Should I pay restitution for my 1st grader?

Question

My child has disabilities that interfere with the learning process.(ODD ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder) He just started school and doesn't handle change well. This is a new school environment for him and nobody knows how to deal with him. They say he broke the support backing off of their 22 year old chair. It didn't look broken to me. It only had a piece of paper hanging off the bottom. They said I owe 30.00. What do you think?

Answer 1

Was he in special education classes?  I've dealt with numerous children with ADHD, ADD, ODD, etc. and, while they can be a handful at times, they're not that hard to deal with.  If he is in special classes, these shouldn't just be regular teachers, they should be teachers with the proper training and experience to handle kids with disabilities.  If you know how to care of these kids it will never come to problems like that, or atleast very rarely.

Personally, I would fight it...but before you do that you need to be sure you have an alternative placement for your son.  A lot of areas have schools specifically for children with disabilities and they are much better.  They may cost money, but I do believe you can file it on your income tax.

Just be sure you don't start fighting it without an alternative plan, because it may backfire on you.  If there is no where else to send him, it may be easier to just pay the $30.

[Edit] Well if you're a homemaker then home schooling may be an option.  Although, home schooling can be rough on parents without kids with disabilities, so I'm not sure how hard it would be on you.  But kids with disabilities should not be in regular classes.  They need special attention.  Although they should transfer him upon request.  Go talk directly with the principle on the matter.  If he/she doesn't help, go higher.  Bring it to the attention of the school board.  If that doesn't work, then start making a fuss (assuming you CAN home school or have alternative placement).  Bring it to the attention of the higher authorities in your city (e.g. councel representitives, mayor) as well as news stations.  Once you bring publicity the school will bend in every matter you want, nearly.

Also something to look into is prepaid attorneys.  I have one and it costs me $25 a month.  Any time I have a matter I call him, and he sends a letter refusing to pay or threatening to go to court.

Answer 2

well, it sounds like you might have other problems going through the school system as your child ages, so it's important now to start to pick your battles. you want to seem helpful and easy to work with to the school staff so you will recieve the best help with your child. the school really won't take you seriously if you refuse to pay a $30 bill. if it's not that much money to you, pay it and ask what you can do to help or if there are any other problems you should know of. a good school-parent bond would be very helpful for your child... good luck!