Board approves fee increases, adds coaching stipends and raises meal prices

The board voted July 7 to adopt a package of operational changes including student activity and athletic admission fees, stipend schedule updates and increased facility and meal prices.

Miss Sutton presented proposed changes to the student activity fee schedule: a $25 technology fee for students not eligible for free or reduced lunch, high school student admission rising from $4 to $5 and adult admission to $10, and middle school student admission rising from $2 to $3 and adult admission to $5. After a board inquiry about whether the motion covered the entire schedule, the chair confirmed the vote was for the whole schedule; the motion passed 4–1.

The board approved stipend changes for the 2026–27 schedule to add coaching stipends for girls' flag football and boys' volleyball and an activity bus driving stipend (motion passed unanimously). District staff said stipends compensate staff for extra time supervising and advising activities.

District staff proposed roughly 10% increases to facility use rates to offset supplies and maintenance costs; certain school‑based organizations and nonprofits will remain exempt from charges. That measure passed 5–0.

School nutrition recommended a $0.25 across‑the‑board increase for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at all levels to offset food and delivery cost increases; that also passed 5–0.

Board discussion cited rising officials' costs driven by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association as one reason to adjust admissions fees and noted alignment with neighboring districts for consistency on admissions pricing. One board member said he opposed the technology fee but voted for the overall package’s passage.

The board chair said these fees and stipend changes will be presented annually for review even if no changes are proposed in future years.