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Prices increase to learn to driveBy Barbara Brown The North Branch school board voted at the Nov. 13 meeting to raise the rates for both classroom and price for practical lessons. As of Jan. 1 in-class fees will be $65, up $15 from the 2003 price. The driving part of the class will cost $20 more than the 2003 price, at $200. The program has been offered by the North Branch school district on a contract basis for more than 25 years. The classroom fees had not changed since 1978, according to David Hanson, the program director. Hanson cited increased cost for repairs, tires, fuel and the need to give the driving instructors who work for him raises as reasons for needing the increase in fees. While the program uses the North Branch High School parking lot for practices and students learn to drive in vehicles marked ìISD 138,î the program actually receives no monetary support from the district, said finance director Randi Johnson. Johnson told the board that the program is self-sufficient, but benefits are realized by having the vehicles and instructors insured by the district and allowing the program to use the districtís maintenance and fuel resources. She told the board that the district is reimbursed by the programís directors for all expenses on the part of the district, including fuel and insurance. North Branch offers the lowest cost drivers education program offered through a school district in the area, Hansonís letter said. For Chisago Lakes district students, classroom cost is $90, students must buy a $20 book and pay $225 for behind-the-wheel training. In Rush City, the sum total of the programís classroom and practical parts is $325. Cambridge charges more than $300 for the program offered there, Hansonís letter said. ©ECM Post Review |