Glencoe District 35 officials are considering some fee increases for the 2024-25 school year, particularly in regards for transportation charges.
The school board reviewed the current fee structure at their Jan. 11 meeting, including a discussion on the busing fees. This came after the board raised the two way charge for school bus use to $725 and $400 for one way.
However, the increase did not impact usage as there are now 400 students registered for transportation services, according to District 35 documents. This includes 83 first graders at South School and 60 Central School students, the school for fifth through eighth graders.
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“Ridership levels are near all time highs,” Director of Finance and Operations Jason Edelheit said. “The increased fees did not have any impact on ridership.”
Edelheit said there is consideration for another raise, possibly with the one way rate.
The board appeared open to the idea.
“I would be open to raising the costs and allowing families to assume a fair share of the portion of the cost,” board member Enna Allen said.
The fees traditionally cover 60% of the transportation costs with District 35 subsidizing the remainder. There is not a state subsidy available.
Edelheit said he would present a modified fee structure at the February school board meeting, leading to a board vote.
The staff also recommended a $20 increase in the 2024 four-week Summer Explorations program, going from $180 to $200 per class.
“We do not believe that will impact enrollment,” Superintendent Catherine Wang said.
For the 2023-24 school year, the board approved discontinuing registration fees and the staff recommended maintaining that policy.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.