Board approves first reading of 2026–27 student fee schedule after extended debate

The Granite School District Board of Education gave a first reading approval March 3 to the district’s proposed student fee schedule for the 2026–27 school year after extensive discussion and public comment sign‑ups.

Staff presenter Steve Persan reviewed the district’s fee process and the legislative backdrop that shaped the proposals. He said last year’s fee replacement allocation covered $55 per junior high student and $90 per high school student for the disruption caused by a statutory change; staff warned those transitional funds are not currently guaranteed beyond the current year. Persan explained two bills still under consideration at the time of the meeting: House Bill 121 (which, if enacted, would permit charging a modest science course fee by removing science from the no‑fee core list) and House Bill 142 (which would limit the number of fee waivers a student may receive and require additional review or service for subsequent waivers).

Board members and staff discussed several proposed adjustments included in the schedule: raising maximum school club dues from $35 to $50; increasing the driver‑education fee from $195 to $250 to cover program costs; creating optional home‑game athletic passes ($20 per sport, $40 for an all‑sports season pass); modest increases in some CTE course fees (for example, certain firefighting and foods labs); and listing non‑waivable certification fees (CPR, food‑handler, industry certifications) as optional credential costs. Staff emphasized the schedule sets maximums and that actual out‑of‑pocket fees per student are determined through school spend plans and available waivers.

Several board members urged clearer, earlier disclosure of fees to families during course selection and registration; staff said course catalogs and school