Staff outline increases to music-related fee waivers in Policy 55.20 first read

Lincoln Public Schools staff presented proposed updates to Policy 55.20 (student fees) during a public hearing at the board's May 12 meeting, recommending higher maximum waiver amounts for several music-related items.

At the hearing staff said families who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch are eligible to request fee waivers and outlined three specific recommended increases to Appendix 1 of the policy. A staff member summarized the recommendations as: raising the maximum waiver on audition/participation fees from $25 to $50; increasing marching-band uniform and accessory waiver maximums (jackets, plumes and other approved items) from $350 to $425; and increasing the maximum waiver for required performance clothing (selected by members and the director) from $500 to $625.

The staff report included recent district data on waivers. The presenter said LPS spent about $146,000 on fee waivers in 2024–25 and that the six-year average is about $158,000 annually. Of waivers granted, staff said 86.6% were for high-school students and the largest categories included cheerleading, athletics, vocal music and band. The staff member stated these changes "more closely align the amount covered by fee waivers with the actual cost of the necessary components of the uniform."

The board opened the hearing for public comment but recorded no blue cards and received no public testimony; the presiding official closed the hearing. The recommended changes were described as coming back to the board as a first reading and will return for final reading at a future meeting.

The board did not take a final vote on Policy 55.20 at the May 12 meeting; the proposal will return for further consideration and formal action on a later date.