VENTURA : Schools to Charge for Driver Training r

The Ventura Unified School District board approved a plan Tuesday to charge high school students a fee for driver training classes, which had been suspended because of state budget cuts. The district’s proposal, passed by a 4 to 1 vote, transfers financial jurisdiction of driver training from its general fund to its adult education program. Instead of receiving the training for free, a fee will be charged.Board President Barbara Myers voted against the proposal. Statewide, schools are grappling to find ways to continue offering the program after Gov. George Deukmejian vetoed $21.2 million in driver training funds when he signed the final budget in July. Other districts, including the Conejo Valley Unified School District, have already decided to offer driver training for a fee through adult education or community education programs. The Conejo district charges students $120 for behind-the-wheel training. The cost for the training in Ventura has not yet been determined but may be between $120 and $150, depending on the number of students who sign up, Assistant Supt. Richard Welcher said.