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Petition for Equal Pay for Principals and Headteachers

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Petition for Equitable Compensation for Primary School Headteachers

We, the undersigned, write to address the inequitable treatment of primary school Headteachers compared to secondary school principals. This disparity, which exists in salary scales, allowances, and overall recognition of our work, demands immediate attention and rectification by the Ministry of Education.

*Current Disparities*
Presently, primary school Headteachers are placed on the K-36 salary scale, while secondary school principals are on the K-41 scale. Although Headteachers with a bachelor's degree are classified as Trained Graduates and placed on the K-40 scale, the reliance on possessing a bachelor’s degree as the primary benchmark for salary is inherently unfair. Many of us hold advanced degrees, including Master’s degrees, yet we remain undercompensated compared to secondary school principals.

*Need for Equitable Compensation*
While we strive to professionalize the teaching fraternity, it must begin with fair compensation. Primary school Headteachers, despite our qualifications and dedication, are not afforded the same recognition in salary and allowances as our secondary school counterparts.

*Travel and Responsibility Allowances*
In addition to salary, travel allowances further highlight the disparity. Primary school Headteachers receive $350, while secondary school principals receive $400. Furthermore, secondary school principals benefit from responsibility pay, which we, as Headteachers, do not receive. This is despite the fact that secondary principals often have multiple secretaries, deputies, and form supervisors, while we manage our schools with far fewer resources.

*Financial Implications*
The additional cost of rectifying this disparity is modest. Moving each of the sixteen primary school Headteachers to the K-41 scale would cost the Ministry only $5,216 monthly or $62,592 annually. Including responsibility pay and an increase in travel allowance would add an additional $3,200 monthly, resulting in a total increase of $100,992 annually—a small investment relative to the Ministry of Education’s overall budget.

*Call for Action*
We urge the Ministry to take the necessary steps to ensure that primary school Headteachers receive fair compensation in line with our secondary school counterparts. The current title of "Headteacher" should be upgraded to "Principal," and this change must be reflected in salary and allowances. We work just as hard, and in many cases, manage greater challenges with fewer resources. It is only fair that our compensation matches our responsibilities and qualifications.

By signing this petition, we call on the Ministry of Education to address this longstanding issue and provide primary school Headteachers with the respect, recognition, and compensation we deserve.

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