The state legislature has recently cut student fees for the upcoming school year. Many may have mixed emotions about this. Cutting school funds might result in eliminating activities, club funds, and other after-school or during-school events. Cutting fees may help students who may not have the financial stability to pay for certain activities however, this could also harm the ability to enjoy the resources of assemblies, school trips, and dances.
Allyson Lopez (10) says that not having school fees will help students who don’t have financial stability. because it will become easier for students taking the AP exams.
“It will help me with sports and fees that I haven’t paid from last year,” Lopez said. She also says it will help with the stress on most families.
Ms. Van Duyn, a biology teacher, is the adviser for the TSA club that is held every Friday from 2:30- 3:00 pm. When asked if she receives good value for the fees that are distributed around, Ms Van Duyn replies,
“Yes, I have been able to make the purchases I have sought for in my lessons.” Ms van Duyn believes that once fees are cut, our school may become more budget-conscious, and therefore when we need to reach back out to the state, we will be able to show better proof of our expenses. Ms. Van doesn’t think the school needs to spend more on other areas, but she does believe we could adjust to careful spending. Van Duyn believes the lab materials justify the fees; many other states differ from this where fees aren’t charged at all,
this would help students save money and take courses they like without the fear of the amount a certain course or sport would total up to. Dan Giang (12) Dan Giang agrees with the idea of us as students receiving good value for the fees we pay, Giang says that because of the fee waiver, we are receiving good value for our fees, which helps with not having a burden on our shoulders. However, he does imply that this could be way more difficult and stressful for the students who don’t have access to fee waivers.
Giang says, “Because I have the fee waiver, things like AP tests/classes don’t affect me, Fee waiver is a good opportunity.”
Hamda Aden (10) Believes that we as students do recessive the value we pay for school fees, and resources such as school supplies, Chromebooks, and AP books. Hamda says “ I believe that my fees go towards good recourses that help make it possible for students to learn.” However, Aden also believes there are places where the school could reduce fees for students, especially those who play sports,
Aden talks about how fees can be quite heck-tech because fees pile up so quickly. For some, this may be hard to manage, especially for those who may also be taking other classes that require a fee. Aden believes fees might also be a reason why some are scared to join school sports, “ I was very wary of joining a sport last year because I didn’t know how much everything would cost, or how much I would have to save. But this year I loved my experience with my sports and extracurricular activities” (Hamda Aden).
When asked about changes that might be made to the school, such as the cutting of assembles, possible dances, or other school activities they all didn’t like the idea of having to cut down on these activities however, they all understood why our school board would have to make those decisions and outcomes. The school board’s decision to cut student fees presents both opportunities and challenges for the student body.
While this initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens for those in need, it also raises valid concerns about the potential impact on school activities, clubs, and events.
