The District Education Officer (DEO) of Farmington, Joe Flomo, has levied a fine of L$150,000 on the Laying Kids Foundation School for overcharging parents for graduation fees, in direct violation of the Ministry of Education’s national policy.
According to the Ministry’s guidelines, graduation fees are strictly capped to ease financial burdens on families. For kindergarten (K2), private schools are allowed to charge no more than L$5,000; grades 6 and 9, when considered terminal classes, are limited to L$6,000; and Grade 12 fees at private or faith-based institutions should not exceed US$100.
However, DEO Flomo revealed that Laying Kids Foundation School charged parents up to US$85 per student in a class that should have cost no more than L$3,500, sparking widespread concern. “I fined the Laying Kids Foundation School for violating the ministry’s policy and said money will be deposited in the LRA account,” Mr. Flomo stated. “Our boss, Madam Jarso M. Jallah, is fully committed to protecting parents from unjust financial practices, especially given the current economic challenges.”
The school administration has admitted to the violation but claims it was unaware of the updated policy, despite repeated radio broadcasts by the DEO’s office in the county. In response, the administration has issued an apology to the Ministry of Education, pledged to refund the overcharged fees to parents, and appealed for the fine to be waived.
While the ministry has yet to respond to the appeal, parents across the Farmington District have praised DEO Flomo for his diligence and unwavering commitment to enforcing educational standards. “This is the kind of leadership we need,” said a local parent. “Someone who is not afraid to stand up for us and ensure fairness.”
Mr. Flomo has also issued a stern warning to other schools in the district, urging them to strictly adhere to Ministry policies or face similar penalties.
