Is purchasing binders and pens/pencils for a welcoming packet for new students an acceptable ASB fund expenditure?
Question: Our club, responsible for welcoming new students, would like to purchase items such as, binders, pencils and pens, for new students as a welcoming packet. Is this an acceptable purchase? Response: As you know, the California constitution provides for a free school system. Since 1874, the California Supreme Court has interpreted this to mean that students are entitled to be educated at the publics expense. Any fees charged for educational activities would clearly be in violation of this free school system guarantee, including fees for textbooks, materials and/or supplies. Title 5, California Code of Regulations, section 350, specifically states: A pupil enrolled in a school shall not be required to pay any fee, deposit, or other charge not specifically authorized by law. The state board of education has also stated that no fees are to be charged except where specifically authorized by law. This understanding is based on Article IX, Section 5 of the California constitution. The
