Transportation Fees Still Up In The Air For District 159

Before the spiraled into an extended argument over when to hold meetings, the members took a look at after-school transportation fees for after-school activities during the 2012-13.

Board member Patrick Markham made the motion to table the vote on transportation fees, to allow time to further review the fee structure.

“I'd like to make an amendment motion to separate out the transportation fees for further analysis, and recommend the approval of the fees for the 2012–13 school year otherwise as presented,” Markham said.

By tabling the vote on transportation fees, the board pushed back even further locking down the cost for students to ride the bus for the coming year. Currently, the district has transportation fees posted as $200 per student living over 1.5 miles from school or in a hazard zone and $375 for students living under 1.5 miles from school.

Board member Kathy Moore said that she hoped the board could get a projected revenue for bus services, indicating that a lower cost could possibly encourage more students to take the bus, thereby lowering costs to students, but maintaining the revenue stream to the district. Markham agreed with the suggestion, although District Business Director Kirt Hendrick said it would be difficult to project solid numbers.

“I just want to make sure that we have enough information to decide next time,” Moore said. “I want to make sure we have a firm grasp on the projected expenses and revenues for next year.”

After separating the matter from its original position as part of the Schedule B and other school fees vote, the board elected to table the vote on transportation fees until its May 10 meeting.