(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) With a growing funding gap threatening to impact affordable schools and limit the number of classrooms the dubai private schools group (dpsg) has urged a rethinking of how education costs are regulated

Members of the dpsg met officials from the dubai chamber to discuss the role of private schools in the economic development of dubai. the dpsg raised some of the issues it is facing in the education sector and the two parties sought to find possible solutions.

“in our appeals first to the ministry of education and later to the knowledge and human development authority (khda) we have highlighted a potential and growing issue if things don’t change. all dubai schools face this issue even many that have served the community for decades” said a spokesperson for the dpsg.

The group expressed appreciation for the work done by the khda on the dubai schools inspection system which highlighted the exceptional value and high quality education available in dubai. the group also lauded aspects of the school fees framework which has sought to create a more structured process for regulation of school fees.

“but this framework has failed to take into account the three most significant costs related to schools in dubai: teachers’ salaries rents for the land and school buildings and capital investment in technology and innovation” said a dpsg spokesperson.

The new school fees structure defines a maximum rate of return on school investments discouraging many investors from building new schools. costs at older schools meanwhile have risen by substantially more than the school fee hikes permitted. dpsg members said the implications of the imbalance could mean less investment in schools and ultimately fewer schools for dubai’s growing population.

“we seek a clearer policy that can ensure schools remain sustainable and thriving. we also seek a different eci to be developed for schools one which takes into account the disproportionate increases in operating costs over the years that is now irreversible.

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