Frequently Asked Questions about the Methacton School District’s Secondary Schools’ (Grades 7-12) Student Activity Fee
The Board of Education, after careful review and consideration of the recommendations presented by the Board Finance Committee, approved an activity fee at the June 15 meeting to help reduce costs to the district budget. This spring, the Finance Committee recommended that the district generate new revenue by establishing an activity fee. This fee has been adopted to help maintain and offset the funding for the many extracurricular activities and athletics the district currently offers. If a fee was not approved the district would be faced with the decision to further reduce or eliminate of some of these activities.

How will this money help offset the district’s budget?
The activity fee will help reduce the overall operational costs associated with secondary extracurricular activities and athletics that otherwise may have been impacted by reduced funding.

How much is the fee?
The fee is $50 per secondary (grades 7-12) school family per year (September through June) for the operation of all school sponsored extracurricular activities and athletics. This is an annual fee, not a fee for participation in an activity and/or sport.

I have 3 children. One child attends the high school and two attend Arcola – will I have to pay this fee for each student? Is there a maximum amount per family per year?
The fee is per family at the secondary school level in grades 7-12. Therefore, the above situation would result in a total of $50 being due for that family.

When will this fee be assessed?
A form was sent at the beginning of the school year to all families who have children attending Arcola Intermediate School and/or Methacton High School, and is also available for download by clicking here.

How do I pay the Activity Fee?
MHS and Arcola students should submit payments to their homeroom teacher during the first few weeks of school. Make checks payable to MSD and write the student ID# on the check or money order. If you are unable to pay by check or money order, cash payments will only be accepted in person at the Farina Education Center, located at 1001 Kriebel Mill Road in Eagleville. Returned checks are subject to a $25 fee.

I already pay fees to Booster organizations for my child to be involved in an extracurricular activity. Do I need to pay the activity fee if I already support my Booster organization?
Yes, the activity fee is separate from the Booster organization. Booster organizations may not pay the activity fee for their members as this will compromise the student’s amateur status and NCAA eligibility.

What if I can’t afford the fee for my child to participate?
High school students or parents should contact the MHS Assistant Principal of Athletics and Activities
to determine if other arrangements may be made for payment of the fee. Arcola students or parents should contact the office of the assistant principal to determine if other arrangements may be made for payment of the fee.

I'm on the Free or Reduced Meal Plan. Do I have to pay this fee?
Students who qualify for free or reduced meals are not required to pay the fee. Free and reduced lunch eligibility information can be found on the district's website here. For more information, contact Methacton's home and school visitor, Ms. Jennifer Johnson at jjohnson@methacton.org.