Jordan board debates fee‑schedule options as April deadline looms; staff will present narrow and wide cost estimates
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Summary
Board members previewed the March–April public‑hearing and decision timeline for a new fee schedule and debated two options: a narrow, low‑cost pathway that ensures fee‑free graduation or a wider approach that would remove fees from all entry‑level courses (staff estimated the wide option could cost roughly $700,000 to $800,000 to backfill). Staff will return with precise cost comparisons and a proposal for anonymous parent feedback channels.
Jordan School District administrators spent the bulk of the Feb. 10 study session laying out options and timelines for the upcoming school‑fee schedule, legal requirements and public hearings.
Staff reminded the board of a statutory timeline that centers on an April 1 deadline for fee adoption; they said they will confirm whether state guidance requires one or two formal hearings. Doctor Godfrey and Mr. Larson described two policy paths for complying with new state rules that guarantee a fee‑free path to graduation: a narrow path (identify and fund one low‑cost set of classes that meet graduation requirements) or a wide path (backfill fees across all entry‑level courses so students may freely choose). "Beginning for the 20 26, 27 school year, each LEA that awards credit toward graduation shall ensure that each school has at least 1 option for each graduation requirement that fulfills the graduation requirement and does not require the payment or waiver of any fee," Doctor Godfrey read from the bill language.
Staff estimated — using preliminary figures — that providing a wide range of entry‑level fee‑free options could cost roughly $700,000 to $800,000 in district dollars to replace fees schools had collected; narrow pathway options would be materially less but depend on which low‑cost courses the board designated. A staff member noted that many entry‑level classes currently charge modest fees (e.g., $15–$20) while athletics and transportation are more costly drivers.
Board members repeatedly asked for clarity on how transportation is accounted for (some districts include transportation in fee figures and others do not), on the mechanics to prevent coaches or volunteers from charging extra unofficial fees, and on whether parents can lodge anonymous complaints about perceived overcharging. Several board members stated they favor starting conservatively — present both extremes and decide after seeing cost comparisons. The board consensus: staff should return with precise narrow and wide pathway cost estimates, a clear explanation of the hearing format and timeline (staff will confirm the required number of hearings and whether public comment will be held during study sessions), and options for an anonymous feedback mechanism (district SOS line and school‑level forms were discussed).
Staff said fees will be posted publicly when the presentation is released so parents can review before the hearing; the board asked administration to break out transportation costs or otherwise clearly explain differences when comparing district fees with other districts' numbers. Board members also pressed for a plan to require schools to amend fees formally if additional charges are needed during a season, rather than relying on informal requests to families.
The board did not approve a fee schedule on Feb. 10; staff will present cost details and the recommended process at a future meeting and hold the required public meeting(s) ahead of a final vote.