Latest news with #schoolfunding
Washington Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
Schools blame tariffs for rising costs and supply woes
School districts across the country are grappling with how to navigate President Donald Trump's tariffs, which have led to higher costs for everything from Chromebook parts to juice boxes — leaving educators worried that supply shortages may affect safety and achievement. The price hikes and uncertainty have many schools wrangling with tough questions: whether to postpone replacing laptops, how to meet federal school meal nutrition regulations with current funding and whether to cut staff in the face of rising costs.
BreakingNews.ie
26-05-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Private school bursar stole €500k to fund gambling addiction, court hears
A private school bursar who stole €500,000 to fund a gambling addiction has since sold her home and signed over her pension to pay back the institution around which her whole life revolved, a court has heard. Mary Higgins (62), with an address at Hawthorn Lawn, Castleknock, was before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Monday, where she pleaded guilty to stealing €500,000 from Mount Sackville Secondary School in Chapelizod between January 1st, 2012, and March 23rd, 2017. Advertisement The court heard that she had spent 12 years attending the school and 24 years working there. She told gardaí that she had hoped and prayed every day for 'a big win' to pay the school back, but the court heard that the hole kept getting deeper. Det Gda Brendan O'Hora testified that Higgins had controlled all aspects of cash flow in the school, was the main signatory on its bank accounts and controlled the lodgements. When cash was received in the school, it was placed in a folder for her and she decided how it was to be allocated. He explained that, while parents received receipts, there was no cash receipts book, no copy of receipts was ever kept, and there was no oversight. However, it was another employee who prepared ledger cards for each child attending the school. This employee noticed that, from time to time, they were rewritten by Ms Higgins. She also noticed that the accounts were always late and never up-to-date. Advertisement The principal was informed and, in March 2017, it was decided an auditor would be brought in to help the defendant. Higgins told the principal that she had taken cash from the school over time and used it for her gambling addiction. She said she had taken about €500,000 and that she had a property she could sell. She was so distressed that the school was concerned for her well-being and suggested she attend her GP. She was placed on administrative leave. An accountant was engaged by the school, but such was the dearth of records, that the exact amount taken or period of time concerned could not be identified with any certainty. The Director of Public Prosecutions proceeded on the basis of the defendant's own admissions. Advertisement Det Gda O'Hora said that Higgins had cooperated fully with gardaí and the forensic accountant. She had stressed she was the only person involved in the theft, and was very anxious that nobody else would be blamed. She told her interviewers that she had spent all of the money on gambling, and was able to identify money having been paid to bookies. The detective explained that she was able to hide what she'd been doing as some fees were paid in advance. She worked a year ahead so students were not affected and all children attending the school had their fees paid. She had no previous convictions and has since repaid €470,949.62. Under cross examination from Ronan Kennedy SC, defending, the detective agreed that this was an unsophisticated offence, where she was stealing cash that she was responsible for lodging into bank accounts. He accepted that she'd had unfettered access to the cash due to a lack of oversight, meaning it wasn't difficult to carry out. Advertisement Det Gda O'Hora agreed that she was in crisis and couldn't live with herself anymore and came forward to disclose her addiction and what she had done. She had attended voluntary meetings with the principal and chairperson of the board of management, who had urged her to get medical advice for her gambling disorder. Another staff member told investigators that she had always been very professional in school. She had noticed that Higgins seemed to be betting on horses in recent years, but didn't realise it was an addiction. The court heard that she was very remorseful in her interviews with gardaí. She told them that she had spent 36 years at the school, was not married, had no children and that her job was her life. Det Gda O'Hora added that her social life, too, and therefore her whole life had revolved around the school. She told them that she would hope and pray every day that she'd have a big win and pay back the money. Advertisement 'The hole just seemed to get bigger,' remarked the detective. 