Lakota Schools Brace for Increased Fees as Federal Pandemic Funds Dry Up

As the 2024-25 school year approaches, families in the Lakota Local School District are bracing for a wave of fee increases. With the end of federal pandemic relief funds, the district is forced to reinstate instructional fees, raise breakfast and lunch prices, and increase pay-to-participate fees for extracurricular activities.

Navigating the Challenges of a Post-Pandemic Educational Landscape

Farewell to ESSER Funding: The End of an Era

The Lakota Local School District has been relying on ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds, a federal pandemic relief program, to cover the costs of school supplies and fees for the past four years. However, this funding has now come to an end, leaving the district to find alternative solutions to maintain its educational offerings.Lakota's Treasurer, Adam Zink, explains that the district had initially planned to use the ESSER funds for three years, but they were able to stretch it for an additional year. This temporary financial cushion allowed the district to provide identical supply kits for all students and waive instructional fees during the pandemic.

Reinstatement of Instructional Fees: A Necessary Burden

With the ESSER funds no longer available, the Lakota Local School District is now forced to reinstate instructional fees. Depending on the grade level, parents will be asked to pay anywhere from to to cover the cost of essential educational materials and resources.Zink acknowledges that this fee increase is a necessary step to ensure the district can continue providing a high-quality education without burdening taxpayers. He emphasizes the district's commitment to managing every penny diligently and maximizing the available resources to support student learning.

Extracurricular Activities: Increased Participation Fees

In addition to the instructional fees, the district is also raising the fees for students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, marching band, and color guard. These fees are increasing from 0 to 5 for junior high students and from 0 to 0 for high school students, with a cap for families.Zink explains that the increased fees are partly due to the rising costs of supplemental contracts and the demand for the high level of performance expected in these programs. The district is striving to maintain the quality and competitiveness of its extracurricular offerings while ensuring financial sustainability.

Cafeteria Costs: Higher Breakfast and Lunch Prices

The Lakota Local School District is also implementing higher prices for school meals. Breakfast prices are increasing from .50 to .75, and lunch prices are jumping to across the board.Zink acknowledges that these price hikes are necessary to keep up with the rising costs of food and supplies. However, the district remains committed to providing assistance to families facing financial hardship through free and reduced-price meal programs and school fee waivers.

Navigating the Challenges: Lakota's Commitment to Families

Despite the financial challenges, the Lakota Local School District is dedicated to supporting its families and ensuring that all students have access to a quality education. Zink emphasizes the district's diligent efforts to manage its resources effectively and minimize the burden on taxpayers.Lakota parents are encouraged to visit the district's website to learn more about the fee increases and the available assistance programs. The district is committed to working closely with families to ensure that the educational experience remains accessible and enriching for all students.As the 2024-25 school year approaches, the Lakota Local School District is navigating the complexities of a post-pandemic educational landscape. While the loss of federal pandemic relief funds has necessitated these fee increases, the district remains steadfast in its mission to provide a high-quality education and support its community.