Berkeley Heights Board Seeks to Eliminate Student Parking Fee

The Berkeley Heights Board of Education voted to review and potentially eliminate or reduce the student parking fee at Governor Livingston High School during its September 24 meeting. The move came after board member Bill Dillon, who represents Mountainside on the board, raised concerns that the $30-per-year (or $15-per-half-year) fee catches students and families off guard each summer.

Dillon noted that students already register their vehicles and receive assigned parking spots. The parking tags themselves cost the district only about $500 per year, yet students are charged $30 annually. "The parking fee was unjustified given the district's approximate $62 million budget," Dillon said.

The parking fee, which began in 2012, goes into the school's student activity account rather than the general budget. Over the years, the account has accumulated approximately $75,000. When the district's referendum passed last March, some of that balance was used to replace basketball equipment for students. Principal Meg Berry is exploring additional uses of the funds to replace items on school property and dedicate them to past graduating classes, according to Business Administrator Jennifer Nicholson.

Dillon moved to abolish the parking fee entirely. Board member Dr. Tom Foregger seconded but suggested an alternative: charging students a small fee of about $5 to cover the actual cost of the parking tags. The board attorney recommended handling the change through formal policy rather than a direct vote.

Dillon amended his motion to have the policy committee review Policy 5514, which covers student vehicles, and consider language to eliminate or reduce the fee. The amended motion passed 6-1, with Foregger voting no. Board members Gale Bradford, Pamela Stanley, Javier Morales, Natasha Joly, Dillon, and Terrero voted yes. Board member Sai Akiri was not present for the vote.

For Berkeley Heights and Mountainside families, the board's action signals openness to reconsidering the fee. Board member Akiri had agreed that the parking fee "seems something that we can get rid of." The policy committee will now review the issue and make a recommendation to the full board.

Nearby school districts charge higher parking fees: Watchung Hills ($100), Chatham ($99), Hillsborough ($100), Morris Hills ($25), and Ridge ($60). Berkeley Heights' current $30 fee falls in the middle of regional comparisons.

FAQ

Q: What is the current student parking fee at Governor Livingston High School?

A: Students pay $30 per year or $15 for half a year to park at the high school. The fee has been in place since 2012.

Q: Why is the board considering eliminating or reducing the fee?

A: Board member Bill Dillon raised concerns that the fee surprises students and families each summer. He noted that students already register their vehicles and receive assigned spots, and that the parking tags cost the district only about $500 per year.

Q: Where does the parking fee money go?

A: The parking fee goes into the school's student activity account, not the district's general budget. Over the years, the account has accumulated approximately $75,000.

Q: What did the board vote to do?

A: The board voted 6-1 to have the policy committee review Policy 5514 (which covers student vehicles) and consider language to eliminate or reduce the parking fee.

Q: Did the board vote to eliminate the fee immediately?

A: No. The board voted to send the issue to the policy committee for review and recommendation. The policy committee will consider eliminating or reducing the fee, and then make a recommendation to the full board for a final decision.

Q: What alternative was suggested?

A: Board member Dr. Tom Foregger suggested charging a small $5 fee to cover only the actual cost of the parking tags, which is about $500 per year total for the district.

Q: What do other school districts in the region charge for parking?

A: Nearby schools charge: Watchung Hills ($100), Chatham ($99), Hillsborough ($100), Morris Hills ($25), and Ridge ($60). Berkeley Heights' $30 fee falls in the middle of these regional comparisons.

Q: When will the policy committee review this issue?

A: The timeline for the policy committee review has not been announced. The board will likely announce the policy committee's recommendation at a future board meeting.