With the onset of the new school year, parents of schoolchildren are anxiously awaiting school meetings. The phrase: "Hand over money for …" no longer surprises anyone. Are levies in schools legal? We understand the situations.
It is not necessary to have legal knowledge to understand whether extortions are legal in schools. Attend parent-teacher conferences and do not hesitate to ask "uncomfortable" questions.
Often the school hides behind parental committees: they say, it is not we who are collecting, it is the parents who decided by a majority vote. It should be clarified that according to the law, any cash flow within organizations must be accompanied by financial statements. Therefore, even the parent committee is obliged to formalize itself as a voluntary organization and conclude an agreement with the bank for the registration of a single account, where parental contributions will be transferred.
Extortions in schools must be understandable and justified. For every purchase / repair, etc. the committee is obliged to report to the next meeting. If it comes to the provision of paid services (for example, an organization will carry out repairs in the classroom or hold a holiday), then parents should be familiarized with the agreement that was concluded between the committee and this organization. The contract must clearly state the amount of services performed / work carried out.
Is it legal to levy school security
According to the Education Act, schools are responsible for protecting the life and health of their students within the walls of an educational institution. However, on a budgetary basis, only a panic button and video surveillance are provided. There is no “security guard” labor unit in schools.
Schools have the right to attract extra-budgetary funds for security. For this, an agreement is concluded with a private security company. Parents have the right to refuse the services of a private security company if they do not see the need for it. Coercive fees for security in schools are not legal.
Are levies in schools for textbooks legal?
Textbooks in public schools are provided free of charge. However, supplements to textbooks (workbooks) are not included in the budget. Parents can donate money for a single purchase of workbooks and office supplies for the class, or purchase everything they need on their own.
Summing up, to the question: "Are levies in schools legal?" you can unequivocally answer: "No, they are not legal." All monetary contributions from parents for the needs of the school are made on a voluntary basis. Any pressure on a child in connection with the parents' refusal to pay for any additional services is an offense and should be considered by the prosecutor's office or the Ministry of Education.
