Over the summer, the school district passed a law stating, “California public schools-including charter schools- cannot charge fees in order for students to participate in any required or elective class.”
This new rule was posted as a response to a jury report questioning the school’s authority to charge fees for sports teams, supplies, clubs, field trips and such, given that the Constitution guarantees free schooling.
Due to the newly enforced clause, teachers can no longer charge fees for science manuals or class supplies. The rule also applies to student organizations, meaning clubs cannot charge membership fees. The law has also impacted sports teams. Although students wishing to join teams still have to purchase their uniforms, they no longer have to pay team membership fees.
Because classrooms, clubs, and sports teams still need the money, they do ask for donations, although they cannot enforce them. Still, money shortages are apt to happen because only half the people are willing to donate. If such shortages were to happen, students would not be able to enjoy the same privileges and luxuries as before.
Students have mixed opinions about the newly passed law.
“I’m glad we’re not being forced to pay anymore. I spent such a ridiculous amount of money on club and class fees each year,” stated Jin Hyuk Lee, a senior at Crescenta Valley High School.
Others, however, expressed their concern about the consequences soon to follow the change.
“Things are so much harder without financial support from the students. How are sports teams and clubs supposed to function without membership fees? The fees are used for the members anyway. I don’t see what they are complaining about,” expressed Min Ji Choi, a junior at Crescenta Valley High School.
The law has greatly impacted all public schools, whether for the good or bad. With it already passed and done, all schools can do is make the most out of the money they have or find an alternative.
