Parents mull pulling out children from Dubai school

Dubai: More than 900 parents of students attending Dubai Modern High School (DMHS) took part in an online survey where they unanimously termed the 90 per cent fee-hike as "unfair and unreasonable".

Ninety eight per cent of the survey respondents said they oppose the fee increase as it is conditioned.

The same survey revealed an overwhelming two-thirds (67 per cent) of parents are considering looking for alternative schooling for their children over the next two years.

Dubai Modern High School issued a circular on January 22 informing parents of the 90 per cent increase, which was approved last year by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

During a press conference titled, "United against fee hike," at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Dubai yesterday, three parents who acted as representatives detailed the results of the survey from 909 parents, representing 1,300 pupils. The school has 2,300 pupils studying at its current campus in Jumeirah which is scheduled to relocate to Nad Al Sheba.

Parents suggested phasing out fees over a period of five years instead of two or reduce the fee hike. The approval from KHDA is for 45 per cent in the next academic year and a 31 per cent in the following year without any additional increases in the following three years of the hike.

In response to the parents' suggestions, Global Education Management Systems and Dubai Modern High School said in a statement to the media, "We value the views of parents that were expressed & Despite this realignment of fees, the school will nevertheless operate at a significant loss in its first few years of operation at the new location. To spread this realignment over a period longer than two years would therefore threaten the viability of the school."

KHDA said: "As the licensing authority, KHDA listened to parents' concerns, and has instructed the school's operators, GEMS that they must take the following steps:

1. The new school must be completed before any child is moved to the premises with all utilities functioning fully. The new premises will be inspected by the KHDA before it can be passed fit for use by the children.

2. The new structured school fee, which has been approved by the KHDA and represents a 90 per cent fee increase over two years, cannot be charged until pupils have moved into the new premises at Nad Al Sheba.

Any school fee change for the academic year 2009-2010 cannot be implemented at the current school premises; the fee-rate must remain at the present 2008-2009 charge.

Online results

909 parents took part in an online survey to reflect the magnitude of their concern, representing 1,300 pupils at the school.

Do you think this press conference will make a difference? Is the fee hike appropriate? Fill in the form bellow to send your comments.

We are very happy with the faculty and teaching in the school our experience is only with the primary section. But we feel that the fee hike is too much and not worth it. It is what one would pay for college education in Canada or US for mere middle school in Indian curriculum. All said and done the children are not going to spend the whole day in the swiming pool or the field!
R. Murali
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 13:04

Fee hike during a time of financial troubles is not digestable. the Gems mangement should rethink before taking any further step. I will definitely cancel my son's admission.
From A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 13:04

The press conference has already made a lot of difference, it has sent a clear message that the parents are just not willing to accept this unjustified fee hike and they are united in this cause.The fee is grossly inappropriate, more so in this time of economic problems, when there is so much uncertainty. The management should have some empathy for the parents.
Divya Arora
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 13:01

The fee hike is totally unustified in today's time. My suggestion to Gems is to negotiate with the existing premises land owners/landlords and continue with the same premises till the parents are able to come out from the current financial problems. This is the only solution that I can see.
Shaishav Parikh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 13:00

A fee hike of 90% for any parent is taxing enough to cave in from their current budgeted living expenses. The school should have known that, and sought out for a solution which is viable for parents too, and not just for viability of an alternative imposed within, 2 years, with assumed fee hike.
Lewis
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 12:59

I think the increase in fees is just too high.
Megchiani Nilesh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 12:52

The fee hike is not all justifiable given the current economic conditions. It is Gems' bad luck that the situation has turned out this way - they are a big group and can cope up with the losses if any.Can somebody ask them one thing - how come the rent for the current premises was increased by 100% when we have had a Rent Cap for the last 4 years!! Given the connections they have why did they not complain about the landlord and pay as per the Rent cap??
Amit Kapoor
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 12:44

The current fee hike decision by the School management can never be justified at this hour of hard time. It would give additional burden to parents who are presently struggling to cope with the present scnerio and uncertain future.The management must show a bit more sensitivity, instead of their high handed attitude and should refrain from the fee hike.
S.R. Varma
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 12, 2009, 12:42