Tonganoxie school district families will see an increase in student fees in 2009-10 and a new pay-to-ride policy for some students wanting to ride the school bus.

At Monday’s school board meeting, the board unanimously agreed to increase most meals by 15 cents, as well as charge an annual fee of $2,200 for all out-of-district kindergarten students. Assistant Superintendent Kyle Hayden said the fee was set as half of the rate of $4,400 for state aid per pupil at the start of the school year. Districts receive that funding for each student in grades 1-12, but only half of that per kindergarten student.

In addition, out-of-district students accepted after Sept. 20 also will be required to pay $2,200 in 2009-10. Previously there was no such fee for out-of-district students who were accepted after the date, which is when districts take an official count that determines how much state funding the district receives for that school year.

The pay-to-ride policy, meanwhile, calls for students who live less than 2.5 miles from the school they attend to be charged $240 to ride the bus. The maximum charge per household will be $360. The measure was approved unanimously, 6-0.

If students live within certain distances from their schools, they will not be eligible for the pay-to-ride service. Previously, the district did not charge busing fees.

Board member Leana Leslie was absent from the meeting when the votes were taken.