School Managers Warned: Spend Wisely

School managements across the country have been put on notice: every cent of Government funding must be spent wisely - and will be closely scrutinised.

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro delivered a clear warning as sweeping reforms to school funding were unveiled under the 2025-2026 National Budget.

Mr Radrodro's comments follow a major budget announcement by Finance Minister Biman Prasad, who confirmed the Government would now give school management full flexibility in how they use the free education grant.

"Let me be clear: With this freedom comes responsibility," Mr Radrodro said.

"My ministry will ensure every dollar achieves its purpose through strong accountability frameworks, clear spending policy and guidelines and regular performance audits."

He added that the new model reflected true autonomy in the education sector.

"This is true educational autonomy, empowered leadership backed by systems that ensure quality outcomes," Mr Radrodro said.

Previously; strict rules limited how much could be allocated to different areas - for example, no more than 20 per cent for building maintenance or 15 per cent for IT.

Those restrictions are now being removed.

"Schools will be empowered to decide how best to use the grant. For instance, they may choose to use 90 per cent for school expansion or allocate none for maintenance if there is no immediate need," Mr Prasad said.

The Finance Minister said the reforms followed widespread consultation with school committees and heads, and were designed to empower those best placed to make decisions on the ground.

"School management will have the full freedom to plan their spending, save funds, or even borrow against the grant for major investments," he said.

"We are placing the trust in our school heads and leaders of our school management committees because they are best positioned to understand and respond to the needs that will drive better teaching and learning outcomes."

A total of $65 million has been allocated for the Free Education Grant, which would benefit more than 225,000 students across Fiji. Another key change is the lifting restrictions on school fundraising.

"We will also remove the current restriction that limits school fundraising to once per year and that too, with the approval of the Government," Mr Prasad said.

"Fundraising will now be open and flexible, but voluntary."

He said the Government aimed to rebuild strong school-community partnerships.

"We believe restoring this partnership will promote a deeper sense of ownership and engagement in the education of our children."

While the reforms hand power to school heads and committees, the Education Ministry made it clear - accountability would be enforced.

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