GREAT BAY--More than XCG 20 million is allocated to public education in the 2026 Budget, while several of St. Maarten’s major school boards/entities receive allocations ranging from approximately XCG 3 million to more than XCG 18 million, according to figures presented by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa Gumbs during the 2026 Budget debate.
Gumbs presented Parliament with a detailed breakdown showing how Government funding is distributed across public education, subsidized school boards, vocational institutions and tertiary education. The XCG 71 Million education budget is committed to nine education institutions. The nine listed subsidized entities collectively receive XCG 71,050,749, leaving only XCG 6,449,251 of the XCG 77.5 million education allocation for the remaining education responsibilities.
The Division of Public Education receives the largest individual allocation at XCG 21,962,534, which the presentation lists as 28.3 percent of the XCG 77.5 million education budget.
Next is Stichting Voortgezet Onderwijs St. Maarten (SVOBE), with an allocation of XCG 18,049,724, equivalent to approximately 23.2 percent of the stated education budget.
The Foundation for Catholic Education is allocated XCG 15,294,059, representing approximately 19.7 percent.
The Foundation for Academic and Vocational Education (FAVE) receives XCG 11,249,612, or approximately 14.51 percent of the education budget.
The Methodist Agogic Centre (MAC) is allocated XCG 9,683,197, representing approximately 12.49 percent.
The Foundation for Protestant Christian Education receives XCG 5,719,525, or approximately 7.38 percent of the stated total.
Among the other institutions, the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) is allocated XCG 3,746,267, representing approximately 4.83 percent.
The Foundation of Seventh-Day Adventist Churches Schools receives XCG 3,062,270, which the presentation lists as approximately 3.95 percent of the education budget.
The Charlotte Brookson Academy is allocated XCG 2,246,095, equivalent to approximately 2.89 percent, while the University of St. Martin receives XCG 2 million, or approximately 2.58 percent.
In descending order, the allocations presented are:
- Division of Public Education: XCG 21,962,534
- SVOBE: XCG 18,049,724
- Foundation for Catholic Education: XCG 15,294,059
- FAVE: XCG 11,249,612
- Methodist Agogic Centre: XCG 9,683,197
- Foundation for Protestant Christian Education: XCG 5,719,525
- NIPA: XCG 3,746,267
- Foundation of Seventh-Day Adventist Churches Schools: XCG 3,062,270
- Charlotte Brookson Academy: XCG 2,246,095
- University of St. Martin: XCG 2,000,000
Gumbs explained during her presentation that education represents the largest area of responsibility within ECYS and that much of the Ministry’s education funding is already committed to the operation of public and subsidized schools.
The funding methodology for schools goes significantly beyond classroom instruction. Government funding supports salaries for teachers, principals and other personnel, allowances, pension contributions and legally required premiums, as well as professional development, student care, school social workers, administration and other personnel-related expenses.
It also covers expenses associated with school buildings and premises, educational materials, furniture, utilities, internet and telephone services, school activities and transportation, among other operational costs.
Gumbs used the breakdown to illustrate how much of the education budget is already committed before the Ministry can consider additional policy initiatives, reforms or new programs.
