Gresham‑Barlow staff outline plan to reinstate some student fees; board to consider final adoption in June

Gresham‑Barlow School District administrators told the board May 21 they plan to reinstate several student and activity fees for the coming school year while keeping many fees flat and preserving waiver processes for families who cannot pay.

Assistant superintendent Tracy (presenting curriculum/fees) said the district used ESSER funds during the pandemic to minimize family fees and will now restore some charges while continuing to shield access to classes: “We will not be looking to reinstate any course fees, select elective type fees to take a class, just to ensure that equity of access,” staff said. Athletic, activity and student body fees were described as largely unchanged; the district noted a $10 increase in family passes and a small increase for middle‑school band instrument rentals to cover repair costs.

Administrators said fee revenue offsets program costs but does not fully fund extracurricular programs; general fund and grant support will continue. The district also said it will publish waiver and reduced‑fee application links with fee schedules and train staff to offer assistance when families need help applying.

The board treated the schedule as a first reading during the work session and agreed to bring fee adoption back for action at the June business meeting to allow community review and comment.

Board members and staff discussed tracking fee revenue through the general fund and ensuring optional fees remain optional. Staff said many fees will remain unchanged from pre‑pandemic levels to reduce the impact on families.