Board Keeps Athletics Fees As Is
The Council School District Board of Trustees held a special meeting on July 14. The action items on that evening’s agenda were approving the purchase of Chromebooks, action on extra-curricular fees and the second reading of the 8000 series policies.
A generous local donor is covering the cost of the Chromebook replacement. The board decided to split the purchase over the next couple of years so not all Chromebooks come due for replacement at the same time again. A quote for 50 Chromebooks for $17,808.50 was approved by the board.
The discussion on what to do with extra-curricular fees was longer and did not result in any action taken by the board. Superintendent Brian Joyce explained that currently, any local student (traditional, online, homeschool) can sign up to participate in sports and other extra-curriculars within the district. The district’s concern is that unless the student is at least partially enrolled in the district, they do not receive any state funding for that student and end up covering the expense of that student’s participation out of pocket. With razor thin budget margins, this quickly becomes a concern.
Discussion focused on increasing the activity card fee as well as charging more for those who are not enrolled. Two separate but similar motions made first by board members Kyle Johnson and then Jen Hamaker, ultimately failed. The issue seems to be dead for the time being.
The board then went on to read and review the 8000 series policies.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for August 12 at Council High School.
