Panamanian Deputies Approve New Rules for Parent Associations

Following a subcommittee analysis, deputies agreed to make a series of modifications to the original document. It was established that to hold a position on the board of directors or be a member of the delegates' council, parents must not have been convicted of crimes against public administration and faith or patrimonial crimes, even if they have served their sentence. Abdiel Bedoya, of the Confederation of Parents, acknowledged that the lack of organization in some associations has led to thefts; however, he hopes that when the document reaches its second debate, the elimination of the collective he represents will be reconsidered. The Education, Culture and Sports Commission of the National Assembly sent bill No. 328 to a second debate. This bill aims to regulate the organization and operation of parent associations in all official educational centers in the country to prevent irregularities that endanger the security and right to education of students. It will also facilitate investigations into the disappearance of these resources, which, unfortunately, in most cases, 'remain in limbo' due to lack of information. It was also established that the board of directors must account for the use of funds and the fulfillment of its work plan by presenting a financial and management report to the delegates' council, general assembly, school administration, and regional education department. Those who fail to comply with these provisions will face corresponding sanctions depending on the severity of the offense (written warning, temporary suspension, definitive removal, disqualification of functions for five years, and referral of the case to the competent authorities). Last year, 22 complaints were filed against various parent associations, mainly from general basic education. It was also ordered that these groups deposit their funds in a current account opened in a state bank and be prioritized for the collective insurance of students, the development of extracurricular activities, improvements in infrastructure and equipment, the hiring of professional or technical services that contribute to the emotional development of minors, among others. Although deputy Patsy Lee, the proponent of the initiative, had suggested that board members remain in their positions for 2 years without the possibility of immediate or consecutive re-election, the commissioners agreed to extend the period to 3 years, maintaining the same restrictions. The National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (Antai) gave its backing to the bill, stating that it makes effective the constitutional right of all individuals to data. 'This bill has some very important points, but there are others where we will make our contributions,' he said.