By Wendy Greenberg
Princeton Public Schools (PPS) middle and high school students and their families are anticipating paying a student activity fee this fall to help raise some $200,000 in revenue toward the district’s 2026-2027 budget. The Board of Education will vote on the policy this summer.
At the June Board of Education meeting on June 16, a first reading was given to the new policy, which sets a fee for middle school students at $100, and high school students at $150, for any extracurricular activity funded by the Board, including athletics, performing arts, and other clubs. The fee is a one-time occurrence, for unlimited activities, and a waiver would be given in cases of students who have qualified for free or reduced lunches.
Student households received a communication last Thursday from Superintendent Michael LaSusa, outlining the fee policy, and noting some other topics.
In the letter, LaSusa reminds families that “the Activity Fee Program resulted after careful discussion during the development of our annual budget. Its purpose is to generate revenue in order to avoid reducing or eliminating extracurricular offerings. Specifically, revenue generated through the student Activity Fee Program will be used to offset costs associated with coach/advisor salaries; equipment; facility use; official/referee fees; event registration fees; school/facility/field preparation and maintenance; insurance costs; security; and other expenses incurred by the district in the operation of the activity.”
LaSusa noted in the letter that “paying the fee one time will entitle a student to participate in as many activities as they would like. “
The policy states that “The Board of Education recognizes the value of athletic competition and co-curricular activities outside the regular instructional program. However, with reduced or limited revenue and increased expense, the Board must consider alternative revenue options to support these school-sponsored activities.”
By early August, LaSusa said at the Board meeting, a mechanism for payment would be found on the website, in time for the fall athletics season, which will begin around August 10.
The Board approved the first reading of the policy. During spring budget discussions, with a $738,000 gap in revenue and expenses, the Board had discussed where to cut expenses and add revenue. LaSusa said for this year, the Board is discussing “attrition, reorganization, reducing memberships, subscriptions, and tech service,” and that the Board would identify new revenue streams, “possibly activity fees.”
A refund will not be provided in the event the student quits during the course of the sport or activity. However, a refund of the activity fee will be provided if the district does not offer the activity after the registration or sign up. Also, “the superintendent shall be authorized to approve an activity fee refund in the event of extenuating circumstances.”
In other news from the Board meeting, included in the letter, the district will “begin staging and other preparations for the initial construction phase of the referendum projects approved in 2025 in the coming weeks.” Residents may see “safety fencing, signage, equipment, and other materials and items at multiple school locations. Please abide by any restrictions for accessing certain spaces during this time.”
PPS will provide updates as construction progresses at princetonk12.org.