Oswego Schools Advance Toward Driver's Ed Fee Hike

OSWEGO, IL — District 308 school board voted unanimously Monday evening to move forward with a process that could increase driver’s ed fees from $250 to up to $400. Heather Moyer was absent for the public hearing, which took place at Oswego East High School.

Board Attorney Maureen Lemon explained that the vote is just one step in a multi-step approval process.

“The only way for a school board to increase the fee beyond that $250 is to submit a waiver to the general assembly for approval to increase the fee to a set amount beyond that,” said Lemon.

School District 308 is considering the fee hike as one cost-cutting measure that could help close a budget gap. Lemon said this move is common with public schools, adding, “It is the No. 1 waiver application of school districts in the state."

Even if the board decides to charge the full $400 per student, the program would still run at a deficit. That variable deficit number, and depends on enrollment, how many are eligible for free driver’s ed and the state's reimbursement fees, which hover just below $200 per student.

One board member's research concluded that private schools in the area cost between $450 and $550. About a quarter of driver’s ed students get the elective for free because they qualify for a free and reduced lunch program.

The board discussed wiggle room when it comes to the pay of the driver’s ed teachers, cars, gas and insurance, all of which were determined to be non-negotiable or nearly so. Members did, however, indicate the subject was not over. One tongue-in-cheek idea was floated that would put advertisements on the cars.

The waiver application will be finalized and submitted to the state board by Friday, the deadline. If it’s approved, it will be put forth to the general assembly in March. From there, the cost will go up for the 2018-2019 school year and the following four years. By how much is yet to be determined by the board. The $400 is merely a limit, not a requirement.

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