A controversial activity fee for Hempfield Area students, implemented by school directors this year as a cost-cutting measure, has been abolished by the board.

Directors voted 7-0 Monday to rescind the $20 charge. Dianne Ciabattoni abstained.

The district will refund the fees to students who have paid it. Only 36 percent have done so.

School directors and administrators last week pondered ways to collect the fee from the other 64 percent of the 3,000-plus students.

Banning those who had not paid the fee from field trips and club activities was an option.

The board left it up to Superintendent Terry Foriska to decide whether a vote on the activity fee would be included in Monday's meeting agenda.

Dr. Foriska decided it would be.

Board President John Henry said the benefit to the district didn't justify the cost.

The $50 fee charged to middle school and senior high athletes and band members, which the board implemented at the same time, stands.

Revenue collected from that fee is earmarked to offset costs of fuel for bus transportation and other costs of extracurricular activities.

The $20 activity fee had been implemented to avert a projected 1.7-mill property tax increase. Dr. Foriska estimated the levy would generate about $65,000, which would have gone into the budget general fund.

Directors are hoping the potential fiscal shortfall might be offset by an expected increase in state reimbursements this fall.

Directors, however, still may have to deal with the $50 fee charged to athletes and band members. Parents of those students are expected to ask the school board and administration about rescinding that fee.