§ 4709. Agreements with parents and guardians to pay expense of
maintenance; compulsory support. The board of managers may make an
agreement with the parents or guardian of a child in such school for the
payment of an amount therein specified for the instruction and
maintenance of such pupil. An application for the admission of a child
with the consent of the parents or guardian shall not be granted unless
suitable provision be made for the clothing of such child. The amount
agreed to be paid for instruction, maintenance and clothing shall be
secured to the satisfaction of the board of managers. Such board shall
ascertain by investigation the financial ability of parents, guardians,
and other persons legally liable for the support of pupils admitted to
such school upon commitment, and may demand of such parents, guardians
or persons the payment of an amount reasonably sufficient to pay all or
a portion of the cost of the instruction, maintenance and clothing of
such pupils. The board may proceed against such parents, guardians or
persons, by proper suit or proceeding in a court of competent
jurisdiction for the recovery of the amount agreed or required to be
paid, as herein provided. The amount so recovered, after the payment of
the necessary costs and expenses of such suit or proceeding, shall be
paid into the treasury of the county, and shall be applied to the
payment of the cost of the instruction, maintenance and clothing of such
pupils.