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Meeting Date:
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12/12/2017 - 6:30 PM
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Category:
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ITEMS OF BUSINESS
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Type:
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Action
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Subject:
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10. Action on Resolution 1617R-004 by Director Bonds to Waive All Student Fees
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Strategic Plan Compatibility Statement:
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Goal 2 Student, Family and Community Engagement
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Attachments
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Resolution 1617R-004
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File Attachment:
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Background:
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At the October 26, 2016 Board meeting, Resolution 1617R-004 by Director Bonds to waive all student fees, was referred to the Committee on Accountability, Finance and Personnel.
The Administration recognizes that over 70% of MPS students are living in poverty. Currently, there are already mechanisms in place that are consistent with the spirit of the resolution, at both the school and district levels, to support those students who are unable to pay school fees associated with student activities, supplementary subject area materials, club activities, graduation ceremonies, athletic participation, instrument rental, etc.
One example is MPS Drive, which subsidizes 100% of instruction for the program. The $35 students pay does not come to the district as a revenue, but serves to cover the cost of students' driver permits.
The MPS Recreation Department has also established a trust fund - the "Youth Program Fund," which serves to support activity fees for students in middle and high school who are unable to pay them.
The $25 athletic activity fee (per sport) remains one of the lowest in the area. This money stays at the individual schools to offset costs associated with the various programs. At the middle school and earlier grades, fees are by team and typically paid by the school.
Instrument rental/music fees are used to subsidize the cost of the instrument repair and maintenance of district-owned instruments. As part of the FY16 budget process, the instrument rental fee was reduced from $40 to $10. Since implementing this change, the $10 yearly instrument rental fee remains one of the lowest in the state. For example, in Racine Unified School District it is $45 per semester, in Kenosha Unified School District it is $50 per school year, in Madison Metropolitan School District it is $20 for elementary and $70 for middle and high school students per semester, and in West Bend Joint School District #1 it is $80 per semester. The waiving of instrument rental/music fees would significantly impact the district’s capacity to maintain and repair current instruments in the district, procure new music instruments, and ultimately reduce the capacity to start new music programs at schools.
The partners who provide support to our music program assist generally through offering programming at a reduced rate, which does not include supplies such as instruments.
Assessing school fees for events such as graduation allows the district and school communities to offer special opportunities that reflect the individuality of each community, to include special banquets, award ceremonies, etc.
At both the district and school levels, fundraising and seeking partner support to augment this funding is already the model being utilized. Relying on this solely to cover all fees charged to students could result in less funding available for such opportunities.
Reimbursing schools through carryover funds would be difficult as the district does not know if there will be carryover funds until after the fiscal year. Further, school balances are affected by many factors and implementing this method would add bookkeeping duties to determine the lost fees amount by school (or department). Finally, this commitment would reduce the district's already-limited flexibility in determining the best spending/carryover choices at the end of each fiscal year and in the succeeding fiscal year.
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Fiscal Impact Statement:
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This item does not authorize expenditures.
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Implementation and Assessment Plan
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The Administration recommends proceeding with the current model of assessing student fees and providing support to students as necessary. The Administration will work with principals to confirm they have systems in place at the school level to support students in need relative to the assessment of fees for various activities and sports. In addition, the Administration will work to increase awareness of opportunities such as the "Youth Program Fund" and MPS Drive.
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Recommendation:
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The Administration recommends that Resolution 1617R-004 by Director Bonds to waive all student fees be placed on file.
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Approvals:
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Recommended By:
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Signed By:
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Keith Posley - Chief
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Signed By:
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Dr. Darienne Driver - Superintendent
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