'I believe she showed true remorse,' he added. 'Notwithstanding what she'd done, she was a pleasure to deal with.' The court heard that she had attended the Rutland Centre for her addiction and still attends Gamblers Anonymous, where she had served as a secretary, giving her time voluntarily. She had also engaged with counsellors for personal therapy. Higgins returned to education in the eight years since the offence came to light, studying addiction and counselling so she could use her own experience to help others. She'd received a postgraduate qualification from Trinity College, and a Master's degree in counselling psychotherapy and has been providing voluntary counselling services to others. The court heard that she had sold her home and another apartment she had, and had also signed over her pension to repay the money. 'Checks have been carried out, and any properties or moneys she had has been paid over to the school,' confirmed the detective. She now lives with her 93-year-old mother and receives €260 per week in carer's allowance to provide the 24-hour care she needs. Det Gda O'Hora said that all of the money had been used to feed gambling; bank statements showed significant amounts were paid to large bookmakers, and that she had been allowed to continue to bet. Mr Kennedy asked him if she had suffered a significant fall from grace. 'Her whole life appears to have revolved around the school and she was highly regarded within that circle,' he said. 'I think she's tackled her issues head-on and has gone above and beyond in tackling her issues, in terms of what I've seen in my career,' he added. He said that she had worked hard for the school and that, while the offence had an impact on the school, losing her also had an impact. He confirmed that the school had since changed its system. 'It's a remarkably sad and tragic case,' said Mr Kennedy, explaining that she had asked him to publicly apologise to the entire school community. He said that she was from a family of four and had been born in America. Her own father had been inflicted with alcohol and gambling problems and had suffered a fatal heart attack in her presence when she was three years old. This had led to her having emotional disturbances for which her mother had sought treatment. The family moved to Ireland when she was six. Mr Kennedy said that during her time at Mount Sackville, she had overseen maintenance and capital building, with €7 million in profits reinvested into the school. Things changed in 2012 and some responsibilities were removed from her, impacting her self-esteem. She found herself having more time on her hands and, with no hobbies, she engaged in the secretive activity of gambling. He said that studying formula and bets became all-consuming. 'She was living a double life,' he said. He noted that there was a shortfall of €29,000 in what she had repaid, but said that she was committed to paying it back if made a condition of her sentence. It would take time, however, as her only source of income is now carer's allowance. Counsel handed in several testimonials from current and former staff at the school, including a former principal and deputy principal. Letters from family members were also handed in, including from her elderly mother, who spoke of her unwavering love and support to her and her regret that she didn't see the signs of gambling. Ireland Woman (29) jailed for setting her neighbour's car... Read More Her brother, who had travelled from New York for the court case, wrote of how 'gambling has destroyed a life so well lived in kindness'. 'She recognises the gravity of what she has done,' said Mr Kennedy, asking for leniency. 'She's already lost her job in a very public fall from grace and has hit every branch on the way down.' Judge Orla Crowe asked why the matter had only now come forward, and was told that this was due to the length of time it took to complete the forensic accountant's report. She said she would give her decision on June 19th.
ABC News
26-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
The public schools still waiting for better funding
Victoria is known as the 'Education State', with a vision to 'deliver excellence in every classroom'. But the Victorian government has quietly delayed public school funding reforms by three years — a move that will cost students more than $2 billion. Norman Hermant reports.
