Bemidji school board approves increases in student activity fees, admission
May 20—BEMIDJI — As graduation quickly approaches, the final
Bemidji Area Schools
Board of Education meeting of the 2024-2025 school year saw considerable discussion on increases for fees to participate in sports and fine arts activities, as well as admission fees for the next school year.
On the heels of $1.5 million in reductions decided during an April 28 meeting,
the board has not only looked at making reductions, but also increasing revenues.
"As we look into trying to balance our budget as a goal of the school board, we had to look at increasing our fees because our costs are increasing, as well," Superintendent Jeremy Olson said. "We also wanted to balance that with our strategic goal of making sure that participation in our rich assortment of activities is feasible to parents and that we have avenues for individuals who can't afford it."
Generally, changes include a $1 increase for admission fees for certain events. Activity fees for Tier 1 sports — often more costly to deliver — will increase from $190 to $210, while Tier 2 will see an increase from $150 to $170.
Additionally, boys and girls golf will be moved from Tier 2 to become a Tier 1 sport.
"Not all sports and activities cost the district the same," Olson added. "If you're in a more costly sport and even though it's subsidized by the school district to a great degree, Tier 1 is still going to be a little higher (in out-of-pocket cost) than Tier 2. That's why they're broken up."
Fine arts fees will increase from $110 to $120 for Tier 1 fine arts — show choir, La Voce Ballo, speech and debate — and Tier 2 activities will be an increase from $90 to $105, affecting activities such as Knowledge Bowl, Mock Trial and marching band, among others.
Middle-schoolers will also see an increase from $110 to $125 per activity.
Amid concerns regarding affordability, the board discussed the current policy, which aims to ensure that a student can still participate if unable to pay a fee.
"I hate to increase fees, but sports aren't cheap," board clerk Jenny Frenzel said. "If it makes anybody feel better, we have the right to waive any fee if a parent or guardian is unable to pay. I feel a lot better that we're never going to turn anybody away."
Policy also states that students who qualify for free and reduced lunches pay a $30 fee for all sports and activities. Moreover, veterans and guests over 65 years of age can obtain a complimentary lifetime activity pass at the district office.
After more discussion, the board unanimously approved a first reading of the new policy.
Along similar lines, the board also approved its annual membership in the Minnesota State High School League.
"This (resolution) is about being a member of the league, not saying that we agree with every single one of its stances," Olson explained. "This is really about participation and making sure that our kids have an opportunity to participate."
This renewal is the first following U.S. President Donald Trump's Feb. 5 executive order banning transgender students from competing in girls' and women's sports nationwide.
The MSHSL announced thereafter that it would continue to allow transgender participation in girls' sports, arguing that their eligibility is determined by state law, the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the state constitution.
Given these developments, board chair Dave Wall expressed support for MSHSL membership despite personal opposition to the MSHSL's stance.
"Before any federal executive orders came, I expressed concern about boys playing in girls' sports and I am not ashamed to say that publicly. However, I do not feel that I'd want to inhibit or punish the kids in our school district by voting against membership," Wall said, "because I value the good side of sports and everything they do for kids throughout the state."
Board treasurer Ann Long Voelkner noted her support for the MSHSL, adding, "I really appreciate their attention and opportunities for students to learn how to lose a game respectfully and how the winning team treats people. That will help kids moving into the future because we're not always going to win all the time."
The board then unanimously approved MSHSL membership for the upcoming school year.
District Curriculum Director Colleen Cardenuto presented
graduation rate data for the class of 2024,
which saw a district-wide decline from 77.6% in 2023 to 74.8% last year. A total of 288 students out of 385 graduated within four years, while 53 dropped out and 23 continued to earn their diplomas beyond a four-year timeline.
Students receiving free and reduced lunches came in below the district average and also experienced a decrease from 2023's graduation rate of 61.2% to 60.6%.
Male students experienced a sharper decline from 2023 compared to their female counterparts. Males in 2024 graduated at 71.4% compared to 75.6% in 2023, and 2024 females graduated at 78.3% compared to 79.4% in 2023.
American Indian graduates experienced a rate increase from 2023, clocking in at 53.1% from 52% respectively.
Given a mixed bag of results amid a historic statewide increase, Olson noted certain steps the district is taking to change course, particularly with data collection and reporting.
"Sometimes, when a student moves out of state or goes to another school, if we can't identify that with the Minnesota Department of Education, that gets counted against us," Olson said. "We should also look at systematic changes and what those look like. What should alternative education look like? How do we support our students? How do we make sure that student achievement and academics are infused in our entire system?"
District Business Director Ashley Eastridge presented an overview of the district's summer capital projects schedule, showing roughly $515,300 in expenses funded by long-term facilities maintenance funds and operating capital.
Eastridge noted that LTFM funds are used for deferred capital expenditures and maintenance projects that prevent further erosion of facilities, increasing accessibility of school facilities and health and safety projects. The schedule also serves as a planning document that changes on a regular basis.
"The 10-year plan incorporates a district-wide, long-term schedule for roof replacement and parking lot seal coating/overlay, as well as many other items. Then, we reduce the projects to a more current window and assign a budget of approximately $1.3 million each fiscal year," Eastridge said. "In the short term, some projects are deferred and some new ones are added."
Specific upcoming projects include LED lighting retrofit at Horace May and J.W. Smith Elementaries as well as the district office, resurfacing the indoor running track at Bemidji High School, and replacing walk-in cooler condensing units in the BHS kitchen.
The full meeting can be viewed on the
Bemidji Area Schools YouTube channel.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16, in the district board room.
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