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Northern Cass board approves mandatory learner fee, adjusts pay and activity bus hours
Summary
The board reviewed and approved a mandatory learner fee structure (K–5: $110, grades 6–12: $150), raised open‑enrollment bus fee to $2.50 where applicable, increased some hourly pay rates, and approved a 10‑hour cap for activity bus driver pay as part of the 2026–27 schedule.
The Northern Cass School Board reviewed and approved a package of schedule and compensation items affecting families and hourly staff for 2026–27.
Chair presented a proposal to consolidate several student fees into a mandatory learner fee to simplify charges to families: $110 per learner for kindergarten through grade 5 and $150 per learner for grades 6–12. The administrator described the fee as covering activities, field trips, CTE studio supplies and computer usage; the administrator said the change aimed to reduce multiple separate charges that in prior years could total much higher amounts for families.
On transportation, the agenda included a proposed increase to the open‑enrollment busing fee from $2.25 to $2.50 per student; the administrator said the district had more drop‑off areas this year and did not expect the district to reach prior revenue levels from out‑of‑district route charges.
The board also approved personnel pay adjustments in the draft schedule: substitute pay will be calculated from base teacher pay; non‑certified hourly staff received a $0.50 hourly increase; CDL bus drivers received a small raise; and the board settled on a 10‑hour maximum for activity bus driving pay after discussion about long travel days and coaching time. The motion to approve the 2026–27 schedule with the 10‑hour activity driver adjustment was moved and carried by roll call.
Board members asked staff to present clearer documentation about what the learner fee covers for elementary families and to ensure field trip charges remain transparent. The board also noted plans to finalize calendar dates and budget hearing timing at a later meeting.
The board did not adopt major new program spending during this vote; the action updated fees and pay as part of annual schedule adoption.
