WA public schools: Dozens resort to debt collectors to recover millions of dollars in unpaid school fees

Dozens of WA public schools have called in debt collectors to chase parents for more than $3 million in unpaid school fees in the past two years. Figures obtained from the Department of Education show that 39 schools engaged debt collection agencies to claw back $1.9m last year. In 2023, 37 schools hired debt collectors to recover $1.5m. The data comes as schools are sending out warnings about this year’s fees, prompting complaints on social media from some parents that fee reminders may be misleading if they don’t distinguish between voluntary and compulsory charges. Public schools can’t insist that parents pay voluntary contributions — which are capped at $60 for primary school and $235 for secondary school up to Year 10. But they do set compulsory charges of up to $500 for specialist programs such as sport or music in lower secondary school, or between $30 and $100 for elective subjects such as photography or outdoor education. Year 11 and 12 courses each incur mandatory fees of around $200 each, depending on the school. Parents are also asked to pay for “voluntary approved requests,” such as printing or student services, and for optional activities such as camps. Mum of two high school students Gabby Nuich revealed on social media she felt pressured to pay voluntary fees quicker than was comfortable after getting a reminder from their southern suburbs school to “please settle any unpaid items” or it would “refer the outstanding balance to a debt collection agency.” Ms Nuich said she paid all compulsory charges at the start of the year, but had still been saving to cover the voluntary fees. She was concerned the letter’s wording did not differentiate between voluntary and compulsory fees and its threatening tone could add to parents’ stress. “I’m sure many parents like me have just paid it in a panic to ensure they aren’t getting referred to debt collection agencies,” she said. “My issue is with the system, not with the schools. I think we all agree kids should have access to free education ... and if schools are having to resort to these kinds of letters, they’re not getting funded as much as they should be.” Other schools have issued similar warnings. In a recent newsletter, Applecross Senior High School urged parents to finalise fees, adding “please be reminded that debt collectors are used for all outstanding school charges.” Pania Turner, president of WA Council of State School Organisations which represents public school parents, said debt collection was an “extreme option” which she hoped was used only as a last resort. “It is important that letters are not misleading and schools are very clear about what charges are compulsory and what are not,” she said. “We know that families are doing it tough, so we would hope the Department of Education would be very thorough in the way any communication refers to debt collection, to make sure it’s transparent and accurate.” WA Secondary School Executives Association president Melissa Gillett said parents should check all communications to be aware of the difference between the way compulsory charges and voluntary contributions were handled. “The frustration kicks in where a parent will pay out $1000 for their kid for their Year 12 ball, but not pay their fees,” she said. Education Department deputy director-general for education business services Jen McGrath noted voluntary contributions towards the cost of materials, services and facilities had been capped at the same level for 25 years. “Schools ensure optional charges are kept to a minimum and that a no-cost option can be provided to students for compulsory programs to ensure students have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their family financial circumstances,” she said. “In many cases, additional school activities such as camps, excursions, swimming lessons or social outings are subsidised by schools to reduce the cost for families. “For any family that is experiencing financial hardship, I strongly encourage them to have a confidential conversation with their school principal about the range of support that is available, so their child has what they need throughout their schooling years.” The department was unable to provide a list of schools using debt collectors, or amounts owed by families. Education Minister Sabine Winton was asked for comment, but a response was provided instead by a State Government spokesperson. It said the Cook Government had a strong record of providing cost-of-living relief to families of school-aged children, including the recent distribution of $81.4 million to more than 424,000 students for school-related expenses.