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Board approves school fees for 2026–27 after questions about band, STEM and virtual-program costs
Summary
After members pulled fees from the consent agenda for discussion, the board approved proposed school-based fees for 2026–27 including a STEM materials fee for select magnet schools and a City Labs fee for full-time virtual students; members asked about waiver policies for economic hardship and how fees are set.
The Cabarrus County Board of Education voted June 8 to approve proposed school-based fees for the 2026–27 school year after board members pulled the item for additional discussion.
District staff described two principal additions to the annual fee list: a STEM materials fee to support consumable supplies at the county’s five STEM magnet schools (reinstated after a COVID-era pause) and a $20 City Labs fee to offset interactive, ADA-compliant online-learning tools used by the full-time virtual Cabarrus online academy (CBA). Staff said the City Labs per‑student cost was closer to $30 and the $20 fee is intended to offset, not fully cover, that expense.
Members asked detailed questions about fees that are charged at the school level versus district-approved items, the marching-band and VEX robotics fees (both identified as school-based charges), and the district’s process for waiving fees for families experiencing economic hardship. Superintendent John Kopicki and other staff said waivers are available and handled discreetly at the school level so no student is barred from participation for inability to pay.
Board discussion also touched on how fee levels affect participation and whether some fee-funded activities should be covered by boosters or district budgets. "We would not prohibit students from participating ... due to an economic hardship," Kopicki said while explaining waiver practices.
The board moved and seconded to approve the recommended school fees; the vote passed with one recorded no.
What this means: Schools may collect the approved fees (including the STEM and City Labs components) for 2026–27; principals and district staff said they will continue to communicate waiver processes and review fee structures in light of participation concerns.
