Lawmakers may cut fee-waiver options

Legislators might examine whether low-income students should receive fee waivers for anything other than academic classes.

The idea was discussed in Wednesday's legislative Education Interim Committee, which is deciding issues to study in the months leading up to the 2004 Legislature.

Many fees waived now are for extracurricular activities, from drill team to drama to debate. Districts pick up the tab, which totaled $2.9 million last year.

Limiting fee waivers would require a constitutional examination. But Sen. Bill Wright, R-Elberta, says that's fine with him.

"Maybe we should look at the Constitution . . . (in) talking about how we use existing resources."

But education officials have concerns.

"I think we should have the conversation . . . but I think it should be research-based," said Ellen Wallace, president of the Utah School Boards Association. "I worry about those kids (who) won't be able to be in any sports or activities, and those really help the kids, they make them want to learn and pull good grades."

Committee members prioritized topics for study. Legislative staff will compile a list in the coming weeks.

Possibilities include: whether to retain teachers through bonuses; post signs proclaiming schools use pesticides on their grounds (the chemicals make some people sick); and how to find ways to conserve money in new school buildings.

Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, also suggested studying per-student costs of public charter schools versus costs for tuition tax credits.

But discussion centered on a new education reform law contained in the controversial SB154. And fee waivers fall into it.

For instance, legislators might try to pin down the core mission of public education, and where funding should be focused.

The issues are contained in a report issued last December by the governor's Employers Education Coalition, which recommends public schools shift the focus from "nice-to-have" elective courses and toward "must-have" core academics. It also has suggested moving extracurricular activities outside of schools.

The idea is controversial in Utah education circles, where some officials view activities as part of a well-rounded education.

Still, fee waivers become less costly, and could run into fewer legal problems, if activities aren't supported by tax dollars.