Stricter rules for private school companies

Source: Dagens Nyheter

Instances of financial irregularities and mismanagement in private schools have raised concerns and prompted criticism. Some school owners have faced questioning, permit revocations, and even court convictions for financial crimes. Examples include large profit distributions to owners, misuse of school funds for unrelated activities, and even bankruptcy of private school companies.

In response to these issues, the Minister of Education has unveiled new directives aimed at tightening regulations for private school companies. While a previous investigation to ban profit withdrawals was put on hold, the recently announced directives signify a fresh inquiry.

Under the new directives, there will not be a general ban on profit withdrawals. Instead, the focus is on restricting profit distribution during the initial years after establishing or changing ownership of a private school. Stricter ownership assessments and financial requirements are also being proposed, with potential penalties for owners who commit crimes or misuse school funds.

Additionally, regulations for large school corporations are set to be tightened. The Tidö parties, involved in the agreement, emphasize the need for individual school units to have their own principals. This move aims to enhance transparency and prevent school funds from being transferred within corporate entities. The aim is to uphold high standards of education and protect the interests of students and the broader community.