Better Pay Troy School Fees on Time

Next year, parents are going to see changes in school fees. Not so much in the amounts, but definitely in the timing.

The Troy School Board voted to keep curriculum and textbook fees the same next year, so long as parents pay them in full by the first day of school.

If parents do not pay by Aug. 22, they will accrue an additional $27 charge per student. This is in part due to the outstanding fees from this school year.

"The Troy Business Office is actively pursuing collection of the $90,000 that remains in unpaid fees for this school year," said Business Manager Diane Cooper in her report to the board.

What is outstanding represents a very small percentage of the budget, said Superintendent Don White. He said the focus needs to be on the users of these services paying their fair shares.

The area average for the 2011-12 is approximately $133 per student, with Channahon the highest at $170. Joliet District 86 is lowest at $45 per student, Cooper explained.

The activity fee was increased to $40 per student per activity for band, chorus, athletics and drama. This was up from $30 the current year. Other club fees remain the same at $10.

These must be paid the first day of the activity in order for a student to participate.

Payment plans are available. If payment is not made in full by the the first day of school, the $27 fee will be assessed, Cooper said.

Students who qualify for free meals also qualify for a curriculum fee waiver. Also, students who receive reduced lunches do not qualify. No fees will be waived for activities or clubs.

Fees for first through eighth grade have remained the same since the 2007-08 school year.

The early childhood/kindergarten fee had also remained unchanged at $103 until last year. It then increased to $136 when the all-day Kindergarten was implemented.

The community preschool fees remained the same at $200 per student per month for the five-day program, the board decided.

Other penalties parents can expect include being turned over to a collections agency if they don't pay fees by Dec. 20.

Starting next year, eighth graders who have outstanding fees will not be able to participate in the graduation ceremony.