When Should LTHS Tell About Course Fees?

LA GRANGE, IL – Lyons Township High School officials pondered this week when students should be told about course fees.

The issue came up during a school board discussion of next year's student fees.

Board member Kari Dillon suggested the school let families know about fees earlier than it traditionally has. Some fees, such as those for woodworking classes, can add up, she said.

The problem, Superintendent Brian Waterman said, is that the board doesn't approve fees for the next year school year until May. That's when certain numbers come in that are the basis for fees, he said.

The decisions are six months after the academic program guide comes out.

Another concern is that students may be dissuaded from taking courses if the guide lists fees, Waterman said.

"Our team talked about this," Waterman said. "There was a struggle."

Leslie Owens, director of student services, also noted the issue.

"We don't want students to see the dollar amount and think, 'I can't take the class,'" Owens said.

She would rather students have those conversations with counselors.

The guide indicates that courses include fees, but don't include amounts, officials said.

Like other schools, Lyons Township waives fees for qualifying students, such as those who receive free or reduced-price lunches.

Officials also said they work with students who are just above the line to qualify for waivers. Such students don't have to pay the money all at once, they said.

In a unanimous vote, the board approved new student fees for the next year. Most are set to remain the same. But those in woodworking are going up, some significantly.