Parent Teacher
Association 7 March 2015 2.30pm
This is part 3 of our AGM series – USUL- USUL
MATTERS ARISING
Our previous article provided some brief information on
accounts (part1) and election process (part 2)
This article we will discuss the type of issues which
you can raise during PIBG AGM. We will
start with some basic FAQ again
1.
Must we submit our Penyataan Usul by
the stipulated date which is 27 February 2015 – In theory , any members can ask
any question on the day but the Chairman has the right to reject the question
unless the question has already been recorded as a question/issue on the
Agenda. The current AJK (committee) is supposed to vet all the incoming USUL
and make a list for discussions . Given the limited time on the day, it is most
unlikely that all will be discussed . Those which have not been discussed will
be referred to the AJK for deliberation.
If
a member wants to raise an USUL
which is not on the agenda and the Chairman refuses to accept the USUL,
the only way to force the issue is to get a vote from the floor to override the
Chairman’s ruling .
2.
Are members entitled to raise any
USUL regarding their children ?- PIBG has
very limited functions and powers and these functions must be clearly
separated from the Administrative powers of the School . Please refer to our
first article on the objectives of PIBG – it
is not a forum for parents to settle any disagreement with the school
teaching staff or administrator . All issues relating to teachers’ conduct,
children’s discipline , quality of teaching , method of delivery should be
referred directly to the school or if necessary to the district office (PPD) or
the state education department (JPS).
3.
What USUL –USUL are relevant ? The
single most important function of PIBG is to empower or provide a conduit for
the school administrator to raise funds for the benefit of the children. In
this respect PIBG will need to approve all fee-paying activities to be
conducted by the school such as co-curriculum activities or any fund raising
projects in order to improve the
physical infrastructure or human
resources of the school. All issues
relating to the expenditure of these funds are relevant topics for AGM
discussion .
Please find attached PPD’s response
in relation to tuition and other fee paying classes “ attach PPD ‘s reply “ 1. Segala aktiviti yang berkaitan dengan kutipan dan pembayaran kelas tambahan sekolah perlu mandat dari ibubapa melalui mesyuarat Agong 2015 (semasa) dan mendapat persetujuan Guru Besar."
The rational of this requirement is
simple- Fully aided SJKC schools such as LH is supposed to be “ free” since the
teachers , administrative and support staff (cleaners, guards etc) are fully paid by the government and the
school receives a capital grant (per pupil of around RM125 a year) to cover the
operating expenses. If a school requires additional funds from parents , it is
only natural that parents must give their consent for any fund raising
activities.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF
PAST USUL-USUL
1.
Lack of financial transparency in PIBG accounts –This has been by far the
most contentious issue/ dispute in the past
PIBG meetings . Unfortunately ,
AGM is the only venue where you can raise this issue, so the only way for
members to ask financial questions is
during AGM. Please attend and ask the questions you have been dying to ask !!
2.
Why is there no water dispenser for
children? -This topic had been raised on many occasions since 2012,
unfortunately since this solely relates
to children welfare , it has been very difficult to obtain unanimous approval
from the school administrator . During 2014, YDP did extensive research
and obtained vendors to quote on the
supply of 5 water dispensers at the rate
of 130 per unit per month, inclusive of maintenance and parts ( the dispenser
can provide 44L per hour or around 200 L for 5 units ) but it ran into
opposition because some teachers felt it was not the function of the school to
provide drinking water for the children and the inability of the AJK to allocate funding .
By way of further information, the water filtration system for the staff
room is paid by PIBG and teachers’
children have access to the water source.
3.
Why can’t we provide air-conditioning
for afternoon tuition classes?
Existing infrastructure cannot support the load of the additional power
consumption. Some Teachers also commented it is not necessary as the cooler
environment may cause the children to snooze in class!!
4.
Why are the school bags so heavy?
–This has been an on –going issue partly contributed by additional books for
tuition classes as well as lack of planning and coordination of teachers and school administrators on what to
bring to school. Anyway , this has been partly resolved now that it is a single
session school where children can leave part of the books in class even though it is not very secure .
5.
Why are the toilets so poorly
maintained? –poor flushing system, the need to educate on toilet etiquettes, more
inspection, cleaning and supervision.
6.
The canteen food is greasy and
unhealthy, too much junk food, cases of food poisoning –parents need to constantly check on the
quality of food and provide “FEEDBACK”
7.
Poor traffic management –Volunteers
needed to help with the traffic flow . In 2013 , PIBG started to employ Rela
but it was strongly opposed by teachers AJK because it cost too much and it
affected/duplicated the performance of
the guards employed by the school.
8.
Poor ground and building maintenance
–This is the function of the Board of Governors but PIBG do from time to time
raise funds for BOG . Recently there were accidents involving children falling
on sharp and uneven surfaces and thus suffering cuts and bruises. During the
first few days of school, several classes had power cut. Parents have also
complained of broken doors, light fittings and fans in poor condition and the
list goes on ….
Next Episode- Activities undertaken by Parents
Parents
Academic Research Team
