Emmons 1

Fees in Public Schools: Overview

Auerbach, Michael P. "Fees In Public Schools: Overview." Points Of View: Fees In Public
Schools (2014): 2. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 25 Mar. 2015.
Synthesis Question: Should public schools charge fees for registration, instruction, classroom
supplies, and/or extracurricular activities due to financial stress?
Abstract
Many public schools in the United States are under financial stress because revenue for
public school systems has decreased while costs have increased. Many public school districts
have implemented budgets that cut programs, reduce staff, and close schools, and some districts
have implemented fees for registration, instruction, classroom supplies, and/or extracurricular
activities. Supporters claim fees prevent program cuts, but opponents argue fees create
inequitable school systems based on income. In the mid-1600s Massachusetts passed a law
requiring all parents and guardians to make sure their children learned to read and understand
religion and Massachusetts law. In 1780 the Constitution of Massachusetts was ratified,
encouraging the growth and support of public and private schools. In the mid-1800s the
compulsory education era began, shifting the role of educator from parents to teachers,
administrators, and officials. The revenue for public schools primarily comes from property
taxes, so schools in affluent communities receive more money than schools in poorer
communities that must rely on decreasing government support. Increasing costs force many
school districts to generate new revenue or cut programs, reduce staff, and close schools. Many
school administrators have implemented fees for registration, instruction, classroom supplies,
and/or extracurricular activities. Many parents have accepted these fees, but opponents claim
fees make many aspects of public school cost-prohibitive to poor students.