Controversy over administrative fees at Learning Steps School: Director clarifies the situation
A recent case of citizen complaint has sparked a debate regarding transparency in private educational institutions. A mother used social media to question the Learning Steps School, alleging that she was being demanded to make irregular payments for the delivery of academic documents necessary for her child’s transfer to another educational center. The complainant stated that, despite being up to date with her financial commitments, the delivery of the papers was conditioned on the payment of additional fees.
Following the viralization of the case, Daulis Herrera, owner and director of the center, broke her silence to defend the reputation of the school, an institution with 17 years of educational work. Herrera flatly rejected that this is a case of illegal withholding of documents, clarifying that the amounts mentioned correspond exclusively to administrative processes.
Breakdown of administrative expenses
The educator explained that, in order to process and validate official documentation both internally and with the Ministry of Education, the center applies fixed fees. According to Herrera, the amount of 1,600 pesos charged to the mother was due to the large number of specific documents requested by the receiving school. Below are the details of the costs:
- School internal letter: RD$ 150 pesos.
- Documentation for procedures with the Educational District: RD$ 500 pesos.
Herrera emphasized that, considering the institution’s annual tuition is 120,000 pesos, these administrative fees represent a minimal figure that covers the operational cost of document management and do not constitute an abusive practice.
The institution has always been open to dialogue and to seeking viable solutions for any financial issues parents may face, as our absolute priority is to preserve the well-being of our students.
Daulis Herrera, Director of Learning StepsThe impact of reports on social media
The center’s management regretted that the family opted for public exposure on digital platforms instead of exhausting direct communication channels with the administration. These types of situations have sparked reflection in the local sphere regarding the responsibility of sharing information.
Specialists and analysts on the radio program Politikal have urged citizens to practice discernment before making unilateral complaints go viral. It was warned that, while social media are valuable channels, unfounded or decontextualized accusations can cause severe and difficult-to-repair reputational damage to companies and institutions that have built a track record over the years.
