Hartselle tuition increase likely

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
An increase in tuition from $200 to $400 per year in 2009 and $500 per year in 2010 for out-of-district students attending Hartselle schools is under consideration and likely will be voted on at the Dec. 8 board meeting.
At the same time, consideration may be given to the revision of a board policy that earmarks out-of-district tuition revenue above $60,000 for technology.
Both matters were discussed at length at a school board work session following the last regular board meeting Nov. 3.
Dr. Mike Reed, superintendent, said 575 out-of-district students are currently attending Hartselle schools with combined tuition totaling$118,400. Of that amount, $58,000 is earmarked for technology. In addition, the state allots each teacher in the system a certain amount of money to be used for technology. These funds were pooled in 2007-08 and each school decided how to best use them for maximum benefit.
Reed said inquiries with other school systems in the state showed out-of-district tuition ranging from $500 to $1,200 per year.
When a suggestion was made to revise the tuition use policy, board member Jeff Gray called for a review of technology needs in light of the amount of money that is currently available for that purpose.
Board member Kathy Goodwin agreed. “I want to make sure we’re properly funding technology.”
Board members indicated at the end of the discussion they’d be willing to consider raising tuition for out-of-district students from $200 to $400 per year, effective at the beginning of the next school year, and from $400 to $500 the year after. The cap would be set at $1,200 per family the first year and $1,500 the second year.
Reed said he would recommend the tuition increase to the board at the next regular meeting.