Hawaii's Department of Education (DOE) has submitted a proposal to the Board of Education to raise student activity fees for the first time in over two decades. If approved, the changes would take effect in the 2026-2027 academic year and are intended to help schools cover the rising costs of extracurricular programs.
The plan includes significant adjustments to several fees, some of which have not been updated since the 1990s. Officials state the increases are necessary to sustain student activities that are fundamental to the school experience, but the proposal also raises concerns about affordability for families across the state.
Key Takeaways
- The Hawaii Department of Education is seeking to increase student activity fees for the first time since 1998.
- Proposed changes include doubling student association fees and significantly raising class dues and yearbook costs.
- The most substantial proposed increase is for graduation caps and gowns, which would rise from $25 to $125.
- Officials argue the adjustments are needed to counter inflation and rising program costs, while supporters say it will reduce relentless fundraising.
- The new fee structure, if approved, would set maximum limits, allowing individual schools to charge less or offer waivers.
Details of the Proposed Fee Adjustments
The proposal from the Department of Education outlines a series of increases to mandatory and optional student fees. These changes aim to provide schools with a more stable financial foundation for extracurricular activities, which have been operating on budgets set in the late 1990s.
Core Activity Fees
Under the plan, two central fees would see substantial changes. Student association fees and school club dues are proposed to double, moving from $10 to $20 per student. According to DOE records, these fees have not been adjusted since 1998.
Class dues, which support grade-specific events and activities, would also increase. For middle school students in grades 6 through 8, the maximum allowable dues would rise from $5 to $15. For high school students in grades 9 through 12, the fee would increase from $8 to $18. These rates have remained unchanged since 1994.
A Long Overdue Update
The last comprehensive review of student activity fees occurred in 2011, but it did not result in any changes. The current proposal represents the first significant effort in over a quarter-century to align school funding for extracurriculars with modern economic realities.
Other School-Related Costs
In addition to the fees requiring Board of Education approval, the DOE plans to adjust other costs that fall under the superintendent's authority. These include items essential to the high school experience for many students.
- Yearbooks: The maximum price would increase by 50%, from $50 to $75.
- Athletic Activity Tickets: These would rise from $25 to $35.
- School Newspapers: The fee would be adjusted from $10 to $15.
- Caps and Gowns: This fee would see the most dramatic change, with a proposed fivefold increase from $25 to $125.
Justification and Support for the Increase
DOE officials maintain that the proposed increases are critical for the survival and quality of student programs. Superintendent Keith Hayashi framed the adjustment as a necessary step to keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of goods and services.
"Revenue from these fees supports a wide range of school-wide events, including student leadership initiatives, spirit activities, cultural celebrations, club operations, recognition and awards, competition expenses, and class bonding activities," Hayashi stated in a letter to the Board of Education.
He emphasized the relative affordability of the new rates, noting that a $20 association fee breaks down to just two dollars per month. "A modest contribution that will provide meaningful support for student activities," he added.
The Cost of Tradition
C. Michelle Hendryx, a yearbook teacher at Farrington High School, testified that the base production cost for a single yearbook is now approximately $70. This figure does not include expenses for essential equipment like cameras, computers, or design software, forcing many programs to operate at a loss.
Student leaders have also voiced strong support. Madison Green, a student body officer at Mililani High School, explained that outdated fee limits have hamstrung student councils. She noted that current budgets force them to focus heavily on fundraising just to cover basic costs, limiting their ability to plan enriching events.
"Increasing the budget by even a few dollars per student would increase the capabilities of student councils and decrease the amount of fundraising councils need to be doing to make ends meet," Green wrote in her testimony. She argued that a larger budget would lead to an "enriched school experience for all students."
Addressing Financial Concerns and Accessibility
The Department of Education acknowledges that the proposed fee hikes could present a financial challenge for some families, especially those with multiple children or students involved in several activities. However, officials have stressed that support systems are already in place to assist students in need.
Existing Support Systems
Principals across the state report that schools currently offer various forms of assistance to families who cannot afford fees. These measures include:
- Flexible payment plans
- Work-to-earn opportunities for students
- Scholarships funded by school or community partners
- Financial aid from parent-teacher organizations (PTOs)
Furthermore, students identified as experiencing housing instability under the federal McKinney-Vento Act are guaranteed to receive financial assistance automatically, ensuring they are not excluded from any activities due to cost.
Maximum, Not Mandatory
A key aspect of the proposal is that the new fee levels would serve as a maximum ceiling, not a mandatory charge. Individual schools would retain the authority to set their own fees at or below the approved limit. This flexibility allows schools to tailor costs to the economic realities of their specific communities. Schools will also continue to have the discretion to waive fees entirely for students facing financial hardship.
The Importance of Extracurricular Programs
Advocates for the fee increase argue that extracurricular activities are not optional luxuries but essential components of a well-rounded education. Kyla Musso, a graduate of Radford High School and a former student representative on the Board of Education, testified that these programs are vital.
"Student programs are not extras—they are essential," Musso stated. She highlighted their role in supporting leadership development, cultural celebrations, and mental health initiatives, all of which contribute to a positive school climate and a strong sense of belonging among students.
C. Michelle Hendryx of Farrington High School also spoke about the educational value of her yearbook program. She explained that students gain practical, real-world skills in project management, budgeting, communication, and collaborative problem-solving—competencies that serve them long after graduation.
The proposal is currently under review by the Board of Education's Finance and Infrastructure Committee. A final decision will determine the financial landscape for student activities in Hawaii's public schools for the foreseeable future, starting with the 2026-2027 school year.
