AFTER days of uncertainty during which parents were told that Promise Learning Centre, which caters to children with autism and learning disabilities, could be shuttered there has come good news that classes will resume today.

Administrators of the school had initially announced that it could not remain operational because the Ministry of Education has failed to pay over millions of dollars in school fees.

But the Jamaica Observer has confirmed that the ministry has now paid over all the money that it had committed as scheduled and, in a meeting last Thursday, parents were told that their children should return to classes today for the start of the new school term.

In a December 30 letter to parents, the administrators of the school indicated that it would not reopen as scheduled, and placed the blame at the feet of the education ministry.

“Failure to fulfil their contracted obligation has left our hard-working and dedicated teachers and staff without a salary, bonus, nor incentives for the entire Christmas season. No form of effective communication nor update has been issued by the ministry, leaving us blind and in constant waiting.

“Furthermore, this recurrent issue with the ministry has left us with overdue taxes and unpaid utility and maintenance bills that will directly affect the learning experience for your child. In addition to our unpaid bills, we are now tasked with hiring new members of staff to replace members who were no longer able to endure the conditions that the ministry has placed us in,” said the administrators in the letter.

But the education ministry was quick to respond as it denied not paying the school fees as committed.

In a release over the signature of its Permanent Secretary Dr Kasan Troupe, the ministry pointed out that it had paid more than $10 million to the school for school fees for the students and was on the verge of making a further $5 million in payments.

“At the beginning of the academic year the [ministry] gave funding commitment for 69 students. During the academic year, based on requests from parents, the number of students increased to 77, and then to 80 students. The 80 students represent 74 per cent of total enrolment at Promise Learning Centre.

“The ministry estimated the sponsorship for the 80 students at the full cost of $330,000 per student, or a total of $26,400,000 for academic year 2023-2024.

“As per agreement with the Promise Learning Centre, this sum of $26,400,000 would be paid in four tranches, consistent with the funding arrangements for the public schools. The first tranche of 30 per cent due in June 2023, amounting to $6,831,000, was paid covering 69 students — based on the initial enrolment figures,” said Troupe.

“The second tranche of 15 per cent, due in September 2023 of $3,415,500 for 69 students, has also been paid. The third tranche of 20 per cent was due in December 2023, amounting to $5,083,000.90 plus funding for the amount owing for the verified enrolment that was done in October 2023, reflecting an increase in numbers to 77 students from 69. This represented an additional $1,188,000.

“These payments have been processed and should be reflected in the school’s account by January 3, 2024. The fourth tranche of 35 per cent is due in April 2024,” added Troupe.

In clarifying its payment arrangements with Promise Learning Centre Troupe noted that the special education school has 108 students enrolled.

She explained that the enrolment figures will change during the course of the year as parents request additional support for their children with special needs.

“The ministry therefore increases its allocations to the school based on the updated numbers. We are committed to ensuring that each child gets the needed support,” said Troupe.

She underscored that there has been, and continues to be, ongoing dialogue and an open line of communication with the school through the Special Education Unit at the ministry, which provides immediate supervision of the school.