Minister of National Education warns private schools against exorbitant prices: 'It could lead to closure'

Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin spoke about private school fees, which have come to the fore due to reactions from parents. Stating that more than 700 investigations have been opened into private schools, Tekin noted that an abnormality was detected in the prices of 22 schools. Expressing that the investigations are ongoing, Tekin stated that they have issued warnings twice so far and that after the 3rd warning, the schools will face closure penalties.

Issuing a 'final' warning to private schools, Minister Tekin provided information that over 700 investigations are being conducted into 12,000 private schools. Explaining that 'remarkably' high prices have been detected in 22 schools so far within the scope of the investigations, Tekin stated that if the prices remain high, the schools in question will face closure penalties.

Stating that schools following high-price policies have been warned twice so far, Tekin said, 'If there is a 3rd warning, there is a penal situation that could go as far as closure.' The Minister of National Education warned private schools, saying, 'It could lead to closure.'

Tekin announced that 12,000 private schools were inspected within the scope of the opened investigations and reported the following:

''There is no such demand in the others. However, the fact that these 22 schools follow such a path disturbs other institutions. Those private schools of ours are also open to cooperating with us. If both our parents and our private schools cooperate with us and share these types of unlawful practices with us, we will do what is necessary.

If there is a 3rd warning, there is a penal situation that could go as far as closure. Therefore, private schools are also acting sensitively on this issue. If there are those who abuse our sensitivities, we will apply the necessary sanctions.''

TEKIN HAD WARNED BEFORE

Issues such as exorbitant price practices in private schools, violations of teachers' personal rights, and demands for off-the-record fees had previously come to Minister Tekin's agenda. Stating that such practices harm the education sector, Tekin called for cooperation with the schools.

Minister Tekin, who previously emphasized that 'serious steps will be taken' regarding the practices of private schools, noted the following in his warning:

'Let us carry out this process together. Either solve these kinds of bad examples within yourselves or send them to us, and we will do what is necessary. Working together is only possible this way. As long as you do not do it, we will. Our sanction power includes both penal measures and measures that go as far as closure. We will not hesitate. Because here, situations that are problematic for the principles of the rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms are emerging. Our duty is to eliminate these problems.'

Minister Tekin stated that private schools must provide their teachers with the personal rights they deserve. He also emphasized that it is unacceptable to demand off-the-record fees from parents.

News Source: 12punto