Private Schools Send Fictitious Invoices to Parents Warning of Funding Change

Bratislava, 18 September (TASR) - Several private schools across Slovakia sent fictitious invoices to the parents of their pupils on Thursday as part of a protest, head of the Private Schools and School Facilities Association Eva Ohradanova told a press conference on Thursday, adding that they are supposed to be a kind of warning that such invoices could become a reality. The schools received the invoices to send out along with a cover letter from the association. Ohradanova in particular criticised proposals to reduce the normative contribution for private and religious schools that aren't registered as a public provider of education and training. She didn't rule out a strike if the changes are adopted. "Private schools in Slovakia are sending out fictitious invoices to parents today via their information channels matching the amount that the state plans to take from them. In primary schools it is €600 per year, in nursery schools it is €700 a year," said Ohradanova, adding that the invoices include a non-existent bill and a symbolic due date of 1 September 2027, when several changes to the law are due to come into force. She noted that they were sent out to inform parents of the possible consequences of the changes, which are currently being debated in Parliament. Ohradanova also criticised the fact that the debate on the tabled laws has been narrowed down to a single discussion. The association head appealed to the parents to voice their opposition to the upcoming changes in the education system, especially the change in school funding. They can do so, she said, by signing a petition of a civil initiative called Not Like This! am/df