An unapproved practice at a nearby elementary school that charged parents $1 per minute for being late to pick up their kids has been discontinued, according to Houston ISD.
According to a snapshot of the paper originally released by FOX 26, Herrera Elementary in North Houston had been distributing papers to parents warning that they would be charged if they did not pick up their child by 3:30 p.m. At 3 p.m., Herrera students are dismissed.
“Fees assessed will be $1 per minute after 3:30,” the parent-given leaflet stated. “After [the] specified date, payments are due the next day. Cash or money orders are required for payments. A student’s eligibility to take part in field trips and school-wide special events may be impacted if payment is not received.
A Houston ISD representative confirmed that parents were being charged in a statement emailed to Houston Public Media on Thursday, adding that the district will be taking “corrective action.”
According to the representative, “HISD is aware that families at Herrera Elementary School were assessed fees for late student pick-up.” “HISD has not authorized this policy. The district is taking appropriate action and has stopped the practice.
The district did not specify when the illegal behavior started, what steps were being taken to address it, or whether any administrators at the school would be disciplined.
