Understanding Student Fees: A Guide for Parents

Student fees will be restructured for the 2025-2026 school year based on what each student uses. Moving away from a "buffet-style" flat fee, the new approach ensures that families only pay for the specific resources and activities in which their students engage. Superintendent Ashley Whitely and Treasurer Adam Zink explained the structure at the June 30 school board meeting. “School fees should be about what a child uses, what they consume,” Whitely told the Board.

Early Childhood and Elementary (K–6)

School fees for students in kindergarten through sixth grade will continue to provide school supply kits which include essential classroom items for the school year. Supply kits, and costs, will vary by grade based on the items needed. To simplify the back-to-school process for families, additional supplies like tissues, paper towels and disinfecting wipes will also be purchased by the District for which a nominal fee will be charged. Parents will only need to provide a few items like backpacks and earbuds or headphones. Each school has its own supply list, which can be found on the district website.

Junior and High School (7–12)

Based on feedback from families, students and teachers, junior school students will not receive a school supply kit this year. Tissues and disinfecting wipes will also be purchased by the District for which a nominal fee will be charged. School supply lists for junior school students are available on the district website. In addition to general items, lists may also be available for electives like band, for grades 7-8. 

High school supply lists will remain specific to each classroom. Teachers will communicate these items to their students once school begins.

Key updates for fees in grades 7-12 include:

• The $100 club card fee will be paused for the upcoming year while the District evaluates club participation and funding strategies. This means there will not be a fee for extracurricular clubs unless noted on the “pay to participate” section of the student fees webpage.
• High school fees will now be class-specific. For example, students will pay an anatomy fee only if enrolled in anatomy, and likewise for English 10.

K-12 Digital Learning Fee

As part of the school fee structure for all students, a $35 digital learning fee is included. This fee helps support the District’s technology initiatives such as learning platforms and apps, as well as ensuring students have access to reliable digital tools for learning.
 
Importantly, this fee also includes a warranty for student-issued Chromebooks, providing coverage for repairs and maintenance throughout the school year. This helps minimize unexpected costs for families and ensures that students can stay connected and productive in their learning environments.

Breakfast and Lunch Prices

Adjustments have been made to the price of breakfast and lunch meals districtwide. The standard menu meal prices have increased by $0.25. À la carte offerings are being revised to better align with cost structures. Student breakfasts will cost $2.00 and lunches $3.25. More information can be found on the Child Nutrition website.

Payment Methods and Platform

As a reminder, the District transitioned to PaySchools Central last year for fee payments as the company purchased Lakota’s previous vendor, EasyPay. Payment options include:

• ACH (checking account): No additional charge; the District covers the fee.
• Credit or Debit Card: A convenience fee is added by PaySchools per transaction.

School fees will not apply to families who qualify for the district waiver. The waiver application must be completed each year and is scheduled to open on July 28.

Please see the district website for more information about student fees by grade and class.