WEST CHESTER TWP. - Fees are on the increase in the Lakota Schools.

Assistant Superintendent Michael Taylor has recommended increasing fees for kindergarten students by $5 to $35 next school year. In grades 1-6 the fee is expected to increase $10, to $45 per student.

Fees will increase an average of 10 percent at the freshmen and senior high schools depending on course selection.

After-school fees for marching band and drama will increase $5 to $55 while athletics will go up $50 to $85 for junior school students and $115 for students in grades 9-12. Each family will be capped at $230 for athletics.

A final vote on the increases is set for the May 10 school board meeting.

Public forum on Morrow enrollment

MORROW - The third in a series of forums to address the growing student enrollment in the Little Miami Schools will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the high school, 3001 E. U.S. 22/Ohio 3.

"This forum will offer another opportunity for residents to come out, hear an update of the planning done to date, ask questions and share their thoughts about the district's facilities plan," said Superintendent Dan Bennett.

There were 2,971 students enrolled at the end of the 2002-2003 school year, compared to 3,181 students now, an increase of 7 percent, said Ruth Mitchell, director of curriculum. Projections call for another 222 students to enroll by the start of classes in August.

Five Middletown teachers to lose jobs

MIDDLETOWN - Five teachers in the Middletown Schools are losing their jobs due to budget cuts.

Earlier this year the board had announced it was eliminating 45 positions due to declining enrollment - the district has lost 550 students in the past two years - and as part of a five-point plan to reduce spending by $2 million to avoid a deficit.

Most of the other positions will come from resignations, retirements or reassignments. The reduction in force was approved this week by the board of education.

Fine arts festival at Kings High School

DEERFIELD TWP. - The annual Kings Springs Into Art fine arts festival will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the school, 5500 Columbia Road.

Students in grades K-12 will present vocal and instrumental programs, athletic and fitness exhibitions along with woodworking, drafting and art displays showcasing their work.

Groups will be performing in the auditorium throughout the day, beginning at 10 a.m., and in the cafeteria beginning at 11:45 a.m.

Sale offers children's clothing and toys

FAIRFIELD - Used children's clothing, books, games and toys will be sold 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Fairfield Kindergarten Center, 4641 Bach Lane.

Donations can be dropped off at the school's front desk. Pickup is also available by calling 895-2389 or e-mail elsen87@hotmail.com

Field trip takes pupils back in time

WILLIAMSBURG - Children at Williamsburg Elementary School will learn about their community's pre-1840s history Friday when they attend the Grassy Run Heritage Rendezvous.

It's part of History Week, sponsored by the Harmony Hill Association of Williamsburg.

This week fourth-graders visited Harmony Hill, the homestead of Maj. Gen. William Lytle.

They listened to speakers talk about Clermont County's history.

E-mail items to suek@infionline.net or fax to 755-4150.