St. Cloud School District Program Helps Students Reduce Parking Fees

(KNSI) – A program encouraging student input to the District 742 school board led to a drop in the price of a parking pass.

Starting this fall, kids will only need to pony up $10 to park compared to $100. The permit will also be good on both campuses, so students in extra circular activities can park without concerns. The permit will also last as long as the student uses that car, so there is no more need to buy an annual pass.

IMAGINE 742 was started last year as a way to let high-scholars have suggestions on how to improve the district. The school took suggestions from students and posted them on its website. Junior Bennet Wochnick told KNSI News the cost of parking passes spoke to him. “And that’s something that I’ve even had just personal conversations with friends about that. It seemed really expensive for what it was.”

Bennett voted for the idea because he felt it should be changed. It was the top vote-getter, and a student and staff committee was formed around reducing or eliminating parking fees. Through several meetings with administrators, students learned about the cost of maintaining parking lots and why the school charged students.

In the end, it was determined that parking permit prices were more of a burden on students than the district. The money earned from parking only covered a fraction of maintenance.

Bennett says he plans to stay involved in the process this year. “I would just hope most students hear about it and look on Schoology and get involved because it’s the easiest way there is right now to make your voice heard in this district as a student.”

IMAGINE 742 will launch its second campaign shortly after the start of school.

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