A portion of the cost of schools, by means of property tax, is borne by society at large. Universal education provides the general benefits of an educated, productive society, qualified workers, etc. It is, therefore, reasonable to ask society to pay part of the cost.
The other portion of the cost is appropriately borne by those most directly benefitting the children being educated, by means of fees paid by their parents. The individual families with children reap the greatest personal benefits of their children's educations including both basic classes and electives carrying additional fees. In this way, both society as a whole AND the individual student and his/her parents have a stake in quality education.
It is not reasonable to expect everyone to pay the full cost of schools that many don't use (have children in). As stated in the article, the school district offers waivers of these fees based on financial need or extraordinary circumstances. However, parents with the ability to pay their part are expected to do so.
Parents need to get their priorities straight. If you can spend thousands of dollars on a play set for your back yard, or hundreds on video game systems, you can very well afford to pay $100 or so for your child's education. Quit whining and live up to the responsibilities you assumed when you decided to have a child (or several children).
Fees cause frustration with district parents
A portion of the cost of schools, by means of property tax, is borne by society at large. Universal education provides the general benefits of an educated, productive society, qualified workers, etc. It is, therefore, reasonable to ask society to pay part of the cost.
The other portion of the cost is appropriately borne by those most directly benefitting the children being educated, by means of fees paid by their parents. The individual families with children reap the greatest personal benefits of their children's educations including both basic classes and electives carrying additional fees. In this way, both society as a whole AND the individual student and his/her parents have a stake in quality education.
It is not reasonable to expect everyone to pay the full cost of schools that many don't use (have children in). As stated in the article, the school district offers waivers of these fees based on financial need or extraordinary circumstances. However, parents with the ability to pay their part are expected to do so.
Parents need to get their priorities straight. If you can spend thousands of dollars on a play set for your back yard, or hundreds on video game systems, you can very well afford to pay $100 or so for your child's education. Quit whining and live up to the responsibilities you assumed when you decided to have a child (or several children).
August 14, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )