Craigslea Community Kindergarten and Preschool in Brisbane, Australia asked parents to pay $1,400 for their children’s art portfolios as a fundraiser to cover unpaid bills and educator wages. The debt-ridden center closed last month after funding was halted during a governance investigation. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli called the request “emotional blackmail” and “un-Australian,” saying “I never saw any Picassos come home, that’s for sure. But they mean something to you.” One parent, Brooke, called it “ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. I don’t even really have words for it.” Police are investigating an alleged midnight break-in at the kindergarten two weeks ago. The Department of Education and Creche and Kindergarten Association successfully retrieved all portfolios Wednesday, making them available to families free of charge. (Story URL)
