Same for me,AnneMarie. We have pretty strict rules here in Australia. Things are not always perfect, but students engage in drawing up the rules at the beginning of the year, and they are discussed in depth so everyone understands (talking primary school here), and largely these are followed.

That student can leave a room to buy food,just doesn't happen here.

Bebe I congratulate your niece re her quitting on the day. If you are without the backing of management, you have nothing.

Sounds like something is seriously wrong with the system, and no amount of money will fix that.