Plainfield board debates school fees and technology charge as administrators weigh data

The Plainfield SD 202 board spent substantial time Jan. 14 debating whether the district’s school fees fairly distribute costs and whether some fees—particularly the $50 technology fee and summer‑school charges—should be reduced or targeted.

Board members raised concerns about families who do not qualify for free/reduced lunch but still face hardship when multiple children incur fees. Administration said the district has an application process for fee waivers and that last year it waived about $1.6 million in fees for free/reduced and hardship cases. Staff agreed to publish waiver/hardship application links more prominently in school newsletters and commit to issuing clearer public guidance.

The technology fee was defended as covering more than devices, including software, network infrastructure and licenses, but some trustees suggested reducing or suspending the kindergarten portion of the fee if device usage for that grade is low. Curriculum and technology leaders said a usage study of K–2 device engagement is underway and a recommendation is expected next year. Trustees agreed to defer any fee redesign until the study’s findings are available.

Board members also requested data on vending machine revenues and nonresident participation in the district’s driver’s‑education program; administration agreed to provide vending annual totals and counts of nonresident students taking driver’s‑education. On summer‑school fees, administration recommended continuing to charge fees while ensuring fee waivers for qualifying students; the district noted summer participation dropped after schedule changes and that fee revenue has declined.

Next steps: administration will (1) publish hardship/waiver application information prominently, (2) report vending machine annual revenue and nonresident driver’s‑ed counts, and (3) bring device‑usage study results before reconsidering fee changes.