Lakeshore Advance, 2012-09-12, Page 19Lakeshore Advance 9
HPCDSB finalizes policy on studentm fees
Outlines what
10,
students can and
can't be charged for
ptsMarshall
phi
to Lakeshore Advance
The Huron -Perth Catholic Dis-
trict School Board (HPCDSB) has
finalized its policy on which
learning materials and activities
students can and can't he charged
for,
In early 2011, the Ministry of
Education released guidelines
regarding the Education Act's
rules on student fees. The Minis-
try required school boards to have
new or revised policies in plaice by
September 2011.
Many of the concepts in the
policy were introuced to
IE1'CDSB schools in April and May
of 2011 and a draft policy was pre-
sented to IIPCI)Slt trustees at
their August meeting. At their
Sept, 26 meeting, hoard trustees
approved the final policy with lit-
tle discussion.
Gerry 'I'huss, superintendent of
business and treasurer for the
HPCDSB, said after the meeting
that the policy doesn't have a big
impact on 1IPCI)SB schools.
"Generally our schools weren't
charging huge fees," he said, add-
ing that as the policy is imple-
mented, minor adjustments in
some schools' policies may be
needed.
Under the policy, students
can't be charged fees for any
materials necessary to complete
curriculum expectations in a
grade or course. This includes
textbooks, workbooks, cahiers,
musical instruments, art sup-
plies, science supplies, lab mate-
rials or safety goggles.
Although students can't be
charged for textbook deposits,
the school can charge the cost of
replacing or repairing lost, dam-
aged or broken textbooks, as well
as any other damaged school
items such as library books or
other loaned materials.
Schools are allowed to send
home a "recommended items" list
requesting parents to purchase
pencils, paper, rulers, binders and
other supplies.
Schools or individual teachers
can also ask parents to contribute
"suggested items" to the class-
room. "However, the purchase of
these materials and/or the fee
ii
Generally our schools
weren't charging huge
fees...adding that as the
policy is implemented,
minor adjustments in
some schools' policies
may be needed
— Gerry Muss, superintendent
of business (Illd treasurer for
the lll'C:DSB
charge related to any purchases is
completely voluntary."
Materials and activities which
may have fees charged include
optional programs, dances, school
clubs, athletics, theme days,
drama and student council activi-
ties. These student activity fees,
which include agendas and year-
books, are voluntary amouts.
"Examples of inappropriate col-
lection practices include denying
students timetables, access to the
library or a locker for non-pay-
ment of a fee," the policy states.
Other fees are acceptable as
long as a no -cost alternative is
also provided.
Field trips, special events and
other activities necessary to meet
curriculum expectations can
include a fee but the school must
offer an alternative to students
who choose not to take part. Any
such trips which aren't required
to meet course requirements are
eligible for fees.
Students can be charged for
gym clothes or school uniforms,
although the IIPCDSB notes that
uniform fees "should be mini-
mized as much as possible, with
the goal of supporting student
participation in programs and
activities regardless of individual
economic circumstance."
When fees are charged, the
IIPCDS13 requires school princi-
ples to consult with local Catholic
School Councils. Schools must
provide their fee schedules to the
broader community, including an
itemized list with the purpose of
each fee. They must also have a
process to confidentially deal with
families under financial
hardship.
Neither individual teachers nor
departments may collect fee to
create "discretionary accounts':
The IEPCDSB encourages schools
to provide a budget showing
actual costs to the school with
each fund request, although a
school may also state that a
budget will be provided upon
request.
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