By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

At Monday evening’s work session, Hays USD 489 Board of Education members and administration will discuss whether the increased fees imposed in the spring should be reduced, stay as is or be withdrawn at Monday’s evening’s work session.

In May, the board voted to increase workbook/materials fees by $60, approved an activity fee increase of $50 and a kindergarten fee of $150, to make up for a $1 million 2014-15 budget shortfall.

At last week’s board meeting, board members openly wondered if increasing fees was necessary considering another key component of the budget plan — a local option budget increase — was soundly rejected by voters last month. The fee increases will most likely not be enough to bring back some of the teachers whose contracts were not renewed because of budget concerns.

The LOB asked voters to raise property taxes from 30 percent to 31 percent, which would have created $200,000 in funds for the school every year.

Also on the work session agenda, is a review of bids and consideration of the sale of 33rd Street property and the approval of the certifications program agreement between North Central Kansas Technical College and Hays High School.

The board will also discuss televising USD 489 work sessions and an appointment to the Hays Recreation Commission Board.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday at Rockwell Administration Building.