‘Voluntary’ school contributions ‘abusive’, parents claim

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Have you ever received an invoice for a “voluntary school contribution”?

Was it made clear that it was entirely voluntary?

A lot of NSW parents would say “no”, to the second question, according to the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales (PANDC).

“The practice of asking for voluntary contributions is being abused by schools using high-pressure tactics on parents to collect funds,” PANDC president Susie Boyd warned this week.

“Contributions and fundraising from parents can make great differences for children in
schools. However, public education is supposed to be equitable and without fees, so families
should not feel pressured to provide funds or equipment.”

Schools frequently prompt parents to make voluntary contributions, in the form of invoices, leading parents to believe these payments are actually compulsory. Parents are often also asked to provide children’s stationary, despite some invoice’s claims the contribution will be used for the same purpose.

The PANDC called on schools to “stop exploiting parents” and said the government should force schools to stop the practice.

This means making it “unambiguously clear” to parents that any contributions are optional, and instating strict rules around how the funds are used.

Boyd said it must be clear that the funds are used to “enhance educational opportunities” for students, rather than simply meet the delivery of the curriculum, as that should be funded by the state.

“In the government school sector, it’s the responsibility of governments, not parents, to ensure that children have access to proper facilities and services,” Boyd said.

“This is particularly important in light of the rising costs of living for parents and the fact that parents across the state are currently struggling under the crippling drought.”

According to Fairfax Media reports, Sydney Boys High School asks for annual contributions of $2517 for students in year 10 through 12.

A recent report from the Australian Scholarship Group found that families in metro NSW will be set back an incredible $75,729 over a student’s education to send them to a state school, while across the country families will pay an average $78,232.

“Education costs, including tuition costs, uniforms, transport and devices are demanding a far greater share of the family budget than in the past,” Australian Scholarship Group secretary, Ross Higgins said said.

“More than ever, the costs associated with education are placing more of a burden on Australian families, who are already challenged by the rising cost of living.”

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