Controversial Budget Increasess Pass in Shawnee Mission KS School District

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Source: Fox 4 Kansas City

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.—
The Shawnee Mission School District approved its controversial new budget on Monday night. It included a fee
increase that parents aren't happy about. Parents tell FOX 4 they're already hard pressed financially and can't afford to pay more.

The biggest concern for parents was a new $50 million participation fee which some parents are calling unfair.
That's because they have to pay it whether their child is involved in activities or not. The district says the money goes to salaries of coaches and sponsors for activities.

Another $40 covers the cost of student activities which is a $5 increase from last year. Both new fees mean that parents will pa $90 per student starting in a few weeks.

"So many families are struggling," said "I don't see how that can be a fair mandatory payment for all to have to make," said parent Cindy Blackwood-Goldstein.

Read more: http://www.fox4kc.com/news/wdaf-shawnee-mission-school-district-budget-increases-passed-20110808,0,427439.story

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Kansas districts can't even vote on tax increases for school budgets. They probably expect most people to pay this fee without a fight since it's a mostly well off district

[alp227]

1. There's a well-known duo of Kansan brothers who could pitch in - the Kochs

Meanwhile on subject, I go to college, and everyone pays an activities fee among other things by semester. And at the K-12 level I would never advocate this kind of collective payment for something done on the individual level. In my opinion, sports, music, and other extracurriculars should be self-funded.

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2. Who some fund them? Coke, Pepsi

Football games at Wal-Mart field? Corporate logos on football uniforms?

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3. College is optional, high school attendance is required by law in most states

They should be complaining to the Repuke KS legislature