FAQs about School Fees

Why does Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) charge a Learning Resource Fee (LRF)?
EIPS’ students, School Councils and educational partners feel it is necessary to provide a range of learning opportunities to enrich student experiences, and go beyond providing only the basics. EIPS charges the LRF for resources and materials that strengthen and enhance curriculum for students. These fees supplement the basic provincial funding grants.

The charging of fees for materials and resources is sanctioned under the School Act.

Who sets the LRF?
The Board of Trustees approves the LRF, to be charged for all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. See Fee Schedule for detailed breakdown.

Who sets other fees? Why do they differ between schools?
Each school examines the programs being offered and the basic materials that are required.  Costs for additional materials to supplement the program are then calculated, and these costs determine the material fee that is charged to students. The material fee must cover specific materials and will not result in profits being generated for schools (see Administrative Procedure 505 – School and Administrative Fees).

Fees also may differ between schools depending on whether the school is required to collect GST. According to Canada Revenue Agency regulations, schools with annual revenue from sales and fees that exceed a threshold amount must collect GST. Currently, schools within EIPS that are required to collect GST include:  Bev Facey Community High School, Salisbury Composite High School, Ardrossan Junior/Senior High School and Continuing Education.

What is the total revenue that EIPS generates from charging fees?
The LRF generates just over $1,000,000 for EIPS. The funds are managed by each school’s administration, and all fees collected from a student are used by the school at which the student is enrolled.

Fees are strictly used to cover a portion of the costs involved in delivering the program or materials for which they are charged. Some fees are identified to cover the costs to schools of providing specific optional activities, such as field trips, yearbooks and graduations. The fees related to these activities are not mandatory, should a student choose not to participate.

How do I know that EIPS is not making a profit by charging fees?
Following concerns from parents, the Board of Trustees approved guidelines in 2010 to limit the materials and resources for which fees may be charged (see Administrative Procedure 505 – School and Administrative Fees). Fees shall not be charged for the following: school generated workbooks; materials or equipment related to core courses, except LRF and Field Trip Fees; and classroom instruction. Fees shall not be charged in lieu of fundraising.

When are fees due? What are the options if a parent cannot pay the fees?
Fees are due and payable at the time of registration in September. Parents have a number of payment options, including MasterCard, Visa, Interac, post-dated cheques and installment payments; all payment options may not be available at some schools. School administrators are responsible for collection of all fees, including the LRF. Should circumstances exist in which fees cannot be paid, arrangements may be made with the school’s administration.

With regard to transportation fees, students will not be permitted to ride EIPS’ buses until payment of busing fees is made.

If fees are not paid following correspondence from schools and Central Administration, unpaid school fees may be forwarded to a collection agency.

Why does EIPS not use tax generated revenue, instead of charging fees?
School jurisdictions receive funding from Alberta Education. This funding is separate from the local taxes, which are assessed and collected by local municipalities. The provincial government sets provincial education tax rates, and funds collected are allocated to school jurisdictions based on the provincial funding framework. There is no direct correlation between the taxes collected locally for schools and the provincial funding framework.