Parents with children in Elgin-based District U-46 will pay instructional fees in the 2025-26 academic year for the first time in five years.
The school board discussed the fee schedule at its Monday night meeting, and is expected to approve it Feb. 24. School meals for all students will remain free for the upcoming school year.
“As a parent of a high schooler, I can tell you how nice it is not to have to argue with my kid about food before they go to school, and I know I’m not alone,” board Vice President Kate Thommes said. “And I know, financially speaking, it’s extremely helpful to a lot of families to know that their kids are going to get breakfast and lunch.”
For the current fiscal year, U-46 nutrition programs cost $17.14 million, according to documents on the district’s website. Funding comes from the National School Lunch Program, and includes a snack program and supper programs at some U-46 schools based on need.
Food subsidies are provided through the USDA and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education, the website said. U-46 feeds more than 34,000 students over the course of its 176-day school year.
As of right now, Assistant Superintendent of Finance Frank Williams said they have not been notified of any changes in the federal revenue they expect to receive.
Since the 2021-22 school year, District U-46 has been underwriting the cost of instructional fees for parents as a way of helping families as they recovered from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Money the district received through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund covered the expense, but the program is no longer available.
The fees being recommended have been reduced from those parents paid in the 2020-21 school year, according to a meeting document. They cover the district’s purchase of technology, workbooks, art supplies, science lab materials and other items.
First number: Prior to May 31
Second number: June 1 through Aug. 31
Third number: After Aug. 31
In most cases, there will be a discount for anyone who pays the fees before May 31. The price will escalate if paid between June 1 and Aug. 31 and again for those who pay after Aug. 31.
Based on that three-tier structure, the instructional fees as currently recommended are:
- Half-day kindergarten: $45; $45; $55;
- Elementary school (K-6): $75; $95; $115;
- Middle school (7-8): $145; $165; $185;
- High school (9-12): $175; $195; $215
Participation fees for middle school athletes will be $80 per sport, with no family or sport maximum.
High school fees include:
- Athletics (per sport): $150;
- Football and lacrosse: $200;
- Driver education, behind the wheel: $250;
- Driver education textbook: $19.50;
- Lifeguard course: $45.75;
- Parking permit: $100.
There would be a student maximum of two sports fees per school year and a family maximum of four sports fees per year at the high school level.
Fee waiver forms for qualifying families will be available on the U-46 website.
Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
