MoCo's Version of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

School fees are alive and well in Montgomery County Public Schools.

Look no further than Richard Montgomery, one of the gems in the school system, home to the very successful International Baccalaureate Program.

Seniors are once again charged a graduation "fee" for the privilege of attending the school.

What's in the fee?  Who knows.  Why does the fee increase after winter break?

Don't ask. Here is a link to the school's webpage with the fees. 

SeniorFee_RMHS


Notice something missing? Who is in charge? No letterhead, no signature, just drop a check off before winter break to save a penalty.

This fee is illegal, plain and simple. The state of Maryland guarantees a free public education for students.

Does the fee include something reasonable like a cap/gown? Maybe, but maybe not. Can't the students borrow a robe from a sibling? At Richard Montgomery, all the students wear black robes, tassels cost $5.

But - unless a parent is willing to challenge this fee or any of the myriad other illegal fees charged to students across the county through the judicial system, the practice continues. Students at Richard Montgomery, as other schools across the county, will be subject to repeated instances of educational extortion.

Kudos to Judge Virginia Phillips who showed extraordinary courage today in striking down the military version of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."