Board approves 50% increase to athletic bus fees to recoup part of general‑fund subsidy

The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees approved a 50% increase to student athletic transportation fees on June 10, part of staff recommendations intended to reduce the general‑fund subsidy for athletics travel.

Trustees adopted a motion to raise fees by 50%, a change staff modeled to increase general‑fund revenue by approximately $103,000 (staff also presented a lower 20% increase option and a 45% option tied to prior driver pay adjustments). Under the board’s action, middle‑school athletic transportation fees would move from $10 to $15 and high‑school fees from $50 to $75.

Transportation director Scott Lee told the board that athletics historically has been subsidized from the general fund while other extracurricular travel (for example, many field trips) is funded through school‑level fees or grants. He described the district’s process for estimating trip costs and invoicing schools; district staff and athletic leaders said no student would be turned away for inability to pay and that schools typically have limited discretionary funds to assist with fees.

Why it matters: the district pays nearly $1 million annually for athletic transportation while collecting only about $230,000 in fees; the board’s change reduces the gap while preserving broad participation plans. Trustees and staff discussed the equity implications and the practical ability of schools to subsidize students who cannot pay.

Ending: trustees approved the 50% increase; staff said schools and families would be notified and that the district’s athletic office would continue to manage aid for families in need.