Montgomery County (Md.) district reduces student fees

Last fall, the Montgomery County (Md.) school system faced a heated protest from parents over course fees, the sums charged by secondary schools for items such as art supplies and computer disks. Now, in response, the school system has drafted 15 pages of regulations and memos on the subject. Superintendent Jerry D. Weast says the new rules reduce fees by 70 percent at the high school level and 60 percent in middle schools. Weast says he will shift $1.5 million to schools to cover lost fees.To read The Washington Post article, click here. EARLIER: In an effort to ease the financial burden on parents, the Montgomery County (Md.) district is proposing to reduce course fees charged for workbooks, art supplies and other items. The plan contrasts with a proposal in another district in the Washington, D.C., region. To address budget troubles in the Loudoun County (Va.) system, officials are looking at raising fees for students to park cars and play sports. To read The Washington Post article, click here. EARLIER: The Loudoun County (Va.) school district has proposed increased class sizes, additional student fees for sports, Advanced Placement tests and parking; and cuts in funding for special education and English Language Learner classes. The nearly flat budget proposal marks a sharp turn for a school system that has long been the fastest-growing in the Washington, D.C., region. To read The Washington Post article, click here.