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Confusion still hangs over new fee strategy By Dominik Kurek OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF By making student fees optional rather than mandatory, the Halton District School Board has saved nearly $1 million for its students -- out of its own pocket -- and eliminated discrimination based on ability to pay. Trustees heard a progress report from staff on the implementation of a new optional student fee strategy at the Wednesday, Dec. 7 board meeting. In 2009, the board eliminated mandatory student course fees, such as when having to pay for textbooks, in a bid to ensure equity of access to programs and services while maintaining quality and breadth of programing choices. This has resulted in $996,000 in lost revenue for the board. Schools can now charge optional course fees (previously called registration fees) at the start of the year. The student fees pay for such items as student agendas, music supplies, workbooks, field trips, guest speaker, presentations, extra-curricular programs and a number of courses. Associate director Jeff Blackwell said all school administrations are aware of the new optional course fees. However, Superintendent of Education Stuart Miller admitted there are gaps in the program. "No school is defiant, but some places have slipped," he said. Several trustees said they have heard from parents that their children are still being asked to pay for course material. "I know of students who are not allowed to register until they pay," added Milton trustee Donna Danielli. Student trustee Jason Earl said students at E.C. Drury High School are under the belief they have to pay the full registration and course fee in order to be able to go to school. Furthermore, he said, students want to know what the course fees actually pay for. Despite some of these problems, Halton Hills trustee Gillian Tuck Kutarna commended the policy that is still in its early stages. She admitted improvement is needed and asked for a report outlining problem areas. 11 · Friday, December 9, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON SHOWS WE'RE MILES AHEAD. 3 LEAS E E PAYME Y NTS T ON US! or $2,000 LEAS E E CASH! A 2012 Infiniti G37x Premium SEDAN Engine Power Engine Torque 7-Speed Automatic Interior Trim Premium Sound System VS. 2011 BMW 328xi executive SEDAN 328 hp 269 lb-ft 7 speed automatic standard Genuine leather Standard 230 hp 200 lb-ft 6 speed automatic extra cost option $1600 Leatherette Extra cost $1200 $ 48,884.20* $ 51,829.20* Until Jan. 3 earn 15,000 aeroplan miles with the purchase of any vehicle. EARN 15,000 AEROPLAN® MILES ® Aeroplan is a registered trademark of Aeroplan Canada Inc. ONLY AT OAKVILLE INFINITI! G Sedan G Coupe G Convertible FX35/50 EX35 M37/56 QX56 Pricing based on a new 2011 BMW 328xi Executive edition with Premium Sound package and Automatic Transmission. Includes $1995 Freight, $29.20 Tire Stewardship Fee, $5 OMVIC fee, $100 Air Conditioning Fee. HST and License are extra. Infiniti pricing based on a new 2012 Infiniti G37x premium package. (G4XG72 CP00). Includes $1950 Freight, $29.20 Tire Stewardship Fee, $5 OMVIC fee and $100 Air Conditioning Tax. HST and License are extra. VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT OAKVILLEINFINITI.COM TO VIEW OUR SELECTION OF CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLES