Students at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South high schools who enroll in drivers education will have to shell out $350 to take the course starting in the 2010-11 school year.

The fee increase will not be implemented in the upcoming school year to allow the fee change to appear in the school’s annual course listing, according to Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Superintendent Nicholas Wahl.

“We want to give parents and students time to adjust to the fee change, which is in line with what other schools are charging, and below what private driving schools now charge,” Wahl said.

The School Board voted 5-0 to approve submitting a waiver to the state calling for the fee change.
In the past, district students taking drivers education during the regular school year did not have to pay a fee, while those taking the course during summer school did have to pay $350.

“We must submit a waiver application every five years, and it has been five years since we last did this,” Wahl said. “Many students at the two high schools opt to enroll at area private driving schools, where the rates are as high as $700.”

Wahl said the increase will generate about $157,000 annually in revenue.

Drivers Ed fee comparison
HIGH SCHOOL                           FEE
Hinsdale Central/South             free/$350*

Lyons Township                          $150

Downers Grove North/South      $300

Naperville Central                      $250

* The drivers education course remains free for the 2009-10 school year, but a fee will be implemented the following year