LATimes: "Pay-To-Learn" Violates State Constitution

A Los Angeles Times (5/25) headlined "California Must Keep Free Education Truly Free" quotes the portion of the California Constitution that guarantees a free education to children in the state, adding, "you can enroll and attend class at a California public school without paying an entrance fee or a tuition bill," but many classes require the purchase of extra books or materials. "Charging for instructional materials as well as for art, music and sports programs is increasingly common in the state's public schools, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, which last year filed a lawsuit arguing that such fees violate Article IX." The Times notes that the legal issue is still before the courts and legislature, and concedes that budget cuts have adversely impacted schools. "The basic rule, however, is that a public school education is free."