Kaneland to explore student fees

Kaneland officials plan to appoint an ad hoc committee to examine the district's student fees next year.

Superintendent Charles McCormick said he had heard concerns about the size of some fees, but there was no guarantee they would change.

Board members Deborah Grant and Diane Piazza said sports fees should be lowered or there should be a cap on what families have to pay.

"I'm very concerned about the athletic program turning away a kid who can't afford to do this," Grant said.

Fees will stay the same for the 2008-2009 school year but could change for the 2009-2010 school year, McCormick said.

Board President Lisa Wiet said the board should wait until they have comprehensive data before making a decision.

"We need to look at the financial impact overall," she said. "This money needs to come from somewhere."

Board member Elmer Gramley said when a committee studied fees before an education fund referendum in 2005, student athletic fees only covered about a third to a fourth of the total cost.

Board member Cheryl Krauspe said the board shouldn't focus on the issue until after the February building referendum.

"We don't want to muddy the waters," she said. "This is not that kind of referendum."

The committee will likely form in February and include parents and community members.