School fees at New Westminster Secondary School will increase – including a one-time $100 textbook deposit and a $50 athletic uniform retainer – starting this fall.
The board of education unanimously passed a policy on school fees at its Tuesday night meeting. Immediately afterwards, superintendent John Gaiptman handed out a form outlining the various fees and deposits the high school will start charging next year.
“Fees have become a reality (here), as they are in other districts,” Gaiptman said.
But, he noted, that students who are unable to afford the fees or the deposit would not be excluded from educational activities.
“Our counsellors know what students of ours have hardships,” said Gaiptman.
Along with the deposit, families will pay additional fees, including: a $30 activity fee; a $65 graduation convocation fee; $15 for a Math 8 workbook; $25 for an Accounting 11 workbook; $55 pre-International Baccalaureate program cost; a $505 International Baccalaureate program cost; and $175 for a community recreation option, which includes a number of special outings, such as rock climbing, canoeing and golf.
Gaiptman said he and secretary-treasurer Al Balanuik spoke with high school principal Phil Cookson about the fees, which will help boost the district’s bottom line.
The district has been struggling financially for the last few years. It was facing a $2.69-million deficit for next year that it has managed to reduce, but the district still has to pay off the almost $5 million it owes the Ministry of Education for shortfalls from previous years.
As for the one-time book and uniform deposit, it will be returned once the items are given back to the school when the student leaves.
New Westminster Secondary School parent advisory council chair Stephen Bruyneel said he understands the fee increases.
“It’s always unfortunate when fees have to be charged, but at the same time we’re really pleased that no programs were cut at the school, and we think that’s more important,” he said.
Some of the fees, such as those for International Baccalaureate, an international education program, are related to recovering the cost of offering the specialized program.
“We thought that was fair,” Bruyneel said.
He was also pleased that the district assured that no student will be excluded from participation in an educational activity because of financial hardship.
“We think that’s really, really important,” he said.
According to the School Act, school boards cannot charge for educational programs that are required for graduation.
