DURHAM PARENTS QUESTION HIGH SCHOOL GRAD FEES

'WHETHER YOU CAN AFFORD IT OR NOT, $90 IS TOO MUCH,' SAYS CONCERNED PARENT

High schools in Durham will be marking graduation with in-person ceremonies this June, news that has been met with excitement.

However, some families are questioning the costs that come along with grad — especially as the rising price of gas, groceries and other essentials puts pressure on people's bank accounts.

Jacqueline Bonnici says she was surprised to learn her daughter, a Grade 12 student at Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, has to pay a $90 graduation fee.

Bonnici, a single mother of three, says it's unfair, especially to low-income families.

"Whether you can afford it or not, $90 is too much," she says, noting the graduation amount is on top of costs for school uniforms, prom and an activity fee charged by the high school.

School boards in Durham don't have a central fee that is charged for graduation — individual high schools set fees based on the events they have planned.

The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) says its fees

range from $70 to $100, which covers a long list of items including: caps and gowns, diplomas and awards, a grad composite photo; individual photo of each graduate; grad breakfast and catering; hall rental; decorations; and police for traffic control.

"The fee is mandatory for students to participate in the ceremony; however, every DCDSB school supports students in need and will cover the cost for them if a family cannot afford the graduation fee," the school board says in a statement.

All school boards in Durham say they will cover the cost of grad fees for students who can't afford to pay.

However, Pickering parent Christine Lowe says asking for financial help can be embarrassing for families.

She has a blended family that includes two teens graduating from high school this year as well as younger teens.

"It seems like we're giving money to the schools every few days for one thing or another," she says. "It's a lot for families when

we're ... already paying for schools through our taxes."

The Durham District School Board notes graduation fees vary from school to school, but are "not mandatory to attend graduation."

For example, in past years Brooklin High School charged a $25 grad fee to offset the costs of a cap and gown, photo and memory book, while Pine Ridge Secondary School has previously charged $35 for a cap, gown and tassel, photo and grad barbecue.

Athe Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB), grad fees range from $30 to $40.

"Fees cover different things at different schools, as some schools rent out space in the community for the graduation ceremony, while others can accommodate graduation ceremonies within the school facility," a statement from PVNCCDSB notes.

At Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, the grad fee ranges from $20 to $25 and is not mandatory.