By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post
Facing a $1.3 million shortfall for the 2014-2015 school year, the Hays USD 489 school board is looking at several cost-saving measures — including limiting or charging fees for busing students to and from school. The measure were among the topics at Monday’s USD 489 Board of Education work session.
Transportation Director Russ Henningsen explained the district does not currently have any regulations in place when it comes to busing students, noting anyone who requests transportation is accommodated.
He said the district’s transportation department is looking at several options when it comes to busing students, including no longer transporting students who live within 2.5 miles from the school they attend.
Henningsen said another option is charging a $100 per student fee for those who live within 2.5 miles from school. That proposal is projected to generate an additional $66,400 in revenue.
According to Henningsen, the transportation department is also doing its part in saving money and switching to “Dye Diesel” — fuel supplied in Hays — which offers a “cheaper up-front no-tax” price compared to what the department does now: sending a rebate to the state for reimbursement.
Board members also discussed a $400 annual fee for all-day kindergarten, changing to half-day kindergarten or eliminating all-day kindergarten altogether. Yet another consideration is an across-the-board enrollment fee increase of $30 t0 $40. Superintendent Dean Katt said he “hates” talking about the idea of fee increases and realizes enrollment fees “are already high here.”
The board will discuss the proposals and modifying the school activity fund policy at its next regular meeting.
Board member Marty Patterson encouraged the public to attend the meeting to offer input and voice concerns. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. March 31 at Rockwell Administration Building.