Are parents obliged to pay into a class fund in Russia?

No. State school education is free, and class fund contributions are voluntary arrangements between parents rather than a payment to the school. Opting out must never affect the child.

What must a Russian state school provide for free?

Article 35 of the Federal Education Act requires schools to provide textbooks, learning aids and teaching materials within the curriculum at no cost. Building upkeep — repairs, furniture, equipment, security and cleaning — is funded from the budget, not by parents.

Where can parents complain about illegal school collections?

Start with a written request to the head teacher, then the school dispute commission, then the local education authority. External escalation goes to Rosobrnadzor and the prosecutor office.

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School Money Collections in Russia: What Must Be Free and Can You Say No

Where the line runs between an illegal school levy and a normal parent-to-parent collection — and how to decline one without your child paying for it.

Published: August 11, 2026

Every September the same question comes back in parent chats: do we actually have to pay this? The answer depends on who is asking for the money and what it is for.

Short answer: a state school may not charge for anything inside the curriculum, and a class fund is a voluntary arrangement between parents. You can decline, and your child must not face any consequence for it.

Three Different Things Called "School Fees"

The school asking for money for repairs, equipment, security or textbooks — not lawful. These are budget-funded obligations.
Parents agreeing between themselves to buy water, prizes or decorations — lawful, as long as it stays genuinely voluntary.
Gifts for teachers — lawful under a 3000 RUB ceiling per gift (Article 575 of the Civil Code), and always optional.

What the School Must Provide Free of Charge

Article 35 of the Federal Education Act covers textbooks, learning aids and teaching materials within the curriculum. Building upkeep, furniture, equipment, blinds, security and cleaning come from the budget. A request to fund any of those is a conversation with the administration, not a parent collection.

How to Decline Politely

"Thanks for organising it — I will skip this one. Please count me out of the total."
"This month is tight for us. I would rather not commit than promise and not pay."
"I am happy to chip in for water and prizes, but not for classroom repairs — that is the school budget."

No explanation is owed, and a treasurer who asks for one is out of line. Equally, a parent who declines should not campaign against everyone else who chose to contribute.

If You Are Being Pressured

Ask for the request in writing — pressure rarely survives that.
Written request to the head teacher.
The school dispute commission (Article 45).
The local education authority that funds the school.
Rosobrnadzor or the prosecutor office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are parents obliged to contribute?

No — contributions are voluntary and opting out must never affect the child.

What must be free?

Textbooks, learning aids and everything the curriculum requires; plus building upkeep.

Where do I complain?

Head teacher, dispute commission, education authority, then Rosobrnadzor or prosecutor.

A Class Fund With Nothing Hidden

Create a free group, log every purchase with a receipt and share the link — any parent can see what was collected and where it went.

Create Free Group 🚀