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School district reviewing student fees

The islands school district is reviewing student fees, following a BC Supreme Court decision that some fees contravene the School Act.
Superintendent Mike Woods said the district is making sure that local schools are not charging fees for material necessary to complete a course that is necessary for graduation.
"We charge only for materials used that are surplus to what would be necessary for a student to meet the expected outcomes in a course," he wrote to the Observer. "We will continue to charge fees for the purchase of paper, writing tools, calculators, student planners, exercise books, computer diskettes and other school supplies and equipment for a student's personal use, and may require students to provide appropriate personal clothing for school activities, such as gym strip, footwear, outerwear, and personal safety equipment."
The court also found that it goes against the BC School Act for schools to charge for field trips considered necessary for the curriculum.
Mr. Woods said schools in this district do not charge for any field trips which are mandatory and necessary for a student to successfully complete a course.