of action is to single out students who have not yet paid, teaching them in a hall until the debt is settled.
Not surprisingly, the plan has been met with condemnation from the New Zealand Education Ministry, but headmaster Kirk alleges that parents who are “really” unable to pay fees can speak to the school about payment options, and after all, a budget group is available to give the parents advice.
But Mr. Kirk feels as like the problem is more from parents who purposely don’t pay because they think education should be free of charge- high school education has not been free of charge since the 1960s. The school used the same scheme in 2008 and 90 to 98 percent of parents paid immediately, according to Kirk.
Obviously, this plan has its nay-sayers. “The fact that this school would single out students who have nothing to do with their parent’s money, it’s unthinkable” says Michael J Koopmans, education expert.
Local critics have made a point to say that there are many ways to collect the legitimate charges: re-payment plans, or as a last resort, a third party debt collection agency could deal with the parents who won’t pay. Headmaster Kirk says that it would not be cost efficient to utilize a debt collection company.
This is an issue for other schools in the area as well. One local school is thinking about not allowing a student to take a course that their parents cannot pay for. “It’s a huge problem that has to be carefully and critically addressed,” says Michael J Koopmans. “We don’t do that lightly.
Mallory McGuinness works for a debt collection agency. She also writes stories on business and finance, consumer spending and collection agencies. This article, Students Pushed Into Hallway As New Zealand School Struggles To Collect is released under a creative commons attribution licence.
Manage Your Money On Superbowl Sunday
Despite the fact that we are in the middle of a recession, and a lot of you are in debt, there is no reason that you can’t throw a really great Super Bowl Party.
Focus on not overdoing it. Make just one extravagant dish and play the rest off of that. A vat of chili, if properly seasoned can serve twelve people for twenty dollars. Chicken wings are quite inexpensive and easy to make. Coils of kielbasa, priced around five bucks are a cheap and delicious snack.
Due to the fact that the Super Bowl is a special occasion, go for hot food. Ordering big trays of Chinese takeout are less expensive and time consuming than cooking your own food.
kids at Superbowl parties can often be difficult to please. Vegetables, juice, chips, and a carvel football shaped ice cream cake priced at $22.99 will keep them at bay.
Drinks? The best choice for shoppers on a budget is beer and wine. A keg will save you about 40% according to experts. The wine doesn’t have to be fancy – a five liter boxed wine will be more than acceptable. If you encounter the troublesome guest who insists on liquor, get discount vodka, a half gallon for just fourteen dollars. Its cheap, and blends with about anything.
Even in tough times, it is neccessary to make the most of your game-viewing experience. A medium to large flatscreen is completely necessary. But if you don’t own one, rent one. Websites list 42 inch TVs for as low as $26.99 a week.
And then those irritating people who won’t watch football. A pool for small gifts like a store certificate or CD might inspire people who aren’t the least bit interested in football at all if a prize is awarded at the end of every quarter. Try to have experienced fans explain what is going on. Then, sit back, and enjoy your game.
Mallory Megan is employed by a debt collection agency. Also she composes stories on business and finance, consumer spending and collection agencies.