By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Following a tour of Washington Elementary at 6 p.m. Monday, Hays USD 489 school board members are set to discuss increased enrollment fees imposed this school year during their first work session of the year. The work session is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Washington gym, 305 Main.

Facing a more than $1 million budget gap, board members voted in May to increase workbook/materials fees by $60, approved an activity fee increase of $50, and added a kindergarten fee of $150 to be in place for one year — fees expected to generate approximately $195,000.

Executive Director of Finance and Support Services Tracy Kaiser will lead the discussion on the fees.

Kaiser also will discuss negotiations with Service Employees International Union employees and provide an update on worker compensation claims.

Additionally, Superintendent Dean Katt will present an offer he received to purchase “two tracts of ground” just south of the transportation building, 508 Main.

The BOE is also scheduled to discuss options in lieu of a long-term lease for a new copy machine for the district’s copy center, such as how classroom use of iPads could reduce the number of paper copies needed by classroom teachers.

A full agenda is located on the USD 489 website HERE.