WILLEMSTAD - The Public Schools Service (DOS) must become more independent, say the Curacao and Dutch education inspectorates, according to the baseline measurement offered in Parliament.
The main reason why DOS should become more independent is because the service now falls directly under the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (OWCS). This can lead to unequal treatment compared to other school boards, also to the detriment of DOS.
It can be concluded from the baseline measurement that the Minister of OWCS has too much influence in the current situation. This can be at the expense of the quality of education and the working conditions of teachers. For example, the minister can decide to spend funds that were intended for DOS on another purpose.
The current situation in which DOS finds itself mainly affects financial matters and personal situations where it is not always possible to act decisively. Decisions taken by DOS must be approved by several parties involved.
According to the baseline measurement, the intention to privatize and reorganize DOS has been there for several years. There does not seem to be any resistance to this from teachers and trade unions.
The compilers of the baseline measurement say that if DOS cannot become independent in the short term, the management should be given power of attorney with regard to the planning of educational facilities and personnel-oriented and financial resources.