BY INDY MAEALASIA
A group of disgruntled school principals have called on the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) to urgently reimburse travel and per diem expenses following last week’s School Principals’ Conference in Honiara.
The principals said they were forced to use personal funds to cover transportation costs after pre-arranged travel organised by the ministry was unavailable.
“What was intended to be a productive gathering has instead left many of us stranded, financially burdened and increasingly concerned about the well-being of our own families and schools,” the group said.
They stressed that the ministry had assured them that travel expenses would be refunded upon arrival in Honiara, however, no reimbursements have been made to date.
“We were assured by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) that these expenses would be refunded upon our arrival. To date, however, no refunds have been processed, leaving us in a precarious financial situation,” the group said.
On top of the travel matter, the group said they were also unexpectedly asked to pay for their own accommodation and per diem.
“We understand that there may have been shortfalls in the conference budget, but the directive for school administrations to cover some of our costs was not communicated to most of us in a timely or effective manner. This conference was not part of our individual school timelines or budgets, making it impossible for us to absorb these unforeseen expenses.”
The group demand immediate action from the ministry to settle the unacceptable situation.
“We demand prompt payment of our per diem, a swift refund of all travel expenses and immediate arrangements for our return to our respective schools. It is imperative that MEHRD demonstrates better planning and accountability in the future, ensuring that such burdens are not unfairly placed upon dedicated educators,”
Responding to Island Sun queries, MEHRD Permanent Secretary (PS) Franco Rodie in an email to senior MEHRD officers called for immediate action to resolve the principals’ problem.
Mr Rodie described it as unfortunate that the school principals have gone to the media to express their grievances, though it is their right.
He said that the matter could have been directed to them for resolution.
The school principals came to Honiara to attend the Solomon Islands Principal Conference 2025 which was held from June 25-28.
The three-day event was dubbed a success with more than 300 school leaders from across the country engaging in professional exchange, strategic reflection and leadership renewal aimed at building stronger and more resilient schools.
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