The parent committee of Tho Dan secondary school in Tho Phu commune was instructed to return over mot hundred million dong (VND) collected from students for grade 10 exam preparation. The school also halted the implementation of several other year-end collections. This decision, confirmed by Principal Le Van Hung on 22/5, follows complaints from parents regarding continuous requests for fees.

Many grade 9 parents expressed frustration over repeated demands for payment for grade 10 exam review. This concern arose despite current regulations prohibiting the collection of tuition fees for supplementary classes in public schools.

Before the third examination subject was announced, families were asked to pay mot million dong per student for mathematics and literature review. By mid-February, the parent committee collected 2,7 million dong, covering those subjects plus English. This amount was later adjusted to 2,4 million dong as the number of review sessions decreased from 90 to 80.

Additionally, each student paid an extra 450.000 dong for various expenses, including inauguration decorations, year-end teacher appreciation gifts, and class parties. While parent representatives primarily managed the collection through class groups, some electronic transfers were directed to homeroom teachers' personal accounts.

"We understand the teachers' hard work in preparing our children for exams, and parents will find appropriate ways to show appreciation," mot parent commented. "However, dividing the cost among students to collect money in this manner is incorrect."

Principal Hung maintained that the chairman of the parent representative board acted independently in this matter. He affirmed that the school did not instruct or ask teachers to solicit funds.

Tho Dan secondary school. Photo: Lam Son

According to the Ministry of Education and Training's circular on supplementary teaching, final year students are among the ba groups eligible for free additional instruction within the school, if they require it. The prescribed duration is hai periods per subject each week.

Le Hoang