Khaleej Times
26-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: School trips for Dh13,000? Why some educators support costly overseas travel
With the academic year nearing its end, many UAE schools are already planning ahead for 2025–26 — and international school trips are making a strong comeback. However, not all parents are on board, especially as prices for these trips can climb up to Dh13,000. Several schools have already started sending out circulars and organising presentations for interested parents, with some even asking for deposits months in advance. While some parents welcome the opportunity for students to gain international exposure, others are questioning whether these trips are necessary or even fair. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Funding expectations Dubai-based American expat Natalia Miranda is among the parents voicing concerns. 'I'm not in favour of these trips,' she told Khaleej Times. 'In the US, students usually don't go on international trips unless they're at least 16. These trips go against our family values. On top of already high school fees, we're expected to cover costs for extracurriculars, local trips, costume days — and now this?' Miranda also highlighted the peer pressure these trips create. "Children discuss them at school, and when they come home, parents are left having to explain why it's okay not to participate. What suits one family may not suit another. For us, skiing in Switzerland or going on a mission trip to Sri Lanka just isn't realistic. I'd rather take my child to Kerala and support local causes.' She also pointed out a cultural gap in funding expectations. 'In the US, students raise money through bake sales or car washes. Here, parents just foot the bill. That removes an important learning experience around budgeting and value.' Opportunity for learning On the other hand, French expat, Christine Quartier La Tente, a mother of one, can be be truly transformative. She shared that her daughter, Daria, went on a school trip to Japan last year, which cost the family Dh13,000 — an expense she described as well worth it. "She came back more independent, confident, and curious. She and her friend even went grocery shopping on their own. more in a week than they could have in a semester," Christine said. Christine emphasised the lasting impact of the experience. She noted that these trips are more than just travel — they're an opportunity for children to step out of their comfort zones, safely. 'My daughter is in secondary school and she returned with a new perspective. As parents, we were proud to see her manage on her it was time management or budget," she shared. Effective learning tool Educators also support the idea of international travel as a learning tool — particularly from Grade 6 and up. 'Overseas trips offer more than just sightseeing. They help children expand their worldview. It's an immersive experience that combines learning, teamwork, time management, and cultural exchange," said Abhilasha Singh, principal at Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi. "It teaches empathy and independence, skills that are hard to build in the classroom alone," she added. She acknowledged the financial burden but added that schools try to help. 'We try to arrange sponsorships where possible, especially for mission trips or competitions. In fact, one of our teacher's spouses recently helped us arrange funding for a group trip.' Carefully-chosen trips Colin Gerrie, principal of Uptown International School, echoed these views, saying trips are carefully chosen to align with academic goals. "While we strive to offer unique and diverse experiences, we ensure that all activities are directly tied to learning goals, whether they are local or international," Colin said. 'Our guiding principle is to enhance students' understanding of specific subjects through hands-on and personal experiences that deepen their academic, cultural, and social knowledge," said Colin. "We believe that each trip must have a clear, measurable educational purpose, and we work diligently to avoid decisions based solely on prestige or perception," he added. He noted that each trip is thoroughly reviewed at the end of the year to assess its impact and value.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Students stage walkout at Forest Lake High over club cut proposal
Students at Forest Lake High School staged a walkout on Friday in protest to planned district cuts to non-school-sponsored clubs. The walkout happened around 1 p.m., with hundreds of students exiting school buildings, before rallying on the overpass over Highway 61. It comes as the Forest Lake School Board discusses a new policy that would cut funding and staff support for student interest groups at middle schools and high schools unless they are either tied to curriculum or Minnesota State High School League activities. As has been previously reported by the Forest Lake Times, this has sparked concern that it would lead to the closure of a number of current student groups, including those that cater for students with disabilities and minority groups such as Hmong club and the Black, Indigenous, People of Color group. Speaking to KSTP, school board chairman Curt Rebelein said that if the policy passes, the groups may have to go through an annual application process and have a non-paid staff member to supervise, claiming that making this change would align the district with state and federal recommendations. But a parent told KARE 11 that there are middle school groups at surrounding school districts that operate with support, expressing skepticism over the argument that making the change would align with state and federal policies. In a memo to parents this week, the school said that students who choose to leave the building would be marked as unexcused for the time missed. "While we support our students' right to express themselves, it's important to note: The proposed walkout is not sponsored or endorsed by Forest Lake Area High School, Community School, Middle School or the Forest Lake Area School District," the memo said. "If you do hear from your student during the day, we encourage you to remind them of the potential academic and attendance consequences of walking out. Please encourage them to remain in class, stay focused, and finish the school day strong. Your guidance in the moment can make a real difference," it added. "We recognize that this may come as a surprise and that many families may not have the chance to discuss it with their student in advance. Our staff will continue to support all students throughout the day and encourage them to stay engaged in class." A vote on the changes is expected sometime next month.
