San Juan, Jul 23 (IANS/EFE): Jamaica's education ministry will close 18 schools prior to the start of the 2015-2016 academic year in a cost-cutting measure, an official said on Thursday.
Of around 200 public elementary schools with 100 students or less, 18 will not open their doors this coming year, which begins on September 7.
Average per-capita spending on elementary-level students amounts to around $750, with many of the low-enrollment schools costing twice as much to operate, the Jamaica Observer reported on Wednesday, citing Education Minister Ronald Thwaites' testimony to parliament this week.
The measure is expected to save $196,200 and the process of transferring students will be carried out with community support, Thwaites said.