USD 489 board expected to rule on proposal to decrease fees

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

At Monday’s meeting, the USD 489 Board of Education will discuss whether to keep increased enrollment fees as is, or decrease the fees and add a pay-to-play fee.

At last week’s work session meeting, board member Susan Rankin suggested decreasing the activity fees to $25, the workbook/materials fee to $30, and adding a $25 dollar “pay-to-participate” fee.

Facing a budget shortfall of more than $1 million, board members voted in May to increase workbook/materials fees by $60, approved an activity fee increase of $50, a kindergarten fee of $150, and agreed to the the non-renewal of 16 teaching positions.

The fee increases would provide nearly $195,000 in revenue for the district, but because of last month’s rejection of a local option budget increase by voters, the board’s vow to bring teachers back into the fold likely won’t come about.

Superintendent Dean Katt and USD 489 administration is recommending the board not make changes to the fees.

The board meeting also will include a financial report from the administration and a decision to sell or keep land the district owns located on 33rd Street.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockwell Administration Center.

The meetings are live-streamed here and broadcast live on Eagle Channel 13.

For a full agenda, visit the USD 489 website HERE.