Students are noticing higher fines at the new Neenah High School this year, according to Officer Clay Davis.  

Student Resource Officer Davis cited various reasons that contributed to the fines increase, which include: officer discretion, victim of the crime, different bond schedules, and demographics between different jurisdictions. 

With Neenah’s new school, there have been many adaptations to school rules and the morale of the student body. Continuous changes in rules were made so students and staff alike would have better control over their environment compared with the previous school.

Although some of these rules are unpopular among students, it appears necessary to cultivate the fruit of learning and increase student focus. Along with these changes in rules, there came new scenery when moving from one school to the next. The high school is shedding its deep-rooted Neenah skin moving into the jurisdiction of the Fox Crossing Police Department.

Because of the change in jurisdiction, school prices increase from rules produced by the negotiation between the state, the school, and each local community.

“The state works with the village to determine the bond; it is not based on the police department,” Officer Davis said.

During the interview it was clarified there are differences in cost depending on the crime and situation.

Between communities, the state will issue different ticket amounts depending on the demographics of that township. In addition, police and state troopers’ fines will differ, with departments charging roughly $30 less for a similar offense in opposition to the state trooper. 

This example further shows the amount of factors that go into determining the bond value of different crimes or misdemeanors.

Essentially, Officer Davis implied the intent was not to impose higher penalties by raising the ticket price. Instead, it is the accumulation of officer discretion, victim, and varying bond amounts per jurisdiction.

Notably, Neenah has lower fines than Fox Crossing because of demographic differences. Fox Crossing’s population dwindles compared with Neenah’s with this population difference comes higher fines to ensure compensation for judges and city workers, comparing the costs among groups of different sizes. 

Click Here For Interview With Officer Davis

Ultimately, the rise of fines at Neenah High School is not one unanimous decision posed by the school, but influenced by jurisdictional shifts, demographic factors, and negotiation between city and state.

Students at NHS have had a multitude of things to say this year about the rule changes, and the overall shift in student life from previous years. The rule changes, however, enforced by Officer Davis carry the weigh of a Fox Crossing citation fee vs. a city of Neenah fee.