District 300 candidates debate student fees

For three years, Community Unit District 300 has held the line on student fees, upholding a promise district officials made to voters when they passed two tax increases in 2006.

The 2009-10 school year is the first year district officials can increase fees without breaking their promise.

Although the District 300 administration has recommended an overall increase in student fees, some school board candidates have said the middle of a recession is the wrong time to do so.

"I know our fees are still higher than those in many areas," said board Vice President Karen Roeckner, who is seeking re-election. "I can't vote for this until we start to lower some of those."

Several board candidates agree with her, including Community Finance Committee member Rob Lee.

"It's just such a slap in the face," Lee said on Wednesday. "District 300 has ridiculously high activity fees to begin with."

The administration's recommendation would not actually raise fees across the board.

Rather, the district would increase annual registration fees for all students by $10 to pay for reduced fees for some music students, athletes who play multiple sports and students who get reduced-price lunches.

Taken together, the changes would generate an additional $30,385 in revenue, according to district estimates.

Board candidates Dave Alessio and Tracey Perez said they would support simplifying the district's fee structure in a way that did not generate additional revenue.

"Restructuring probably is needed because the fees are not consistent," Alessio said. "It would also make it easier for the district to collect."

Board candidates Dorothy Jordan and Anne Miller could not be reached for comment.