Greendale administrators propose prorated textbook fees and boost to middle-school athletic fees

District administration reviewed proposed student fee changes for 2025–26 and discussed two items that drew board attention: prorating instructional materials/textbook fees for midyear enrollees, and increasing middle-school athletic fees to cover inflationary costs.

Jonathan Mitchell (named earlier in the meeting and referenced during the fee discussion) and district staff explained that last year the district adjusted materials and textbook fees at K–5 and high school and increased band/instrument and high-school athletic fees. For 2025–26 the administration is not recommending changes to most textbook fees but proposed a middle-school athletic fee increase from $60 to $75 “based on inflationary costs of running that programming, including transportation,” and estimated that change would raise about $2,250 in revenues.

Staff also raised the question of prorating material/textbook fees for students who register late in the year. The proposal discussed would treat the fee on a semester basis so a student entering after the second semester would be charged half the usual material/instructional fee; staff said it would simplify implementation and help families who enroll midyear. Some board members voiced support for prorating and for continuing reduced-price and fee-assistance options.

No formal board vote on these fee items was recorded in the transcript excerpt; administration said a formal proposal and fee schedule would be brought forward for board action. The discussion included clarifying questions about existing policy (field-trip and curriculum-related fees) and the district’s authority to implement prorating as part of the formal fee schedule.