Sorry I have to come to the defense of some higher decile schools (primary at least). If they are going to have a decent operational budget to cover the running of the school, they have no choice but to seek money from their community. For some up to 40 % of their operational budget (excludes teacher salaries) comes form locally sourced funds. Voluntary donations (not illegal fees) is a relatively easy way to get some of this. Regardless of who holds the treasury benches I don't see this changing soon.