THE Ministry of Education, Youth and Information on Monday denied reports that there is a shortage of funds to pay teachers or non-academic employees.

In a release, the ministry said contrary to reports in “sections of the media”, there is no shortage.

“A total of $1.5 billion is to be paid to bursar-paid institutions to cover salaries for July,” the ministry said. “All temporary teachers and other staff members will also be paid based on their contractual arrangements.”

According to the ministry, an additional $526 million has been approved in the budget for temporary teachers, literacy and numeracy specialists, special education teachers, student support coaches, and other employees who assist in administration.

It takes at least two months for the processing of new teachers in the system, the ministry noted, adding that, at this time of the year, no new set of teachers would have been engaged.

The ministry said it is in the process of collecting locum tenens information for bursar-paid schools so these can be processed.

“Schools are also encouraged to submit any issues or concerns they may have regarding salaries to their regional directors so these can be addressed,” the release said.

The ministry said it will provide approval by the end of July for schools to employ replacement teachers and also temporary arrangements where there is a need for principals.

“We are confident that the ministry is on good financial standing as it relates to support for our schools and this positive trend will continue,” the release said.