The Directorate of Upper Secondary and Higher Education of the state of Veracruz initiated administrative proceedings against staff members at the Constitución and Unidad y Trabajo high schools in Xalapa after fee collections were documented as a condition for student enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year.
The head of the agency, David Jiménez Rojas, reported that staff from the Directorate visited both schools to conduct audits and prepare the corresponding administrative reports.
Jiménez Rojas described the incidents as isolated cases and assured that free education is being enforced throughout the state. He explained that the reports prepared will be forwarded to the Internal Control Body, which must conduct the investigations and determine whether there is any administrative liability.
“There were only two isolated cases that, through your efforts, you also did us the favor of documenting. We went to the schools, conducted audits, and prepared the corresponding reports. But we must recognize the governor for ensuring that free education is being enforced,” he said.
The official confirmed that sanctions could be imposed on those found responsible, although he clarified that these will depend on the violation determined by the Internal Control Body.
“These are administrative reports, and from there the Internal Control Body is notified so that it can conduct the investigations. Of course, there could be sanctions, but they depend on the violation,” he explained.
Regarding the argument that parents may agree to contribute resources to cover schools’ needs, Jiménez Rojas emphasized that such fees cannot become a condition for accessing education.
“The collection of a fee cannot force or become a limitation preventing students from accessing education. Education must be secular and free throughout the state and throughout the country,” he stated.
The head of the Directorate of Upper Secondary and Higher Education maintained that resources to address schools’ needs must be guaranteed without transferring that responsibility to students as a condition for their enrollment.
“The issue of free education was applied to the letter (…) we have isolated cases in the state and, well, it is breaking a paradigm that has been maintained for years, the lack of free education in the state,” he added.
Source: lasillarota
