Seven things California public schools can't charge you for - and a few they can
Adolfo Guzman-Lopez/KPCC
Redondo High School principal Nicole Wesley says many school activities require suggested donations from parents to stay afloat.
A year after California passed a law meant to curb public schools from illegally charging students fees to take part in educational activities, state officials say they've received about 150 appeals from parents claiming their schools were violating it.
There's no way to know how many gave up after complaining to schools directly - the state doesn't collect those numbers. And each district has their own forms and process which parents must follow before getting the state involved.
The law doesn't stop schools from asking parents for donations - or even set a suggested amount. But students can't be left out for not paying.
So what can't schools charge for?
- Science lab equipment or supplies
- PE uniforms required to take the class
- Participating in sports teams
- Attending graduation ceremonies
- Books used in class
- Photography or art class supplies
- Attending summer school.
There are some things public schools can charge for: books a child destroys or a materials fee in a class where they get to keep what they make, like wood shop. And Seven things California public schools can't charge you for - and a few they can | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC: