Valley View Considers Charging Fee for Late Registration

Student fees may not increase next year—but parents could face penalties if they don’t pay up on time.

The Board of Education is scheduled to vote tonight on Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Gary Grizaffi’s proposal to leave student fees at the current rate for the 2011-12 school year. But, under Grizaffi’s proposal, households that fail to register on time would be subject to a 20 percent late charge.

According to a memo submitted to board members, the policy would encourage more families to attend back to school registration events or participate in mail-in registration. It would also reduce long lines caused by students registering and paying fees on the first day of school.

Under the proposal, fees would stay at the 2010-11 level and would be due Aug. 16. The following fees and late charges would apply:

• Elementary school – a $30 book fee and $10 non-refundable registration fee, for a total of $40. That would increase to $45 for families that do not register by the deadline.
• Middle school – a $65 book fee and $35 registration fee, for a total of $100. After Aug. 16, the total fee would increase to $120. Other fees, which are not subject to the 20 percent late charge, include a $20 graduation fee, a co-curricular participation fee of of $10 for non-athletic activities and $20 for sports (maximum $50 per student), a $4.25 P.E./band lock fee, a $25 band uniform rental/cleaning fee and a $50 fee for band instrument rental.
• High school — a $75 book fee, $65 registration fee, $5 student ID fee and $5 class fee, for a total of $150. After Aug. 16, the fee would increase to $180. Non-registration-related fees include a $30 graduation fee, $150 driver education fee, $60 student parking permit, participation fees of $30 for non-athletic activities and $60 for sports (maximum $150 per student), a $4.25 PE/band lock fee, a $30 band uniform rental/cleaning fee and a $50 band instrument fee.

If the student fees and late charges are approved, the district would notify parents via a back to school booklet as well as fee letters and the local media.

The district's board voted in October to.

Board members agreed to renew the district's contract with Transworld Systems at a cost of $7.75 per account, with the collections agency agreeing to pursue a total of 10,000 delinquent accounts.