-What art, PE and technology fees was the principal of Jacobs Well referring to in her email to parents

this week? are they required to pay these fees now/ what is the process for getting the fees approved?

At no time are parents required to pay any fees as a prerequisite for registration and
WISD recognizes that fees are a hardship for some families, so we offer waivers and
payment plans as well. Let’s be clear that the JWE principal works very closely with her
parents and often requests feedback on campus initiatives, however there are no plans
at this time to charge fees for PE.

-Art fees are also implemented in higher grade levels— is this an elective class and an elective fee?

Completed art work goes home with our kids. The fee covers these materials. The
projects include ceramic art and framed art.

-High school parents are required to pay $20 dues for each student each school year— what is that
money collected for and how long have the fees been in place?

These fees begin their Freshman year and held until their Senior year to pay for the
Senior Trip, Prom and other Senior related activities. We implemented these fees several
years ago to replace multiple fundraisers. Many of our parents appreciated us for
moving to this fee, so they were not selling items for raising funds. ANY parent who
cannot pay the fee can request a payment plan or waiver. There is absolutely no
requirement for payment of any fees to register or be provided opportunities to
participate.

-There is also a $20 technology fee for middle and high school students— are these fees for individual
laptop take home access or is this required so students can have instructional access?

We are sending out emails to each campus/grade levels explaining the technology fee
and how that fund pays for in-house repair and maintenance. Again, families are
registering for 2019-20 right now and these fees are not a prerequisite for registration
and also we waive these fees or offer payment options in the case they pose a hardship
for a family. The District provides a device to the students, which they use during the
school day. We will share the emails with you as we begin the process of emailing them
out. We are beginning with our Freshmen, so please look for the emails from our
Communications Director.

-You mentioned that you work with most families who are unable to pay for the fees- please explain
how the district works with families and makes it clear that the fees are optional and not required.

We want to make sure that our families are aware, and are including a waiver application
for those who cannot afford the fees. This is addressed in earlier responses. The District
also has an extraordinary partnership with all our families and open door policies. It has
been our experience that Wimberley ISD families truly feel invested in the education of all
students and share their feedback with us, provide better options and also offer to step
in to make their student’s education the best it can be. Knowing that our parents are part
of a partnership to improve public education, we continuously listen to their feedback
and adjust the strategies we deploy to achieve our mission of strength, innovation and
excellence.
Thanks for the opportunity to respond.

Dwain York, Supt.

Wimberley ISD