so-called free public education

This is a significant lawsuit and one that I think is long overdue: the fees in public schools to get a free education are disciminatory and done without accountability.  My daughter entered high school after homeschooling and the fees charged are astounding to me. Many are last minute project fees that will mean a lower grade if not accomodated. Compulsory attendance means a stable income and if they cannot balance their budget, they can force you to pay.

Public schools across the nation, many facing budget shortfalls, have been charging students fees to use textbooks or to take required tests or courses.
Now a civil liberties group is suing California over those proliferating fees, arguing that the state has failed to protect the right to a free public education. Experts said it was the first case of its kind, and could tempt parents in other states to file similar suits.