Inquiry concerning the sentiments toward the funds accumulated for educational institution.
In Russian schools and kindergartens, the practice of collecting funds from parents for various needs is set to resume as the new academic year approaches. However, it's important to clarify that these collections are legally allowed as a means to attract off-budget funds, but parents are not obligated to fund repairs, purchase of furniture, or equipping schools with technology. These should be covered using budget funds.
Recent news has highlighted a case where a school principal filed a report of money theft from the school, a year after the "mysterious disappearance" of the funds. The principal, unfortunately, did not attend subsequent court sessions without explanation, leaving the lawsuit without consideration.
Donations for educational materials are possible, but they should be on a voluntary basis. The parents' committee can initiate these voluntary donations, but they should not be mandatory.
Historically, cases of unpaid "voluntary" donations and coercive practices in Russian educational institutions have raised concerns. Parents may face social pressure or subtle threats when asked to donate funds for school needs. Proposals for criminal liability to regulate or punish such practices have occasionally appeared in Russian legislative discussions.
One such proposal comes from Sergei Mironov, leader of the "Fair Russia - For Truth" faction, who has proposed criminal liability for extortion in kindergartens, schools, and higher education institutions. Increasing funding for the education system is also considered necessary to reduce the reliance on such practices.
As we move towards September, when children will be returning to school and kindergarten, it's crucial for parents to monitor the targeted use of the collected funds to avoid any issues. Funds collected by the parents' committee should be directed towards general needs and agreed upon with parents. The collections are often presented as voluntary, and parents are sometimes asked to sign consent forms.
In higher education institutions, students may be forced to buy "unique" textbooks authored by the very professors at these institutions, a practice that should be avoided. Parents should remain vigilant to ensure the fair and transparent use of funds in all educational institutions.
References:
- Propaganda in Russian-occupied preschools in Ukraine
- AI-driven digital blackmail unrelated to schools
- Bullying and disciplinary actions in schools in Fiji
- Extortion crisis in Surrey, Canada
- Unrelated hacking/extortion online stories
- While the education-and-self-development sector grapples with issues such as the resumption of parental fund collections in Russian schools, political discussions have arisen about criminalizing extortion in kindergartens, schools, and higher education institutions. (politics)
- As students prepare for the new academic year, it's essential for them to be aware of practices like forced purchasing of unique textbooks authored by professors, a issue that has been raised in general-news reports about higher education institutions. (education-and-self-development)
