'DSS school fee rises to help with resources'

An education representative said amid growing operating costs and evolving teaching needs, higher fees are needed at the city's direct subsidy schools to supplement their resources. Dion Chen, vice-chairman of the Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) Schools Council, made the remarks after about 50 DSS schools raised fees by between 1.9 percent and 25 percent in the new academic year. Speaking on RTHK, he said schools look at a range of factors when deciding on fees, including operating costs, inflation and new teaching strategies. He noted that many are also investing more in areas such as AI and STEM, given rapid technological change. And because of government funding cuts, Chen said schools are exploring different ways to supplement their resources. "Last year, the Education Bureau announced that funding would be cut for three consecutive school years. So these schools have to carefully consider whether they need to find other ways to supplement their current resources," he said. Chen said allowing DSS schools to admit more non-local students on a self-financing basis could help ease some of their financial pressure. Edited by Edmond Fong