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Board approves revised school fees; VEX robotics fee capped at $200 after parental concerns
Summary
After parent and board discussion about cost and equity, the board approved revised technology and extracurricular fees and set a $200 cap on the VEX robotics participation fee, with staff directed to seek scholarships and report back over the summer.
The Tavares County Board of Education on May 12 approved revisions to school fees, including a new fee to help sustain the VEX robotics program, and set a $200 cap on the VEX fee after extensive discussion about affordability.
Board members and parents debated the proposal at length. Board member Shannon Lancaster said parents raised concern that the proposed VEX fee represented “a big jump all at once.” Several speakers asked whether the district could phase in any increase or expand scholarships.
District leadership said the fee is primarily to offset the cost of robotic kits and competition expenses after one-time federal funds (ESSER) and other local subsidies ended. Superintendent John Kopicki said the program serves roughly 503 students and that the district estimated the total annual cost to operate the program at about $165,000; he said the proposed fee would help stabilize ongoing costs and that the district would pursue grants, corporate sponsors and fundraising to reduce direct family costs. “If a family has a hardship, we would encourage them to apply for a scholarship so that we can make sure that they have the opportunity to participate,” Kopicki said.
Board member Sam Treadaway moved approval of the fee structure with a single modification limiting the VEX fee to no more than $200; Melanie Freeman seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote. The chair asked staff to report back in July on fund-raising and sponsorship prospects and on whether the fee structure could be graduated by grade level.
Board members and staff also emphasized students would not be prevented from participating for inability to pay and that the district would pursue multiple offset strategies, including grants and corporate sponsorships. The board directed staff to update the body after summer camps and fundraising efforts so members could reconsider or refine the fee schedule before the school year begins.
The vote finalized a fee structure the district presented last week and was intended to replace temporary funding the district had used for the program.
