To: The Board of Directors, Riverside School

We, the undersigned parents and concerned community members, are writing to express our strong opposition to the recent unilateral hike in school fees implemented by Riverside School. This increase places an undue financial burden on families and undermines the principle of accessible education for all students.

Background

In recent years, we have witnessed a troubling trend of rising educational costs that disproportionately affect low- and middle-income families. The latest fee hike has raised concerns about the affordability of quality education at Riverside School. Many families are already struggling to meet basic needs, and this increase will force some to reconsider their children's enrolment or even withdraw them from school entirely. We have also supported every initiative the school has run with including unjustifiably priced local school trips, long lists of stationery notwithstanding the already high fees, exorbitantly priced club fees (once we have paid fees why should our kids pay extra fees to be a part of a club?)

Reasons for Opposition

• Financial Burden: The sudden increase in fees adds significant financial strain on families who may already be facing economic hardships. Education should not come at the cost of financial instability for families.
• Lack of Transparency: The decision to raise fees was made without adequate consultation or input from parents and stakeholders. We believe that such significant changes should involve community engagement and transparency.
• Impact on Student Enrollment: Higher fees could lead to decreased enrolment as families seek more affordable educational options elsewhere. This could ultimately harm the diversity and vibrancy of our school community.
• Value for Money and Quality of Education: We do not seem be getting value for money at the current fees levels especially when we have to buy stationery, pay for local trips to the airport or Heroes Acre and also not having sports fields. The fee hikes are not justified. We should not pay for the school to develop infrastructure as we are not the owners of Riverside School but we should pay to maintain the existing infrastructure. We also request transparency with regards to results. Riverside should furnish us as parents with a clear breakdown of Grade 7 results so we measure performance and make plans to support our kids in advance.
• Commitment to Accessibility: Riverside School has always prided itself on being an inclusive institution that prioritizes accessibility for all students. This fee hike contradicts that commitment and sends a message that education is a privilege rather than a right.

Our Demands

We respectfully request that the Riverside School Board:

• Reconsider the recent fee hike and explore alternative funding sources.
• Engage with parents, students, and community members in discussions about future financial decisions affecting our schools.
• Provide a detailed breakdown of how current fees are utilized and how any additional funds would be allocated.
• Set up a SDC to allow consultation between the school and parents
• Review of the extortionate school uniform prices.

Conclusion

We urge you to take our concerns seriously and act in the best interest of our students and community. Education is a fundamental right, and it is imperative that we work together to ensure it remains accessible for everyone. We therefore request an urgent EGM with the School Board within the next 14 days to discuss these and other issues, failure of which we will petition the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) to urgently intervene. We will also in the meantime refrain from honouring the fees communicated in the circular of 08 April 2025 until our issues are urgently addressed.

Sincerely,

RIVERSIDE SCHOOL PARENTS