[CALIBK12] Textbooks/Library Fines and Collecting of Monies

[Janet Hasbrouck]

Some great ideas have been expressed in this discussion, but it seems to me that there is actually a separate discussion if some of us are talking about textbooks, as opposed to library books. I too am willing to delete library book fines and sometimes think that library fines are more trouble than they are worth and don't seem to be much of an incentive to bring the books back. 
 
When it comes to textbooks, however, it seems to be a whole new ball game. To me, it's about the money and availability. Just for one example, our new core physics book this year cost a resounding $120! We can't excuse that book and just give a student another one. If he/she left it on the car and drove over it, they have to pay. If they really can't pay, after a private discussion of the matter, they can work off the cost for $8 per hour. 
 
I am very much in favor of teaching students responsibility for the materials they are entrusted with while they are our students, whether it's books, athletic equipment or musical instruments. I post the Educ. code for them and their parents. I like the notice they have at Western High School that reminds students and parents how much the books they are carrying are worth. I usually go to a PTSA meeting at the beginning of the year or put a short notice in the PTSA newsletter about this as well. We can only try to get the idea across, and work with parents and students to encourage responsibility.
 
Janet HasBrouck, Librarian
Arcadia High School

>>> Glenda Webb <Glenda_Webb at morongo.k12.ca.us> 1/30/2009 11:03 AM >>>

Our district recently went to Destiny.  To clean up some of the records they want to delete any fine before the beginning of this school year, including those fines for students still going to this school and/or are still in our school district.

The new district directive regarding future assessment of fines is:  once a student leaves elementary school, all fines are deleted.  Once a student leaves 8th grade, all fines are deleted.  Once a student leaves high school, all fines are deleted. The district says this directive meets the ed code.

Can any one give me some logical, convincing arguments to sway the district to reconsider their decision.

Or give me some logical, convincing arguments that the district's mandate is reasonable.

Glenda Webb
LCMS Library


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