The Glencoe District 35 School Board has approved a series of fee hikes for the 2024-25 school year, notably an increase for transportation charges.
Following up on a discussion at their January meeting, the school board unanimously approved a plan on Feb. 8 that will raise one-way busing rates from $400 to $650 and two-way rates from $725 to $850.
After being presented with four possibilities for a new rate structure, the board selected this option based on a recommendation from the staff.
“The board was looking to readjust the system so those that utilize the service contribute more substantially to the associated costs rather than relying on district subsidies,” Director of Finance and Operations Jason Edelheit said after the meeting.
In the 2022-23 school year, District 35 subsidized over $272,000 of the transportation costs.
Superintendent Catherine Wang said financial assistance is available to those in need.
District 35 reported there were 400 riders this year. Currently, there are approximately 1,200 students enrolled at the district’s three schools.
As the school board reviewed the situation, Board President Kelly Glauberman mentioned 2024-25 is the last year of the latest contract with Alltown, the busing company.
Away from transportation, the school board approved a raise in tuition in Summer Explorations, a summer school program, up to $200 per class from the previous $180 bill.
Graduation and athletic fees will remain the same and the board will not re-institute registration fees, continuing a policy that started this school year.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
