New, increased fees up for discussion at USD 489 work session

With the procedural requirements met to implement staff cuts in the 2014-15 school year, the Hays USD 489 Board of Education now will continue discussions of how to boost revenue.

New and increased fees for students are on the agenda for Monday’s work session, proposed hikes that could range from enrollment/workbook, busing, kindergarten and “pay-to-participate.”

Facing a $1.3 million budget shortfall in 2014-15, the district is estimating the proposed staff cuts, which have yet to be finalized, will save the district approximately $975,000 in expenses.

A kindergarten fee in the table for discussion purposes would generate approximately $54,800, according to estimates. The proposed fee of $400 would not include students who qualify for free lunches, who would continue to pay no fee. Those qualifying for reduced lunches — approximately 10 percent of the expected kindergarten class — would pay a $200 fee.

The proposed $30 increase in workbook/enrollment fees would generate an estimated $53,370. Students qualifying for free lunch — nearly 39 percent of the student body — would not be affected by the proposed increase.

Discussion of the fees are included on a heavy board agenda, which also will include discussion of the agenda of an upcoming board retreat, scheduled for May 20. Agenda topics are expected to include reports from building principals, budget and technology updates, and a board self-evaluation.

The board also will hear from Katt as the district attempts to craft specific talking points to be used for a community-wide speaking tour touting the need for an increase in the local option budget. The district will have a mail-in referendum asking voters to approve a 1 percent increase in the LOB, a change expected to generate approximately $200,000.

For a complete agenda, click HERE. The work session is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Rockwell Administration Center.