Legal Question in Education Law in California

too poor for school supplies

Aren't public schools required by law to provide whatever teachers require for their classwork? And can the school personel keep writing up my kids for not dressing out in P E or bringing notebooks and such when I am not able to buy any supplies for my kids until at least the end of September, when I get my first full paycheck since May? My rent is half of my pay, and we struggle as it is. Half the time we do not have presents on Christmas. I feel that I am being harrassed for being poor. Thank you for your comments and help.


Asked on 8/14/08, 4:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Marcy Tiffany Tiffany Law Group, P.C.

Re: too poor for school supplies

You are correct that public schools are required by law to provide students with the supplies necessary for their education, including paper, pencils and pens. The school can require a student to wear their own gym clothes so long as they are not specific to the school (e.g., shorts and a t-shirt). However, a student cannot be marked down if they cannot afford to wear standardized gym clothes. I've included a website that has a detailed discussion of the law on this issue: ://wwwstatic.kern.org/gems/fcmat/FeesDepositsandOtherCharges.pdf

I suggest you meet with the teacher and explain your financial situation. If that doesn't work, ask to meet with the principal, and bring a copy of the pdf that explains the law with you.

The ACLU brought a case against California schools in 2000 for not providing adequate supplies, books, facilities, etc. I don't know the status, but you may want to call your local ACLU office if you continue to have a problem.

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Answered on 8/14/08, 7:37 pm


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