Parents Denounce Excessive Fees at Puerto Aventuras Middle School Graduation

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Parents of students at the Jose Antonio Tzuc Esparza General Secondary School in Puerto Aventuras are alleging irregularities in the organization of the 2023-2026 school year graduation ceremony, including excessive fees, lack of transparency, and poor-quality souvenirs.

According to the parents, the school administration charged 900 pesos (about $50 USD) per student to cover costs for the event, including a framed photo with individual and group pictures, chair rentals, and decorations. However, parents say they were later told that both morning and afternoon shifts would hold a single joint ceremony involving around 250 students, meaning the school collected approximately 225,000 pesos ($12,500 USD).

The complainants stated they never received a detailed budget or were consulted about the fee amount; they were simply told the cost and the deadline to pay. Some parents reported being warned in group chats that those who had not paid at least 50% would not be allowed to take the official photo.

Frustration grew when parents received the framed photos, which they say were of poor quality from the start. According to their accounts, the photos began peeling off on the same day, and the frames did not meet expectations given the price paid.

A group of parents went to the school principal to request a breakdown of expenses. They claim the principal initially refused to meet with them and even requested security personnel to block access to his office. Eventually, they were able to speak with him and asked for documentation to verify the expenses. However, they say they only received verbal explanations about costs for mariachi bands, a 360-degree camera, invitations, and other services, without any invoices or receipts.

Parents believe that around 60,000 pesos ($3,300 USD) remains unaccounted for. During the meeting, they also confronted the photographer, who allegedly told them the frame cost 450 pesos and that he paid 100 pesos per student for the concession to operate at the school. The frames were sold to parents for 750 pesos, further fueling discontent.

The parents say they have receipts proving the 900-peso payment and are calling on education authorities to investigate the handling of funds and determine if any irregularities occurred. The school administration has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations.