Last week, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced updated guidance on parent service hours requirements in schools.

This announcement comes after recent questions as to whether school districts or schools, including charter schools, can require parents to do work as a condition of allowing their child to enroll or otherwise receive an educational benefit or service at school, state officials said.

Current law clearly states that a school district or school, including charter schools, shall not offer or remove course credit or privileges related to educational activities based on whether or not the school receives money or donations of goods or services from a pupil or a pupil’s parents or guardians, Torlakson said.