Joseph City School Board Tables Student Activity Fee Increases

By Tammy Gray-Searles
   The Joseph City School Board tabled action on a policy last week that would increase fees for student activities until more information could be provided.
   The largest proposed increase is for activity cards that essentially serve as a pre-paid pass to events such as games and performances. Under the proposal, the fee for a regular adult activity card would increase from $30 to $50, for students in grades one through 12 from $20 to $35, and for a family from $100 to $200. Children five years old and under would continue to be admitted for free, and businesses could obtain an activity card for $35 with the purchase of a yearbook advertisement. Under the current policy, businesses receive a free activity card with the purchase of a yearbook ad. District employees would continue to receive a free activity card, but the card would be valid for the employee only.
   Individual admissions would remain the same, with the exception of a proposed charge of a $2 entrance fee for seniors age 60 and over. Current and proposed fees are $4 for adults, $3 for students, and free admission for children age 5 and under.
   Participation fees would also remain the same: $25 for high school activity participation, $10 for a junior high activity participation, with a maximum charge of $150 per school year for a family.
   Funds generated by the fees are deposited into a student activity account and used to cover expenses for putting on the events.
   The school board is expected to reconsider the proposed fees at a future meeting after being presented with additional information regarding the impact and necessity of the increases.
   In other action Oct. 13, the board:
   * Heard the first reading of 19 minor policy revisions as part of the consent agenda.
   * Approved the appointment of Terrie Farnes as a part-time music accompanist, Laura Hardy as a substitute teacher and Brandon Larsen to work with junior high wrestlers.
   * Scheduled an informational public bond meeting to update the community on the current bond at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20. No new bond is being sought.
   * Scheduled a work session to discuss board goals and set legislative priorities immediately following the public meeting on Oct. 20.
   * Approved an increase in mileage reimbursement from 29 cents to 32 cents per mile, with the change retroactive to the first day of the school year.
   * Approved board travel to the annual Arizona School Boards Association conference in Phoenix.
   The next regular board meeting is slated at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10.