Where is all of our money going? It is finally fall, and the school year is in full swing. Some students are excited to be back, while others are anxious and anticipating what awaits them. Besides difficult classes, and who they are going to be sitting with at lunch, many students have been questioning the seemingly large fees that come with school incentives. The demands of collecting money from students never seem to stop, and are wondering…what’s with all of the fees?

When students were asked about what they were paying for, and where they thought their money was going, they answered with frustration. This could be due to the fact that many feel as though their money is not being put towards the goods they want, or they are not receiving the quality items they thought they were paying for. Other students are more skeptical about making these payments and just want their money to go towards item that need more attention.

“I feel like they waste the money on things we don’t really need, such as new banners and school decorations. They could be using this money to update the things that need it,” said junior Kyle Bush.

While some students are beyond frustrated with the frequent payments they are making to the school, other students are looking at this situation with positivity and hope.

“I really have no clue where the money goes. I would hope that it would go back into the school towards getting resources for students. Things like updating software and computers that need fixing,” said junior Grace MacFarland.

Another student, Corinn Rittner, does not know where the money goes either, but expresses the same feelings of hope and believes that the money is put to good use.

“I believe that the money goes towards helping the students, and the school because where else would it go?” said Rittner.

For most sports and clubs, many students are confident that their money is being put towards helping with funding the programs, transportation, trips, and spirit wear. These students have faith that their money is being put to proper use.

It is normal for students to be concerned about this topic.They have the right to wonder what their school, and the administration are doing to constantly improve and better our education. Would students be more trusting and possibly thankful if they knew what plans the school has for their money?

“If they [the school and administration] were more transparent about where the money was going, students would probably understand. Especially if the money was being used to benefit the school,” said teacher Mrs. Jean Bollinger.

Students want answers about their money, and Rochester Adams assistant principal Mr. Todd Calcamuggio may have them, ending the curiosity that the school has as a whole.

“The $30 club fee that students have to pay to join clubs could go to a number of things, mainly a stipend that teachers receive for sponsoring the club and being there for the extra time after school. It could also go towards materials, running the club, or renting rooms or spaces to manage the club,” said Calcamuggio.

After explaining the interest students had about their parking pass money and how it all works, vice principal Calcamuggio gave a full explanation.

“The money students pay for parking passes goes into a general fund in order to pay for things like the maintenance of our lots. We have students pay to park here as an incentive. Without this incentive, it would be chaotic in our lots. Not everyone would have a parking space, and then students would be stuck on what to do. I feel like [the administration] is pretty transparent about where our money goes, and if students ever have questions about funding, they are welcome to come down to the office and ask,” said Calcamuggio.

At this point, it is understandable why students could be annoyed or even becoming angry about the topic. However, students may want to refrain from becoming frustrated with the multiple payments they are expected to pay throughout the school year. Paying out of pocket for things like parking passes and clubs is not cheap. On the other hand, parking passes and club fees are crucial if Adams wants to continue being successful. Parking still remains an incentive and clubs help pay for teachers who volunteer their extra time and spaces that are used. This system helps the school maintain the organized environment that they strive to maintain. Feelings about the school needlessly raking kids for money can be set aside, and Highlanders can feel secure that the fees are a necessary part of being a part of a good school.