A GUIDE FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL PUPILS

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A GUIDE FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL PUPILS

Before the new school year, we explain whether parents must contribute to repairs, security and other school needs, and where to complain if the law is breached.

If the school demands money:

School administrators and teachers may not demand or even request financial support for school maintenance or the educational process. This includes, for example, paying for repairs, buying furniture or contributing towards security. Under Article 9 of the Law on Education, responsibility for maintaining schools lies entirely with municipalities and state authorities.

Must parents buy skis for a child's physical education lessons?

No, you are not obliged to. Under Article 35 of the Law on Education, state and municipal schools must provide pupils free teaching and educational resources, including sports equipment.

Who should purchase textbooks?

Pupils receive free textbooks, teaching aids and educational-methodological materials during education within federal state standards (Article 35 of the Law on Education).

All materials beyond these standards, whether optional or additional, are voluntarily chosen by parents and students and paid for by them, or by the school if it decides so.

Where to complain about improper charges:

First contact the school administration or its founder, then any higher authority: the prosecutor’s office, Rospotrebnadzor, Rosobrnadzor, the Ministry of Education or deputies at any level. As a last resort, go to court.

In practice, these violations are often resolved after the first complaint because the law states the rules clearly enough.

What paid services may schools offer?

Only services beyond federal state educational standards may be chargeable: those provided voluntarily at the choice of pupils and parents. These may include extra classes or advanced study of subjects.