Withholding report card and future school placement

[DS128]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? SC

My children are enrolled in a public elementary school here in SC and I have not paid the "school fee" of $15 per student. I was just informed that my children will not be receiving their report card next week nor will they have their placement held for next year until this fee is paid. This fee is charged by the school system, not the PTO (they want another $20 per student.. which I also did not pay).

I thought public education was supposed to be free education. I really would not have a problem paying this fee, however, we are living on unemployment and every dollar has to be stretched to just feed and house my family.

So my question is, is this legal?

Thank you so much!

 

[ShyCat]

So my question is, is this legal?

Yes, it's legal. The school may be able to waive the fee if your income is below a set amount.

 

[stealth2]

Yep - it sure is legal.

Why didn't you approach the school regarding a waiver? Most schools will work with you on that sort of thing - but they can't do anything if they don't know there's a problem. Of course, they may not do a thing now that the year's about to end.

 

[Humusluvr]

Yes, It's legal. Not only are families doing more with less, schools are losing funding too. The fee is not something the school would impose lightly, and it is used for a variety of things. I can understand writing a note to the PTO about your situation, and them waiving the fee, but it seems like you witheld paying almost in anger, and without notice. That's never the way to go about getting something done efficiently. Key - communication.

 

[DS128]

No, it is was definitely not withheld in anger, just lack of money. My husband has been laid off for almost 10 months now, and it has been a huge struggle for us financially.

I had been in contact with the school and was told they do not waive the fee. (I was in touch with the school within the first month of this school year, did not wait until now).

After much research online I couldn't find an answer to whether this was legal or not. I do appreciate your input... even though it is legal for them to that

 

[CONative]

Yes, it is legal for the school to impose fees like this (as far as I know).

It does seem to be a catch 22 where public education is supposed to be free, but parents are being asked to pay more and more for that education.

Unfortunately, because of the recent budget cuts and financial hardships lately, schools are not getting the funding they need to provide a quality education.

For this reason, they almost have no choice but to pass these costs on to the parents to try and ensure that students have all the resources they need at school.

I would say to pay the school the 15.00 and get the report card and placement for next year. Otherwise, you're going to be looking at trying to pay 30.00 next year when you have a new 15.00 fee to pay for the new school year.

I don't know what to say about the 20.00 for the PTO. They can ask for the funds, but I have no idea if they can actually make the fees mandatory or not.

Good luck with your situation!

 

[stealth2]

The PTO is usually a voluntary fee. You don't join, you don't pay.

As for the school fee... did you ask them about paying it over the school year? $15/10 mos is $1.50/mo, or $0.35/week(4.3 weeks/mo), or $0.07/school day. Per child. Honestly, this is NOT an onerous amount to pay.

And yes, I've done the unemployment route - as a single parent - so I do know how tough it can be. Do you work? If not.... it's time. Sorry.