MOBILE, Ala. (NBC 15) — A $5 mandatory fee at one Mobile County elementary school has been withdrawn after parents complained and a school board member said the requirement violated Alabama law. After NBC 15 News asked Mobile County Public Schools about the fee, Pearl Haskew Elementary in Irvington sent a text to parents Tuesday morning saying they do not have to pay it. For parent Tony Dalton, the issue wasn’t the amount. It was being told he had to pay it.
“It’s almost as if they’re holding you hostage to the $5 for your meet the teacher day,” said Dalton.
A school flyer posted last month told parents a $5 fee was “required” for every student. The flyer said the money would help pay for first aid supplies and mailing report cards. Dalton says his 3rd grader doesn’t receive report cards in the mail…