Public schools are using inflated Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) fees to block parents from accessing information about lesson plans and policies. These fees, often reaching millions of dollars, have been criticized as a deliberate strategy to stifle transparency.
Parental FOIA requests have increased following reports of controversial school policies, including lessons on Critical Race Theory and health measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many parents have also sought records of how schools are handling “anti-retaliation” measures after accusations of targeting parents.
In one instance, a Michigan district told a parent it would cost $33 million to retrieve emails, demanding a $16 million deposit before starting the process. Similar cases highlight the extreme lengths schools are going to avoid disclosing information.
Teachers unions, which hold significant power in public education, are often identified as driving these tactics. Critics say unions are shielding schools from accountability, with support from federal authorities. Legal guidelines stipulate that FOIA fees should reflect actual costs, yet schools are exploiting loopholes to deter parental oversight.
Parents and advocates are calling for reforms, including advancing school choice legislation and dismantling unions they see as obstructive. They argue these steps would create accountability and provide families with better options for their children’s education.
For parents unable to navigate the opaque public school system, homeschooling has become an increasingly attractive option to ensure educational content aligns with their values.
