Private schools are run on private funding and donations as there is no help from the government in their expenses. Public schools are under the authority of the government and run on government funding. But recently, it has been revealed that public schools are also asking for donations from parents.
According to New York Times, a letter was written by grandparents of a kindergarten student in which they express their worries over a serious matter. The letter says that parents organization ask parents to donate a handsome amount to the school, which violates the rules of free public education and asking for a thousand dollar donation is highly unethical.
Public schools are funded by the tax paid by the people, and they should treat all children equally as there is no discrimination in tax paying. The whole practice is damaging the image of public schools and fairness in providing quality education equally well to all students.
At the same time, even the best of public schools are far behind private schools and they need financial help to provide better facilities in schools, and since they have no other way, they can only ask parents to donate money.
The Washington Post reported a DC school chancellor who unknowingly violated rules by asking donations from a large food service. After the lawsuit, the chancellor admitted that the act was wrong and against the code of ethics.
The investigation is currently in process as there is evidence that Kaya Henderson, the former vice chancellor was in contact with the food system contractor of the school and solicited donations. There was a connection between the contractor and the Chancellor via emails which came to light recently. The emails showed different conversations in which there is information about what amount was donated and when it was donated.