Dorchester Two Cuts Parking Fee to $50

Think of it as a back-to-school present: Dorchester School District Two board unanimously approved Thursday lowering the $100 parking fee for Summerville, Fort Dorchester and Ashley Ridge high schools to $50. 

"Students could drop $300 to $500 in no time flat (with costs in school programs and fees) — anything we can do to reduce the cost will be appreciated by a parent," board member Tanya Robinson said.

The board met in a special meeting Thursday. The meeting's agenda was amended to add . 

The $100 fee was implemented last year as a way for the district to not cut other necessary programs, district Superintendent Joe Pye said.

According to Chief Financial Officer Allyson Duke, the higher fees raised $88,000 for the district, money slated for the general fund used for staffing teachers and maintenance. 

Pye, representing staff, said dropping the rate to $50 could increase the number of students paying for the privilege to park, which would mean there might not be much of a decrease in revenue. 

"Our guess would be it'll actually be more because more people will do it," Pye said. 

Parking fees used to be $25. But many "older folks in town" pushed for a higher rate to help offset district costs during a tough year, Pye said.

"If you have a child or are a child in high school, (paying $100 is) horrible," Pye said.