SMITH — Aspen View School Division board of trustees approved changes to the divisions’ school fee policy and administrative procedure (AP) that better outline individual schools role’s in fee collection efforts after additional amendments were made following the board's Oct. 5 meeting.
During the Oct. 26 meeting in Smith, trustees voted unanimously to pass a motion to accept the necessary changes to bring the procedure in-line with current regulations. A second motion to pass first reading of the amended policy 19, School Fees was also carried unanimously.
The amended school fee policy acknowledges the role of school principals in the setting and collecting of fees with an addition to the preamble that notes “principals are best suited to make decisions about what is best for the school environment.”
“That’s a really important piece that was added, said Nikipelo. “The principals know our families best and are able to help with considerations and situations that arise with payment of school fees.”
“We are seeing drastic changes in the cost of resources for complimentary courses, and the cost of those resources and supplies are heading north,” said Kastrinos. “We never are looking to pass extra costs onto families, but at times in order to continue to make complimentary courses viable, we have to because there’s an impact there for the school.”
Changes to the AP include amendments to the language around principals’ consultation of school council, noting consultation as a requirement, but stipulating principals decisions are final. A clause outlining parental notification of fee changes was also amended — any charges for classes or activities will be listed on course outlines, as opposed to teachers providing notification.
Second reading of the amended school fee policy is expected to take place during the Jan. 25 board meeting.
