>Lawmaker targets school activity fees
Courier-Post 8/15/06
A bill introduced by Rep. John Burzichelli, D-Paulsboro, would prohibit school districts from charging students an extra fee to participate in sports and other after-school activities.
Four school districts collect or plan to collect a fee: Haddonfield, Ridgewood in Bergen County, and East Brunswick and Washington Township in Mercer County, Burzichelli said.
The Haddonfield School District charges a flat-rate activity fee of $100.
School districts should try to find ways to eliminate wasteful spending before considering the assessment of participation fees, Burzichelli said.His bill was referred to the Assembly Education Committee.Published: August 15. 2006 3:10AM
Readers Speak out…
Mark,
We are a very high tax Village and County. Yet, sadly, we find ourselves in the company of only 3 other districts that could not restrain themselves from adding just another school “tax.” One wonders how districts like Glen Rock, Midland Park, Allendale, et al manage NOT to do this. Perhaps they are adept at management and leadership, skills we are still learning. I know how tempting and easy it must be to just keep sticking it to the silent majority, while continuing to view us as the pliable public. BTW, what specifically are Ridgewood’s fees for and how much do they total? Thank you,Frances