The Riverside-Brookfield High School District 208 board will hold a special meeting tonight, June 29, to discuss budget cuts and fee increases for the upcoming school year. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in Room 102A, the district office conference room.
At tonight’s meeting board members will discuss RBHS administration proposals to cut 20 athletic coaching positions, eliminate about 20 after school clubs, implement a pay-to-participate fee for athletics, a planned increase in the registration fee and an increase in Advanced Placement class fees.
The board is not expected to vote on these issues at this meeting, according to District 208 school board President Matt Sinde. The votes on these cuts and fee increases are expected to take place at the board’s regular meeting on July 12.
However, tonight’s meeting could be the last time the board will meet before July 12. The RBHS administration is proposing these cuts and fee increases as the school tries to save money in the wake of the April defeat of a tax increase designed to allow the district to fund current programs at current levels.
The pay-to-participate proposal would charge athletes $100 for the first sport they join and $50 for any additional sports teams they are on. Fees would be capped at $150 per athlete and $200 per family. Fee waivers would be available athletes from low-income families.
RBHS has already cut staffing in the wake of the failed referendum, according to a press release issued last month by the district.
Five full-time teaching positions were eliminated by not filling vacancies created by retirements. Six full-time teachers had their jobs reduced to part-time status. Five full-time and three part-time, non-certified staff positions were also eliminated and five part-time, non-certified positions were reduced.
