Many students who attend Santa Fe Public Schools have noticed that summer school courses aren't free. However, charging for summer school is nothing new, said SFPS Deputy Superintendent Melvin Morgan. "From a budget standpoint students have always had to pay, but there are some scholarships available," Morgan said. And perhaps, this year more students have noticed the summer school fee requirement.

"We are not provided with state funds for summer programs, charging tuition is the only way we can provide a summer program as our high schools do not receive Title I funds," said SFPS Superintendent Bobbie Gutierrez.

The state does not fund public schools' summer programs. The State Public Education Department did not immediately return emails to clarify why summer programs are not funded. Fees being instated make sure the program is self-sustaining.

Gutierrez has been working in the SFPS for 27 years, and she insists that summer school fees been around for as long as she can remember. Students who cannot afford summer school tuition, may qualify for financial aid. This is based on several financial factors, one of them is whether the student is on a free or reduced lunch plan.

If students are eligible for financial aid, the fees may be reduced or even waived. Tuition assistance is approved through Gutierrez's office. Santa Fe High School students Michael MacKinnon and Gabby Fischer are both
taking an Algebra class this summer. The one-credit course is $240. MacKinnon, a freshman, said he needed to attend summer school in order to continue onto his sophomore year. To him, the $240 is worth it. But for those who can't afford it, he doesn't sympathize too much.

"Well, it depends if they actually tried in school or not," MacKinnon said. "If they didn't try their best then they put themselves in the position for summer school, and then they will have to pay whatever fees come with it."

Gabby Fischer, however, doesn't agree with MacKinnon, but does say that the investment is worth it.

"I think they should do something to help us pay for it," Fischer said., referring to the school district. "My parents weren't mad because it's for my education, but there are other things they could have done with their money, like pay bills."

If it were up to Fischer, summer school would be free. "Honestly, they pay the teachers, and the teachers aren't very nice or helpful," Fischer said. Fees for summer school vary depending on whether the course is mandatory or recreational.

The price of the class could also vary depending on the duration of the course, number of credits and if financial aid is available. Class fees also depend on the cost to pay staff and teachers during summer sessions.

Gutierrez believes that the fees will always be a part of the public schools as long as high schools do not receive grant funding. "Based on our current level of funding, the fees will be necessary in order to operate summer programs," Gutierrez said.

Austin Tyra is a freshman at St. Michael's High School. You can reach him at wannabewriter20@yahoo.com.