What happens if I don't pay my son's PUBLIC school fee?

Public schools are required by law to have the basics for every child. That means books, a pencil and paper. Budget cuts have made schools ask parents to help, as the cupboard is now bare. At my current school, we put out a "student supply list" that includes things the individual student needs, and also a wish list for the classroom.

Now, I used to work at a magnet elementary school. Parents from around the district chose that school because of it's specialized program. Part of the requirements to attend were 40 hours of parent volunteer time, or money donated to the school.

I'd arrange to talk to the principal. Trust me, you won't be the first (or only) one who finds that $95 to be a burden. Explain the situation. Perhaps, instead of paying the fee, you could volunteer to help at the school some times.

I would call or visit the school (there are people there over the summer) and talk to them about it; most of the time they're willing to work with you if you're really in a tight spot. Just try to remain calm and explain your circumstances.

Your taxes don't *all* go into the public school system, and the sad case of things in this country is that most public schools are woefully underfunded. Teachers typically have to stock their classrooms with things like tissues and art supplies out-of-pocket; also, being human, teachers have to feed, clothe and house themselves, and their paycheck only goes so far. If you figure a class of 25 kids where everyone brings one box of tissues--maybe some or all the kids bring in 2- or 3-packs--that's potentially 60-80ish boxes of tissues right there, easily. That ought to last nine months. Also, not all of those supplies get "shared." Typically, it's items like the tissues, antibacterial wipes and some art supplies--expensive/disposable things that generally don't last more than one academic year, unless you get an extraordinarily clean and mature crop of kindergarteners--that get put in the community pot; your son gets his own pencils and folders and the like.

I think the worst the school can do is make the $95 fee an obligation that you'll have to pay eventually, with "eventually" likely meaning "before he leaves this school, or we won't release his transcripts to his middle school."

You can request a mitigation hearing, go in and explain your circumstances. A mitigation hearing is where you are pleading guilty but feel there are certain circumstances that should be looked at and taken into consideration along with your guilt. If you request this hearing you can explain that you would like to pay the fines but do not have the means to. The judge has no requirement to work with you and could tell you to pay it, but usually they're more helpful. Typically red light camera traffic tickets result in you being sent to collections if you don't pay the fine, at least that's the case here in Washington. There is a chance that it would instead suspended or revoke your license, making it a criminal offense for you to drive a motor vehicle. Respond to the ticket my mailing it in, returning it in person or give them a call and ask for guidance if you're not sure what to do next.

They can't make you pay it. Public schools are supposed to offer free education. They can't kick him out. I don't know for sure, but if it affects his grades in some way, I think it's illegal.

Those random fees can be for things like art projects and expected field trips. I agree with going to the school with your problem

Talk to the school about your problems. I am sure they will be sympathetic and you will be able to come to a compromise which you can afford. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse.