Families with teens at Indian Prairie School District 204 high schools will pay $75 more for driver education next school year if the state approves a fee waiver the district is seeking.

The District 204 Board of Education approved the fee increase Monday, Nov. 9, as part of a consent agenda with no discussion, NCTV17 reported.

The fee would rise from $425 to $500 per student in 2027-28, then to $525 beginning in 2028-29.

The catch: Illinois law caps what public schools can charge for driver ed at $250. District 204 has operated under a state waiver for the past three years to charge $425.

The new fees require a fresh waiver from Springfield before they can take effect.

Why the district says it needs more

The driver ed program costs about $1.6 million a year to run. That covers teacher salaries and benefits, vehicle maintenance, license plate renewals and fuel for the cars students practice in.

Revenue from student fees and a $152-per-student state reimbursement covers only about $300,000, according to the district.

That leaves a $1.3 million annual gap the district absorbs.

About 740 students take the course each year across the district's three high schools.

Grant Sahr, District 204's director of elective curriculum, said the higher fees would help the district adjust for ongoing cost increases.

Even at $525, the district would not fully cover its program expenses, according to NCTV17's reporting.

Where the fee falls in the market

District research shows driver education costs range widely. Public districts charging the state-mandated cap collect $250.

Private facilities such as Top Driver and Elite Driving School charge close to $1,000, according to the district. The proposed $500 and $525 fees would land in the middle of that range.

Fee waivers stay in place

Students who qualify under board policy would still be able to have their driver ed fees waived or reduced, Sahr said.

Under Illinois law, districts must waive the fee for students unable to pay. State Board of Education rules require waivers for students eligible for free school meals.

What happens next

The fee increase hinges on the state approving District 204's waiver request. If approved, the $500 fee would apply starting in the 2027-28 school year. No timeline for the state's decision appears in public records as of publication.

Families at Neuqua Valley High School, Metea Valley High School and the district's third high school should watch for updates from District 204 on when the waiver decision comes through.