The president of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ) is accusing some schools of exploiting parents with exorbitant graduation, registration, and summer school fees and is urging the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information to establish guidelines to curb what government-funded institutions can charge.

Stewart Jacobs said many families, already grappling with the rising cost of living, are finding it increasingly difficult to meet back-to-school expenses.

“There is a clear increase in the cost of living. Parents are looking at things that are necessary, and they don’t want to pay for the expensive items. They do want the graduation, but they can’t afford the exorbitant fees,” Jacobs told The Gleaner.