CHASS raises concerns over indiscipline in schools, backs sanctions

The Conference of Heads of Second Cycle Schools (CHASS) has expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of indiscipline in senior high schools, calling for appropriate sanctions to be taken against those found responsible. At the end of its 64th Annual National Conference, CHASS issued a communique that highlighted several issues plaguing the education system.

These include delays in the release of funds despite the establishment of a dedicated source for the Free SHS policy, emergency procurement payments for food items, and the need for an upward adjustment of feeding grants to reflect current market conditions. CHASS also requested the government to waive VAT on school procurement, particularly for perishable food items and basic academic resources.

The association emphasized the importance of clarity on the government's policy of decentralised procurement of food items at the school level and called for the immediate supply of charging units for student tablets to ensure school facilities' safety. CHASS further recommended the reintroduction of textbooks to students instead of relying solely on tablets and requested the restoration of parent-teacher associations.

Concerning security, CHASS suggested transitioning from the outdated watchman system to employing properly trained, well-equipped, and educated security personnel. The association also called for the urgent recruitment of critical non-teaching staff to fill existing vacancies.

CHASS expressed gratitude to the government for its efforts in advancing secondary education and the Free SHS policy, particularly the creation of a dedicated source of funding for the policy and the publication of a new Scheme of Service. The association commended the government for securing a World Bank facility of US$300 million to improve school infrastructure and end the double-track system by 2028. CHASS urged the government to expedite measures to fully achieve this target.