Board hears proposed 2025–26 student-fee changes including elimination of dual-enrollment fees

Caroline County Public Schools presented proposed fee changes for the 2025–26 school year on March 10, including elimination of dual‑enrollment fees in response to recent state legislation, reductions and increases across Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses, and higher cosmetology/barber kit costs to provide more durable materials.

Key proposed changes summarized by staff member Mr. Mudd and Ms. Fry include: - Elimination of fees for qualified high-school students enrolled in dual-enrollment courses, to comply with a 2024 state law described by staff as the “2024 college and career ready Virginia program and fund house bill.” Staff said they were identifying funding sources to cover the change in FY26. - Increases to cosmetology and barber kit fees to provide fuller, longer-lasting kits (staff cited a one-time upfront cost so students keep the materials at program completion). The cosmetology and barber kit fees were raised to $250 in the proposed list; administrators said installment plans and fee waivers would be available for students with demonstrated need. - Agricultural class fee increases to cover required Future Farmers of America (FFA) membership dues for students enrolled in those classes. - High-school parking-permit fee proposed to increase by $10 (from $40 to $50) to align with neighboring divisions; administrators noted parking revenues can be used for lot maintenance, graduation expenses, and related facility needs. - Several fee eliminations or reductions where external funding or grants cover costs: theater, business/marketing/entrepreneurship (Perkins grant), reduced AP environmental science and environmental science fees, elimination of PE fees and reductions to criminal-justice fees where CPR card costs can be covered by Perkins funding.

Concerns and accommodations: Board members asked whether higher kit costs might deter students; administrators said the division will provide installment plans and make accommodations so fees are not a barrier. For cosmetology and barber kits, staff noted Perkins and other grant sources cannot cover student-owned kits for all students and that the kits are required for state board testing; the division said scholarships, grants or community sponsorships will be used where needed.

Next steps: The revised fee schedule was presented as a read; staff asked the board to consider the proposal and planned to bring final approval in April, once administrators complete adjustments and identify funding for the dual‑enrollment change.

Ending: The board took questions and heard assurances fees will not be a barrier for students who need assistance; the proposed changes reflect state law, grant availability and program needs.