The school district is considering updates to various student fees and rates for the 2025–26 school year, with several recommendations likely to be discussed at the April 14th board meeting.
Registration Fees: The district did not raise registration fees for the 2024–25 school year, even as most regional districts implemented $5–$10 increases. A possible $5 increase per level is under consideration, though there’s no strong push for a change unless necessary. The current fee structure remains aligned with regional averages.
Instrument Rental and Parking: Instrument rental fees remain consistent with regional standards at $130, primarily covering less-common instruments. The high school parking permit is optional and only covers the cost of a sticker. There is no planned increase for yearbook pricing next year.
Lunch Pricing: The district currently charges $2.55 for elementary and $2.75 for secondary lunches—on the lower end regionally. While USDA guidance may suggest a $0.10 increase, a smaller $0.05 raise is being considered to balance rising costs and the district’s healthy nutrition fund balance. Breakfast remains at $1.45 for all students. Afternoon milk, currently offered to grades K–2 at a cost of $0.40 per carton, may be phased out in favor of offering water, due to collection difficulties and donor fatigue.
Free Meal Programs: The district is evaluating whether it could sustainably offer free breakfast or lunch through federal reimbursement programs, as some neighboring districts do. However, sustainability remains a key concern.
Substitute Teacher Pay: A $5 increase to the daily substitute teacher rate is being considered, bringing the rate to $145, keeping it competitive with nearby districts. Long-term substitute pay may also see a proportional increase from $175 to approximately $181.75.
Tax Rate and Budget: The certified budget hearing is set for April 14. The proposed property tax rate remains steady at $11.97 per $1,000 taxable valuation. While rollback rates have increased statewide, the district is not requesting a higher tax rate—meaning any increase in individual taxes would be due to state-calculated valuations, not local decisions.
Final decisions on fees and pricing will be made during the board’s April meeting.