Hopkins School District Looks at Changing Fees

While Hopkins Public Schools has had substantial discussions abou, it also is mulling over fees that bring in money.

The news isn’t all bad. Residents would see a mix of increases and decreases if the school board approves the proposed changes as is.

The district only allows fees for activities that are voluntary and don’t affect a grade or the granting of a diploma.

John Toop, the district’s director of business services, said there is no set percentage of costs that the fees aim to recoup. Activities cost between $1.1 million and $1.2 million and generate some $600,000 in revenue—or about half the costs, he said.

Conferences set fees for entrance to athletic events, not the school district.

Here’s a look at some of the fees that will change.

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The following fees will increase:

• Debate fees: From $200 to $230.
• Student lunch: 10 cents added to all levels because of new federal requirements.

The following fees will decrease:

• Girls gymnastics admission: From $7 for an adult and $5 children to free admission.
• PSAT: From $20 to free.
• Senior activity fee: From $75 to $35.

The following fees will be added:

• Lost materials (uniforms, equipment, etc.): Students will now have to pay the replacement cost.
• Guitar rental: Will be $20.
• Media center: $5 damage fee added, plus the cost of repair for any laptops that are damaged.
• Kitchen supervisor: $30 per hour