Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
In Aruba, the school financing system is centralised. The Ministry of Education sets the policy and allocates public funds, with the Department of Education administering budgets for all publicly subsidised schools. School boards, which manage both public and publicly funded special schools (bijzonder onderwijs), submit annual budget requests with detailed forecasts to the Minister, who reviews and approves reimbursements for costs like salaries, facilities, and materials. The Ministry oversees compliance and performance through regular monitoring, ensuring that funding flows from the central government directly to the schools via the school boards, which are responsible for local financial management and reporting.
Primary education financing is governed by the Basic Education Act of 1989 (Landsverordening basisonderwijs), which was amended in 2009. Secondary education financing is regulated by the National Ordinance for Secondary Education (Landsverordening voortgezet onderwijs). Both frameworks provide for the funding of bijzonder onderwijs (special or independent schools) from public funds through a system of cost reimbursement by the government.
The National 2019 Education Policy, Aruba 2030, also emphasises the need to establish clear and transparent systems of school funding to ensure efficiency and equity in resource allocation.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Due to its small size and centralised governance structure, Aruba does not have subnational governments.
2. Education resources to schools
Funds are allocated by the Ministry of Education directly to school boards, which are responsible for administering both public and subsidised schools. Allocation takes into account factors such as student enrolment and the type of education provided; however, there are no targeted funding formulas or initiatives specifically designed to address equity in schools.
To receive funding, school boards must submit a detailed request to the Minister each year. This request should outline the expected needs for the upcoming financial period, provide a forecast of student enrolment, and include a provisional budget. Standard amounts are used to determine the operating subsidy for the benefit of the school boards. For certain operating costs, such as teaching materials, a standard amount per pupil is applied, while for other costs, such as maintenance, a standard amount per type of classroom is used. Schools may also indicate if additional funds are required.
3. Education resources to students and families
No information was found on education resources to students and families provided by the Department of Education.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Cash Assistance: Education Allowance and School Supplies Allowance
Aruba’s Social Affairs Department provides a cash assistance benefit to families under Ordenansa Nacional (Landsverordering Maatschappelijke Zorg) AB 1989 no. GT 27 and the Decreto Nacional (Landsbesluit Bijstandsverlening) AB 1988 no. 88. The cash assistance programme is available to persons aged 17 or older who are registered as unemployed, persons with disabilities aged 17 to retirement age who are unable to work, and certain other vulnerable persons. They must have been born in Aruba or be a citizen of the Netherlands and have continuously resided in Aruba for at least three years before the claim is made. For families with children, the programme includes an education allowance for children from preschool age through young adulthood to support costs associated with schooling and learning. The programme also provides a school supplies allowance to help ensure children have the materials they need to participate fully in school.
5. School meal programmes
Aruba does not have a government-funded or led school meal programme.
