Another school year, 1994/95, is beginning in schools in a gloomy mood. This is due to the extremely difficult financial situation in which education finds itself. The well-known saying that a lack of money is not shameful but troublesome fits the current situation of schools very well.
Primary schools are in a somewhat better financial situation, while secondary schools are beginning the school year with zero funds in their accounts for material expenses. Many schools are behind on payments for electricity, telephone services and heating fuel. There is no money for office supplies or cleaning products.
During the holidays, schools had no money to refurbish classrooms, carry out basic repairs or implement the recommendations of the Labour Inspectorate, Sanitary Inspectorate, and others. In June this year, school principals received a letter from the Education Board indicating what funds would not be available for. Point 7 of the recommendations specifies:
There are no additional funds to cover the costs of:
1. Purchasing and equipping school premises; 2. Supplementing teaching aids and equipment; 3. There are also no additional funds to implement orders from the National Labour Inspectorate, the Sanitary Inspectorate or the Fire Service. It is a misunderstanding to send copies of these recommendations and orders to the Education Board in the belief that it is the duty of the Education Board to provide additional funds for this purpose."
So much for the excerpt from the Education Board's letter. The only question is: where are school principals supposed to obtain funds for this purpose? They are left with no choice but to pay the fine out of their own money and wait for the next one. The finances of Parents' Councils are also running out, and they too are limited in the current situation. There was once a widely publicized press campaign entitled "Who Will Help the Polish School?" On the threshold of the new school year, this question remains as relevant as ever.