PINS opts for white knight solution

PHUKET: The Board of Directors of the Phuket International School (PINS) has decided to invite US-based Quality Schools International (QSI) to assume operation of the cash-strapped school. Although the decision was up to the directors, parents were asked for their opinions on five options. These were: – To affiliate with QSI; – To remain independent but raise fees to a realistic level; – To sell the school to a Thai buyer; – To offer a special share subscription, allowing the school to continue to operate at a deficit, and giving it time to recruit more local Thai students; – To close the school in June. Of the 70% of parents who voted, 62% voted for the QSI option, while a further 23% voted for QSI as their second choice. PINS’ Board of Directors has already invited QSI to assume responsibility for the school and, according to Ronald Brown, the school’s Director, QSI will give PINS an answer before May 9. Once a positive response is received, a non-profit foundation will be established. PINS will close on June 30, and QSI of Phuket will open on July 1. Not everyone is happy with the idea. In particular, some parents have expressed concern over the much higher QSI fees. To counter these worries, Mr Brown explained, QSI will exempt parents of students already enrolled at PINS from paying the registration fee. In addition, financial aid in the form of QSI Scholarships will be provided for those families who can demonstrate beyond doubt that they cannot afford the full fees.