Ben Prasko, technology coordinator for the Iola school district, isn’t quite sure how much money the district will actually raise with a new technology fee structure aimed at helping low-income families.
The plan, which was approved by the school board on Monday, will increase the district’s technology fee for middle and high schoolers from $30 to $40, but those who qualify for free meals would pay just $10 and those who qualify for reduced-price meals would pay $20.
The plan also requires elementary students to start paying a $10 fee, but those fees will be reimbursed for those who qualify for free and reduced-price meals.
The hope is to encourage more families to apply for free or reduced meal benefits, while also recouping some of the costs associated with purchasing Chromebooks for one-to-one learning.
“We might end up with less funds” in the technology account, Prasko told school board members.
“But we’re helping families,” board member Robin Griffin-Lohman noted.
Prasko agreed. “Some of them might even save more money on meals, if they fill out the form and qualify.”
Schools receive additional funds for “at-risk” students, which is determined on how many families qualify for free and reduced-price meals. In Iola, an estimated 55% of students qualify.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA covered the cost of all meals for students. That meant families didn’t need to fill out such forms. Instead, the district used a different method to meet those “at-risk” qualifications and waived the technology fee for families who filled out a survey. It was a dual benefit for the district and families.
The free federal meals program ended this year and the district returned to pre-pandemic fees and processes.
The government restricts incentives to encourage families to fill out the forms. Because of that, the district can’t waive the technology fee. Instead, those who qualify will be reimbursed for the difference.
Superintendent Stacey Fager said the hope is to help families in need but continue to meet the district’s technology needs.
“There is a fine line, but I do feel this is a middle-of-the-road solution,” he said.
Prasko said the technology fee is a way to recoup some costs and encourage students to take good care of Chromebooks.
At Iola High School, a student receives a new Chromebook as a freshman. If that student pays the full $40 technology fee all four years, they will have paid $160 of the $215 cost. Then, upon graduation, the student can pay another $25 or so to keep it.
