Saline school board asks superintendent to make recommendation on pay-to-play fees
The Saline Board of Education reviewed the fees it charges students to play sports and join clubs at a meeting on Tuesday night, according to a story on the Saline Reporter.
AnnArbor.com file photo
As AnnArbor.com previously has reported, the pay-to-play fee charged by the school is the highest in Washtenaw County at $325 for sports and $40 for activity clubs. Price can vary depending on the sport or activity.
The Reporter said the dilemma was now how to best offer activities to students that still are not covered by the district's $51 million annual budget.
While no formal decision was made at the meeting Tuesday night, Superintendent Scot Graden was asked to have a recommendation ready to present at a meeting at 6:30 p.m. April 9 at Liberty School.
Comments
Poorman
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 6:17 p.m.
Kristin, I was thanking the neighbors for their taxes. I am not so sure about the "funding cuts". What year was funding cut? Look at what Michigan spent on education over the last ten years from state funding. 2012. $9.6Billion 6th most in nation. 2011. $9.5 B 6th 2010. $9.5 B 5th 2009. $8.5 B 6th 2008. $8.9 B 5th 2007. $8.4 B 5th 2006. $8.3 B 7th 2005. $7.9 B 6th 2004. $7.8 B 5th 2003. $6.5 B 6th 2002. $6.6 B 5th Considering the tax base the state has lost with automotive closures and people moving out of state, we have not cut education funding. I think you ment to say recent budget problems from cost increases in wages and pensions. http://www.usgovernmentspending.com/compare_state_spending_2000b20S
G-Man
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 2:13 p.m.
Read my lips, no new taxes.
Kristin Judge
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 12:30 p.m.
Unfortunately, our current state government continues to cut funding to education. Local schools have expenses that need to be met. In order to continue to pay for the outstanding teachers, coaches, staff, and facilities in Saline, I have no issue with helping pay for the cost of a sport my son benefits from participating in. My only concern is that we always have funds available for the families who cannot afford the fees. Saline makes sure every student has an opportunity to play in our outstanding programs!
Buttstone
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 12:09 p.m.
I agree with those in support of the fees. Saline has a fabulous athletic/musical heritage that has flourished in the pay to play era. It is much cheaper than club sports for sure. It is ridiculous to assume that student athletes/musicians would leave the district based upon the pay to play. Finally, I agree with poor man about sticking it to the neighbors. I hate the fundraisers that are constantly being forced on me (both within saline and at my office) where we're asked to contribute. If you don't have pay to play at the right level we will all be forced to burden our neighbors, family, and coworkers.
Poorman
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 1:06 a.m.
I don't have any issue with paying for these costs. My kids play the sports, so I pay a little more. This is fair. This is a great deal compared to club or travel sports we pay for sports outside the school programs. The alternative would be to not offer these teams or ask my neighbors to fund them when they don't have a child participating in the sport or club.
The Wind Cries
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 12:07 a.m.
As a resident of Saline, with a child in school, I would find it difficult to believe many people would leave the Saline school system over $325. Kindergarten through high school Saline has a fantastic academic reputation. They offer numerous course choices in both core curriculum and electives such as the arts, music, and technology. When it comes to athletics Saline has had some impressive results in the last several years, including multiple state championships. The facilities are outstanding; two gyms, weight rooms, indoor track, and beautiful outdoor fields. For that minimal amount of money students are offered a great athletic program. Additionally, if you look at the cost of travel sports, this kind of money is inline with many of those programs. And, yes there is a scholarship program for students who show need and cannot afford the cost to participate; no student gets left out. Bloomberg recently rated Saline as the best place to raise kids in Michigan. With all of these positives I don't mind paying $325 for my child to participate in as many as three sports. I know there are a number of fine communities in this area and many of them charge students to participate in sports as well.
tim
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 6:13 p.m.
I wonder if Saline has reached a point of diminishing returns? How many kids have transferred out of Saline schools because the community is too cheap to fund its sports and music programs?
Poorman
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 1:20 a.m.
Nobody I know has left Saline over this. $325 doesn't cover the full cost. I want to thank my neighbors that pay a portion of the costs and don't have kids involved in these activities. These activities make Saline a great school and add value to the homes in the district, but I will gladly pay a bit more when my kids are participating.
ffej440
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 7:56 p.m.
Saline is thinking about a city maint. ordinance- so they can tell you to paint your house, mailbox etc...... that they deem unkept. They clearly don't care or want any low income families.