Geneva schools might increase driver education fees by $100

Geneva students could pay as much as $450 for driver education starting in the fall of 2014, if the state board of education agrees to allow it.

The Geneva school board Monday decided to ask the state to renew its waiver — which allows Geneva schools to charge $350 per student — when it expires at the end of the next school year. Waivers last five years.

State law allows school boards to charge up to $250 per student without the waiver.

According to the waiver application, it cost the district $500 to teach a student to drive in the 2012-13 school year, after state reimbursement. It has “consistently” cost more than $500 for “many years,” according to the application.

The increased price of gasoline and the increased salaries for teachers have contributed to the higher cost, according to the application. The district also wants to replace its current training vehicles.

Two private driving schools with Geneva locations charge $425 for basic driver’s education similar to that offered by the school: 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.

As with other school fees, the district does not charge the fee to students who are eligible for free school lunches.

State law requires people under age 18 who want to get a driver’s license to complete a state-approved driving course.

Neighboring St. Charles District 303 charges $395 for driver education.