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Board approves 2025–26 student-fee schedule with waivers for free and reduced lunch families
Summary
After a detailed discussion about impacts on families, the McPherson USD 418 board approved a student-fee schedule for 2025–26 that creates flat fees at the secondary level and retains waivers for free and reduced lunch-eligible students.
The McPherson USD 418 Board of Education on Tuesday approved a 2025–26 student-fee schedule that keeps fees waived for students who qualify for free lunch and offers a reduced rate for those who qualify for reduced-price lunch.
Doctor Vincent, presenting the proposal, said the plan sets elementary fees at $90, a flat middle-school fee of $160 plus a $200 technology fee, and the same structure at the high school. Vincent said students already identified through the free and reduced lunch application will have fees waived; families in the reduced category will pay 50 percent of the fee.
Board members pressed for clarity about how families qualify for the free and reduced classification. Doctor Vincent said the district uses the federal poverty-guideline thresholds: families at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guideline qualify for free meals, and families between 135 percent and 185 percent qualify for reduced-price meals.
Several board members asked how the Booster Club determines where donations are targeted and whether fees could be capped for families with multiple children. Board members also raised concerns about communication timing so families can plan for added expenses. Vincent said the district will publish the fee schedule and supporting details after board approval and will include eligibility guidance and enrollment instructions.
A motion to approve the student-fee proposal carried by voice vote; the board recorded no roll-call tally in the transcript.
