Section 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.