8/17/05
School boards not eager to lower or eliminate activity fees
Judging from reports, few if any school boards plan to either lower or eliminate activity fees with some of the new money for education. They donít intend to put back any activities they cut.
Why? They are not hearing this cry from the public, which apparently is content with paying the fees.
In truth, most parents donít complain and they dig deeper because they believe complaining wonít do any good. In some cases they donít know who to complain to, and some fear that complaining will bring retribution.
And in the final analysis, parents donít pay much attention to whatís going on in school board business. Little do they realize the power of contacting their school board members and registering complaints on decisions. A few personal phone calls and hand-written notes go a long way with school board members.
Well, the facts are that for this year and next year, every school district is receiving more money from the state. Few administrators will recommend changing the budget, because it is set for next year. And whatís set is set. The mind set is: donít bother with the fees because they donít have to be raised, and thatís a relief.
The easiest decision for a school board is to hire back teachers, to lower class sizes and salt enough money away to pay higher salaries they know they will approve.
It is also easier to justify spending on ìcurricularî than extra ìcurricularî because they are deemed extra.
Never mind that participation in extracurricular activities is down in some school districts, particularly for those kids who wonít make the team anyway, but need the experience.
Never mind that research shows the importance of every kid being involved in some extracurricular experience and involvement after school.
Never mind that kids will tell you their most memorable high school experiences involve playing in tournaments, winning trophies or just scoring the winning basket.
Never mind that being in activities keeps kids in school and even motivates them to graduate.
Never mind that the experts say that being in any organized activity builds character and values that play into their decisions for the rest of their lives.
Never mind that success in athletics brings a community together and gives it an identity.
The accompanying chart shows how much schools charge students to participate in extracurricular activities in four programs.
Does that money go to pay for the sport? In most school districts that money goes into the general fund. Money taken at the gate, where fees have been increased, likewise goes into the general fund.
If a certain sport needs an extra coach, the booster club pays the cost.
Where could the money come from?
It could come from the staff salary pool. An extra $100,000, cost of two teachers, would go a long way to reduce fees and restore some of the programs cut during budget surgery.
Chances are, however, most school boards will do nothing different, realizing itís easier to go with whatís set rather than rock the boat on behalf of students. -- Don Heinzman
HometownSource.com
ECM Publishers, Inc.
4095 Coon Rapids Blvd.
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
