ISD 191 staff propose higher athletics, activities fees and a family cap to ease administrative burden

Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District (ISD 191) officials presented proposed increases to athletics and activities fees and a new family cap during the May 22 board meeting, saying the changes are intended to better align parent fees with rising costs and to simplify registration for families.

The proposal would raise many activity and sports fees (some by about $50–$60 from current levels) and add a family cap of $950 that covers all high‑school and middle‑school athletics and activities for a household. Administrators said the district will continue partial and full educational benefit reductions and that staff will work with families who still cannot afford fees.

“Does it cover all of our costs? Absolutely not,” said Kevin Kleiner, athletics director. “The district subsidizes a large portion of athletic and activity operations. But this is keeping up with the pace of neighboring districts.”

Why it matters: district staff said rising expenses for officials, transportation, uniforms and supplies mean fees have fallen behind current costs. The family cap is intended to help households with multiple students participate without facing cumulative charges across sports and activities.

What administrators told the board

Doctor Chris Belmont, assistant superintendent, said the review came from fiscal‑year 2026 budget adjustment work and reflected collaboration with clerical staff who help families register. Belmont said administrators used neighboring districts’ fees as a reference and categorized sports by season length, equipment needs and whether officials are required.

“We still will have our educational benefits adjustments for families that qualify,” Belmont said, adding the family cap is “a new thing. We’re excited to offer families that have many kids doing many things.”

Board questions and concerns

Directors praised the family cap but cautioned about the size of some one‑time increases. “Some of these fees, it’s a $50 or $60 increase over this year’s fees, and I worry a little bit about sticker shock for families,” Director Hume said. Hume recommended the district consider smaller, more frequent increases (for example, $10–$15 annually) to avoid sudden jumps.

Director Ault asked whether the educational benefits can reduce fees to zero for families with need; administrators said partial benefits provide a 50 percent reduction and full benefits still include a $25 fee, but staff will work with families on a case‑by‑case basis and can waive the remaining charge when warranted.

How fees were set

Administrators said they segmented sports and activities by key cost drivers: whether officials are needed, season length, facility costs and equipment needs. Football and hockey were cited as higher‑cost examples; other sports with no officials or short seasons were placed at lower fee tiers.

Next steps and implementation

The presentation was a staff recommendation and no board vote on the fee schedule took place at the meeting. Board members asked administrators to consider a two‑year cadence or smaller annual increases going forward, and to provide additional communication plans to reduce family confusion. Belmont said staff will continue to refine the proposal and that registration clerical staff supported the changes as likely to reduce confusion.

Ending

Administrators framed the proposal as a balanced step to keep fees aligned with costs while protecting access for families who qualify for educational benefits. Board members signaled support for the family cap and asked for clearer communication and an option to smooth increases over multiple years to limit sticker shock.