The Dunlap CUSD 323 Board of Education debated and ultimately rejected a proposal to raise student activity fees, voting instead to retain the existing $90 activity fee for 2026–27.

Board member Tim proposed restructuring activity fees to $100 for the first activity, $150 for a second and $200 for a third (capped at $200), raise the graduation fee by $40 and offer an early‑payment discount to reduce later collection efforts. Tim said the change and an early‑payment incentive could reduce unpaid balances.

Opponents, including several board members, raised equity concerns and noted that some districts do not charge activity fees at all. One board member said charging per activity would unfairly increase costs for families with multiple students and that the district must be careful about excluding students who cannot pay. Members also discussed benchmarking with neighboring districts and noted that fee structures vary widely.

Board discussion also covered the mechanics of fee collection. Administrators said the policy revision clarifies the district’s process: written invoices, payment‑plan offers, and a referral to a collection agency if fees remain delinquent (discussion referred to a 30/60‑day cadence in the policy draft). Several board members asked staff to add explicit dates and to provide clearer benchmarks and examples before moving further on collection steps.

After debate, the motion to adopt the new fee schedule failed on a roll‑call vote. A subsequent motion to maintain the activity fee at $90 as presented carried by roll call.

Board members said they will continue benchmarking other districts and reassessing fee policy and collection practices as part of budget planning. The board’s approval preserves the current fee schedule for the coming school year, and staff were directed to finalize language about collection timing and notification.

The board’s next steps: the approved fee policy and collection process will be added to board materials and implemented for registration timelines this academic year.