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The Noble Network charter school in Chicago, Ill., is charging students $5 to attend detention for “minor disciplinary infractions” such as not tying shoelaces when told, or possessing soft drinks. “It’s nickel-and-diming kids for literally nothing that really matters,” complains the executive director of Parents United for Responsible Education, Julie Woestehoff. Critics say the fines, which brought in $200,000 last year, are a ploy to drive out “troubled” students to push up graduation rates. “If you have rules, you have to enforce them,” responds the school district’s CEO, Michael Milkie. “We have set that fee to offset the cost to administer detention.” After 12 $5 detentions, students are required to attend a “discipline class” — which costs $140. At least some parents support the measure. Kimberly Davis said she paid $300 for fees and behavior classes for her daughter, but adds she will soon graduate. “You have to buy into the program,” Davis said. (RC/Chicago Tribune) ...Right: that’s what the others are complaining about.