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Meeting Date:
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Category:
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Type:
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Subject:
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9. Report with Possible Action on Student Fees |
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Strategic Plan Compatibility Statement:
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Goal 3 Effective and Efficient Operations
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Attachments:
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Resolution 2122R-012 - as adopted.pdf |
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File Attachment:
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Background:
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On September 30, 2021, the Board took action to adopt Resolution 2122R-012 as amended. This resolution states that during the 2021-22 school year, the Board shall consider the logistics and feasibility of waiving all fees charged to students, including those for student activities (towels, swimsuits, school newspaper, assembly programs, locks for gym locker, etc.), supplementary subject-area materials, club activities, graduation ceremonies (caps and gowns) and athletic participation, instrument rental or music lessons, driver education and work permits.
The administration surveyed each school to gather a list of fees assessed to students. Athletic fees are the most common. While these fees may be slightly different between schools and sports, most schools have an average fee of $20 - $25. Per the survey, another common fee is for graduation and completion. These fees do vary between schools. This fee type is most common in high schools, but some elementary and middle schools do utilize fees to help pay for their completions.
In 2019, that last pre-pandemic full school year, schools collected over $6 million of student activity revenue which included: $1.8 million of fundraising revenue, $1.6 million of fee revenue, $1.2 million of “other” revenue, $1.1 million of trip revenue and $500,000 of donation revenue. The majority (61%) of fees are collected by middle and high schools.
Based on preliminary conversations with the MPS Foundation and the Business and Community Partnership team, there may be a potential for funding through alumni donations as well as other community support. In addition, the grant development team will work to identify other funding options for activities that are currently funded through student fees.
Exploration of partnerships with community, alumni, grant and other support are in the discovery phase. These types of initiatives can take significant time to develop and grow. Schools will not benefit by removing fees at this time, with no alternative in place. As the district works to identify other funding, it recommends utilizing Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds.
Through ESSER III funding, each MPS school was allocated $100,000 to budget through a menu of eligible options. The district recommends adding student fee replacement to the menu of options. This will provide schools with an additional funding option. While ESSER does not provide a permanent replacement, it does provide time to continue to develop other funding sources by 2025. |
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Fiscal Impact Statement:
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Implementation and Assessment Plan: |
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Recommendation
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Approvals:
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Recommended By: |
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Signed By: |
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Renee Dudley - Comptroller |
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Signed By: |
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Martha Kreitzman - Chief Financial Officer |
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Signed By: |
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Keith Posley, Ed.D. - Superintendent |
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