HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
Huntsville City Schools are debating whether to charge foreign exchange students nearly thousands of dollars to sit in Huntsville classrooms.
The district said it comes down to finances. Huntsville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Casey Wardynski said it costs tax payers at least $9,000 to put a student in a classroom.
He said the amount is the same no matter if they are from Huntsville or an exchange student.
"Money is tight all over our state and when exchange students come here the school system pays the full freight," said Dr. Wardynski.
Dr. Wardynski said that is why they are strongly considering charging exchange students a fee if they want to attend a Huntsville school. Dr. Wardynski did not confirm a specific amount, but sources said it could be nearly $10,000.
Dr. Wardynski said the district is examining the current costs for the exchange programs.
He said exchange students don't pay taxes here either. He said that is why a lot of the financial burden actually falls on Huntsville City Schools tax payers.
Dr. Wardynski did not say if the issue will be brought up at Thursday's school board meeting.
If changes are made, the fee would not go into effect until the next school year.
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Huntsville City Schools are debating whether to charge foreign exchange students a fee to sit in classrooms.
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