Lake Central School Board rescinds bus fees

ST. JOHN | The Lake Central School Board approved the administration's recommendation to rescind the district's $10 per year student bus fee for transportation to and from school.

The move follows State Attorney General Greg Zoeller's formal opinion last week to the State Board of Accounts saying the fees are unconstitutional.

"While we understand that his opinion is just that -- an opinion that's not binding until ordered by a court of law -- at this time we recommend rescinding the bus fee effective with the 2010-2011 school year," Superintendent Larry Veracco said.

Fees for transportation related to extracurricular activities will remain in effect.

The district transports about 7,000 students daily. The district implemented the fee when diesel fuel skyrocketed to $4 per gallon. Prices have drifted down to about $3 per gallon, he added.

"It's going to affect us financially because we used the money to support the transportation funds, but we'll make this work," Veracco told School Board member Val Lozanoski.