Culpeper County Public School parents to pay for various school-related fees for programs and/or supplies so that their children can participate in an assortment of activities and/or outings.
But those costs have sparked outrage from an education outreach organization that believes a free education should be offered at — just that — no cost.
Just Children, a grassroots advocacy agency in conjunction with the Legal Aid Justice Center, submitted a report to the Virginia Department of Education last month questioning the state’s policy on fees that public schools charge for courses and materials.
“Facing inadequate resources, tapped out local governments, and the inability to raise revenue themselves, school systems have been forced to get creative, turning to an alternative source of direct revenue: their students,†the report states.
That Just Children report sparked interest and now education officials want Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Billy Cannaday to send a memo to schools asking that the Virginia Board of Education modify its policy regarding fees by the start of the 2008-09 school year.
Just Children encourages state and national leaders with the power to do so to improve conditions for the commonwealth’s children.
“To many of us, these fees may seem insignificant,†the report continues. “Indeed, many families likely regard the high quality educational experience provided by many Virginia schools to be well worth the price in fees. But to many families living at or near poverty, school fees can be a substantial burden.â€
Therefore, the VDOE mailed surveys to its 83 school districts. Of that, 64 reported that they charge fees.
In Culpeper, students pay for yearbooks, agenda/planners, art/instructional materials, gym fees, parking, behind-the-wheel courses, athletic dues, after school activities and field trips.
CCPS Superintendent David Cox said Culpeper charges user fees as allowed.
“As the state survey reveals, we are very comparable with many school divisions in the commonwealth regarding our overall fee practices,†Cox said.
Fifty-one schools reported that they have policies regarding fees and charges, 20 of them said they have implemented some sort of financial hardship regulations. Fifteen reported that they have a policy that addresses payment schedules and unpaid fees and charges.
According to the Just Children report, Loudoun County Public Schools is the only district that reported no fees.
According to CCPS, not everyone has to pay. The Culpeper school system states its commitment to provide a “free and appropriate†educational experience for all students, according to its Web site.
“Students and/or parents who require financial assistance with student fees, fines, and charges should inform the school administration, guidance staff, or teaching staff of their economic need,†the Web site states. “Any request will be dealt with confidentially and consideration provided. Parent requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. Individual pay plans will be developed based on ability to pay.â€
The Virginia Constitution states that the General Assembly must provide a free education to all school-aged children in the commonwealth.
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