Naperville School District 203 families will receive refunds of this year’s student fees, which were unneeded after COVID-19 kept schools in remote learning until January.
The reimbursement, which totals $1.1 million, is the second one being issued by the district because of surplus funds. Last month, the school board authorized a $10 million property tax reimbursement.
Fees are based on the grade in which a student is enrolled. They can range from $34 for preschool and half-day kindergarten students to $81 for high schoolers. The refund will be credited to eligible accounts, Superintendent Dan Bridges said Monday.
District 203 officials announced this winter that expenses were less than revenues collected in some district accounts due to the COVID-19 pandemic shifting classes from schools to online platforms. The resulting in a surplus is what’s being returned to parents.
“I think it’s fantastic,” board member Paul Leong said. “This tells our taxpayers that we know we are charging them a lot and (we) don’t feel the need to double dip on them.”
Board President Kristin Fitzgerald agreed.
“We’re grateful for all of the parts, for utilizing those funds to support our students and to support our families,” Fitzgerald said.
While the fees benefit only people with children in D203 schools, the tax reimbursement will go to anyone who paid property taxes to fund district schools — typically the largest portion of the annual tax bill.
District officials say the owner of a $400,000 home can expect to receive a check for about $270 as a result of the reimbursement.
Bridges called it a “unique opportunity” to provide some economic relief during the pandemic, which is especially beneficial for people who have been struggling because of job losses, business declines or other related issues.
raguerrero@tribpub.com
