National Norms and Standards for School Funding

Summary

This 2004 document from the South African Department of Education outlines proposed amendments to the National Norms and Standards for School Funding. It introduces a pro-poor funding model designed to eliminate financial barriers to education by designating the poorest schools as "no fee" institutions. Under these guidelines, the government establishes an adequacy benchmark to ensure that state allocations cover essential non-personnel costs like textbooks and electricity. The text also details a refined fee exemption system to protect low-income families whose children attend schools that still charge tuition. Additionally, it provides technical formulas and national quintile targets to ensure equitable resource distribution across all provinces. These changes aim to redress historical inequities and empower school governing bodies to manage their resources more effectively.