The basis of the proposed new arrangements is that the present subsidy system for the English-speaking schools, based on the Code of Aid approved by the Governor in Council in 1973, should be replaced by a grant calculated on the basis of the notional subsidy per place payable to standard size aided Anglo-Chinese secondary and primary schools, thus making the principle parity of subsidy more evident. The balance of the cost of running the schools would be met from fees.
8
The grant per pupil on this basis has been calculated at $4, 181 for secondary schools and $1, 636 for primary schools. Two particular points in the calculation of these figures require comment. First, the salary element in the calculation has been based on the maximum point of the salary scales, rather than on the mid-point; this is because a large proportion of staff of the ESF schools, in common with those of a number of other long- established aided schools are on salaries which are close to the maximum and it is considered more equitable to base the grant on the maximum salary element in the Code of Aid, rather than on an unrealistic mid-point calculation. There is in any case a potential commitment for all salaries to reach maximum in every aided school. Secondly, the calculation is based on 85% enrolment, although the Code of Aid provides for grants to be reduced if enrolment falls below 90%. The reason for this is the much
in the numbers of pupils attending English- speaking schools than is usual in other public sector schools. Because of the very small total number of children involved,
greater fluctuation o
the arrival of quite small numbers of expatriate families (such as has happened recently in connection with the Mass Transit Railway development and the expansion of the ICAC) can have a quite significant effect on enrolment in percentage terms. It is therefore considered reasonable to allow for a larger proportion of empty places than is normal in Anglo-Chinese schools, It is noteworthy that the payment of full grant on 85% enrolment has hitherto been allowed for New Territories schools.
9
A further point to be noted is that the grant for primary schools has been adjusted to take into account the need to provide special education for slow learners; provision is included for 2 special classes in a notional 24 classroom school which is somewhat less than the 10% planning ratio adopted in the Rehabilitation Programme Plan. It has not yet been possible to calculate this demand for secondary schools, but this will be done in future years. The effect will be to increase slightly the grant per pupil.
CONFIDENTIAL
機密
C.S. 166
CONFIDENTIAL *****
XCC(78)94
10
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.