School Fees Likely to Hold Steady

Greendale school fees would mostly hold steady next year, with the exception of a $5 increase in the high school fee, under a recommendation from school district administrators.

The district wants to keep the status quo because of the poor financial health of many families in the community, Director of Business Services Erin Green said in a report.

The average family income in Greendale has dipped to 2002 levels and the number of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch continues to increase, she said. About 30 percent of elementary students and 20 percent of students throughout the district are now eligible.

"It is clear that many families are struggling," Green said. "I have spoken with many families this year about fees and their inability to pay them, given the lack of employment in the Milwaukee economy. We will likely have to write off many of these fees due to inability to pay."

The proposed high school fee increase, from $80 to $85, is recommended to stay in line with comparable districts, Green said.

The Greendale School Board will approve a new fee structure when a preliminary budget is adopted in June.