Mishawaka school district is still suing parents during the pandemic over unpaid book fees

[douglas9]

This story was co-published with ProPublica, an independent, non-profit news organization.

When Hannah Watts received a reminder notice in the mail in January for the $701.56 she still owed for her childrens’ textbook fees from last year, she decided to use her tax refund to pay it off in the spring.

But two months later, the coronavirus pandemic shut down Indiana. Watts is a dental assistant, and her hours at work were slashed. She had no choice but to use the refund to cover household expenses.

Watts says she didn’t hear anything else about the bill until Aug. 7, when a notice appeared on her door. School City of Mishawaka, the district her three children attend, had filed a lawsuit against her.

Watts called the law firm representing the school district. She made arrangements to pay the balance in two installments using money she had saved to buy school clothes for her three high school students.


https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/mishawaka-school-district-is-still-suing-parents-during-the-pandemic-over-unpaid-book-fees/article_041e064a-3be7-11eb-915e-73b1533bde50.html

[PoliticAverse]

1. $ 701.56 - Wow. n/t

[MichMan]

2. Did not know this was common

"Indiana is one of at least nine states that allow school districts to charge fees for required textbooks, according to the Education Commission of the States, a national education policy organization.

The state reimburses districts for textbook rental and materials fees only for those who qualify for free or reduced-priced meals. Otherwise, parents must pick up the bill.

When they can’t or don’t pay, schools can file small claims lawsuits against them, resulting in added attorney fees and court costs."

[Doreen]

3. So, they have a way to deny poor kids from even basic education.

Yeah, they might have assistance for those who can't afford it but I have a feeling their cut off is not broad enough to cover everybody who needs it.

What a bunch of bullshit!! Free education my ass.