Are you considering enrolling your child in a public school in Virginia? If so, you may be wondering what fees you will need to pay. The good news is that the Virginia Board of Education and the General Assembly have put in place regulations to ensure that no school board can impose fees or charges on any student without authorization. The policy also provides for the reduction or exemption of fees for economically disadvantaged students and those whose families are experiencing financial difficulties. This includes families receiving unemployment benefits, public assistance, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicaid; foster families caring for children in foster care; or homeless families.
School divisions must notify students that a fee exemption can be requested and provide instructions on how to do so each time a fee is charged. School divisions are not allowed to charge any fees that have not been approved by the local school board. The fee policy and fee schedule should be consistent across the school division, although different rate programs may be imposed at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Additionally, school boards are not prohibited from making supplies, services, or materials available to students at a reasonable price. As a condition for school enrollment, except for students who are not of school age or who do not reside within the jurisdiction, in accordance with Articles 22.1-1 and 22.1-3 of the Virginia Code and as provided in § 22.1-5 of the Code of Virginia; local school boards are not authorized to charge students fees for teaching materials, textbooks, or other materials that are not directly used by a public school student. In conclusion, if you are considering enrolling your child in a public school in Virginia, you should be aware of the regulations regarding fees and charges. The good news is that there are exemptions available for those who are economically disadvantaged or experiencing financial difficulties.
Additionally, school boards are not prohibited from making supplies, services, or materials available to students at a reasonable price.
