Public School Fees

Public school parents can tell you that public school isn't free. The start of school is a reminder of the fees and "donations" that will be requested and need to be paid on demand by the parents. All the fees for bus passes, athletics, uniforms, AP exams, field trips, music and various other activities add up.

If you try to live on a budget these sudden demands for payment can be budget breakers. The fees magnify especially with multiple children. These fees don't include the money that is spent on school supplies and outside extra curricular activities.

Many people without children in the public school system or those that had children in "the good ol' days" are shocked by the fees levied on parents. Several years ago during the middle of the school year, I was hit with public school fees distributed between my four children that totaled close to $1000 during ONE MONTH alone.

Yes, that was just one month not including the rest of the year. Often the school board will pass these fees as "donations" but these forced donations aren't tax deductible and really not optional. There is little to no accountability of money collected or charged.

One time I decided to test the "donation" system and try not to donate money for my child’s $300 fee to science camp. The school said that if I didn’t pay the money my child couldn’t participate. When I inquired with the State Board of Education they told me that the practice was against the law. I ended up writing a check at the last minute so my son could participate, but it wasn't a "donation."

Most parents will tell you that fundraisers are so numerous that they end up paying anyway especially if you don't have time or a multitude of extended families, friends and neighbors that want to pay for your child. It is just cheaper and easier to write the check. Some fundraisers turn into big profits for companies that use children as a free sales force to hawk their overpriced merchandise in the name of "fundraisers." Anymore I ask the amount of profit then donate that amount instead contributing to the forced child labor scheme.

Two children in college makes cash flow tight especially since we are paying full cost instead of burdening our children with college debt. This year our high school son will be wearing "vintage" athletic wear hand me downs instead of spending for the latest high school team t-shirt.

If the district wants me to pay then they need to realize that I'm the paying customer and expect excellent service, accountability and respect. Parents need to hold the schools accountable for the charges, costs, money collected and distributed.

I'm not arguing that the public school  fees and donations are right or wrong. Employers, community members and area leadership need to understand what is happening in the schools and school funding since it affects the entire community. Free and reduced lunch participants may get free or reduced busing, but really public school has become a pay to play system. Since around 40% of the students are on free and reduced lunch then is it any wonder why some students turn to gangs instead of athletics or school related activities?

Money charged by the schools takes away cash that could be spent in the community. Parents are under a great deal of financial pressure. School district officials should be aware of fee impacts on families and the community. When citizens say public school costs and funding don't affect them they should think again. Everyone is impacted directly or indirectly by public school funding issues.

Here's my public school fee list so far this year

(Aug. 8th 2012 first day of school)

$300 Bus pass - one child since no bus transportation to high school

$130 High School "freshman package" for yearbook, athletic letter and free    football admission

$25    Middle School PE clothes  (t-shirt $10 and shorts $15)

$22    High School PE clothes (t-shirt $10 and shorts $12)*

*Note difference in price of shorts? What is the real cost of the uniforms and who profits? Still haven't purchased High School PE clothes and will receive $2     discount with high school package

Yet to pay

$45 Middle School yearbook

$10/ person PTSA Membership

$50 water polo uniform (based on cost paid for skimpy speedo 2 years ago for other son)

What Did You Spend on Public School This Year?