Board approves phased changes to 2025–26 student fees, including athletics and AP testing notice

The Forest Grove School District Board approved a phased change to the 2025–26 student fee schedule at its June 24, 2025, meeting, moving from a flat $50 athletic fee to a tiered athletic participation fee that will be phased in over three years to align the district with comparable districts.

Director Klute, the district’s director of finance and operations, told the board staff reviewed fee structures used by nearby districts and recommended a three‑year approach so families are not faced with a sudden increase. Under the plan approved by the board, the high school and middle school will implement a tiered athletic fee; the reduced/free application option will remain for qualifying families. The packet included a year‑one proposal with a reassessment at the end of the three‑year phase‑in.

The board packet also added an AP testing line to give families an estimate of the full AP test cost upfront and the district noted that the test fee is set externally and may change. Staff explained that adding the AP testing notice addresses situations in which families are surprised by charges because AP tests are billed unless a student opts out.

Director Klute said the revenue from revised fees will be recorded in the general fund and used to support athletic costs such as coaching and equipment, though he noted fees cover only a small portion of overall athletic operations. The fee schedule also includes a family maximum to limit out‑of‑pocket expenses for households with multiple participating students.

A board member asked whether comparables were drawn from the district’s athletic league; staff responded the district expects to be comparable to peer districts by the end of the three‑year period. The board then voted to approve the 2025–26 fee schedule; the motion carried after a voice vote with all members present saying “aye.”