Schools can only charge parents for items which are actually given to the students. This would include such items as workbooks, lab books, pencils and crayons. Schools may not charge for enrolment in a course or program, blanket fees for services such as photocopying or for items such as computer or phys-ed supplies. In addition, payment is voluntary, no student may be denied enrolment in a course or program because of non-payment and fees must be approved by respective school councils before they may be levied.
School boards know the regulations.
A memo was sent last year in this regard and another was sent to boards this year. The regulations are clear. Shortly after forming the government the Wells administration eliminated school taxes and adopted the policy that the cost of K-12 education would be paid for by the province. Government is committed to education in this province. We cover 100 per cent of the cost of textbooks up to Grade 8 and 40 per cent from Grades 9 to 12.