Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Fees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board holds public hearing on Policy 55.20; staff seeks higher fee-waiver cap for cheer and dance
Summary
At a public hearing on Policy 55.20, Lincoln Public Schools staff reported the district granted approximately $175,000 in fee waivers in 2023–24 and proposed increasing the maximum fee waiver for cheer and dance from $750 to $900 for 2025–26; the hearing produced no public speakers and the board carried the item to second reading.
The Lincoln Board of Education opened and closed a public hearing May 13 on proposed changes to Policy 55.20 (student fees) after staff reported a single recommended amendment to appendix 1: increasing the maximum fee-waiver amount for cheer and dance from $750 to $900 for the 2025–26 school year.
“During the 2023–24 school year, the district granted approximately $175,000 in fee waivers,” said district staff member Mike during the staff report. Mike told the board that over 86% of student fees are assessed at the high school level and that athletics, band, cheerleading and vocal music represent the largest categories. Staff said a review found the cost of basic uniform items has increased substantially in recent years — some items seeing increases around 203% and an overall average increase of core items near 180% — and that the proposed change is intended to better align fee waivers with current costs.
Board President Dr. Bob Rauner opened the hearing, noting the process: “The hearing is being conducted under the provisions of the Nebraska public elementary and students fee authorization act and other Nebraska laws,” and invited public comment; no blue cards were submitted and the board closed the hearing. The staff report was referenced again when the item moved later on the agenda for first reading; the board indicated it would carry the matter to a second reading rather than vote on adoption at the same meeting.
No formal change was approved at the May 13 meeting; staff said the requested increase appears as an attachment to agenda item 10.1.1 and will return for further board consideration at second reading.
