Back to school. It always feels a little bittersweet to me. The end of hot summer days and unscheduled time—but the beginning of a whole new school year full of possibility and promise.
I remember my excitement as a child, wondering what might happen over the next year and the tinge of worry should things not go well. As a parent now, back to school carries new considerations, from the hopes that your kids will find good friends to the Tetris game that is scheduling work, school, and extracurriculars.
For many of us, there are also growing financial concerns as tariffs and rising costs have thrown budget planning eschew and left us sighing at the cost of yet another pair of indoor shoes. As school starts, the additional impact of student fees, sport and music fees, and equipment can leave chequing accounts feeling emptier than they should be at this time of year. This is a reality that the SJASD School Board is aware of and looking to address.
Over the past year, the Board has begun a multi-year process of evaluating student fees being charged across our Division, and working towards reducing them. This past spring, Trustees passed policy to standardize student fees across our Division to ensure fees are equitable regardless of what school a student attends.
The policy states the following: “Students in high schools may be assessed an annual student fee but this is not to exceed $33.00. Students in middle schools may be assessed an annual student fee of $30. Students in elementary schools may be assessed an annual student fee of $50 for a full-time student and $35 for a half-day kindergarten student." However, if a family is struggling with payments for student fees or activities, please don't hesitate to speak with your child's Principal to work out a payment plan or see what subsidy options are available.
As we begin the next school year, we want to keep the bright excitement of our students alive, without fears of financial barriers holding them back. May the coming year be full of exciting experiences and great learning opportunities for you and your family.
Angela Dunn
School Trustee - East Ward
St. James-Assiniboia School Division
For more information on Trustee Dunn, visit her bio.
