Caldwell County Schools board adopts $65 driver-education fee, waivers for hardship allowed

Assistant Superintendent for Auxiliary Services Andy Ples told the board the cost of providing driver education to students has risen and outpaced state funding, and he asked the board to approve a $65 fee for students who take driver education. "The cost for providing the service to students has continued to increase and has outpaced the funding provided by the state," Ples said, and he noted there will be a process for a waiver for families demonstrating economic hardship.

Board discussion emphasized the need for an accounting of collected fees and use of online payments where possible to track collections. A board member asked whether contracted driver-education providers or school officials would collect the money; staff said the district will encourage online payment and track the fees through school offices.

Ples told the board officials anticipate the shortfall this year will be about $41,000 and that the $65 fee will help cover those costs. The board voted to approve the $65 fee by voice vote.

The district cited North Carolina General Statute 115C-215 as authority to charge the fee and said it will maintain a waiver process for families who qualify for economic hardship.