October 7, 2014

Dear Parents/Guardians:


Parents/guardians are encouraged to review this information thoroughly and continue to offer feedback on the pay-to-participate fees that will be implemented should the November 4, 2014 levy be unsuccessful. Based upon parent/guardian feedback to date, we are providing calculations for per sport fee and a flat fee for pay-to-participate. The continued feedback from parents/guardians for a fee per sport or a flat fee regardless of the sport is welcomed.

Why are reductions being proposed for the school district?
The school district has an operating levy on the ballot on November 4, 2014. If the levy request is unsuccessful, the district must make $7.5 million in reductions in order to operate the school district and eliminate the negative ending cash balance projected. Increased pay-to-participate fees will be required for interscholastic athletics for students enrolled in grades 7-12.

Which students will be required to pay increased pay-to-participate fees this school year if the November 4, 2014 levy is unsuccessful?
All students participating in interscholastic athletics for the remainder of the 2014-15 school year (winter and spring sports) in grades 7-12 will be required to pay-to-participate if the November 4, 2014, levy is unsuccessful. Additionally, athletes that participate in fall sports in August, 2015 will also be required to pay-to-participate should the November, 2014 levy be unsuccessful as no new revenue will be collected in the district until January, 2016 if repeated levy attempt(s) are required.

Where can I view the pay-to-participate calculations by sport?
You may find the pay-to-participate calculations at these links for middle school and high school interscholastic sports. The calculations illustrate costs per sport and the current recommendation to pay a flat fee for each middle and high school interscholastic athletic team.

How much will pay-to-participate fees cost for winter and spring sports if the levy does not pass on November 4, 2014?
At the October 13, 2014 Board of Education meeting, the administration intends to recommend that high school students will pay $625.00 and middle school students will pay $425.00 to participate should the November 4, 2014, levy be unsuccessful. As noted above, parents/guardians are encouraged to provide feedback for a fee per sport and/or a flat fee for middle or high school pay-to-participate for interscholastic athletics.

Will all sports pay the same pay-to-participate fees? Why?
Yes, based upon the calculated costs for each sport, the athletic directors recommend that a flat pay-to-participate fee be charged for middle school and high school sports. A $625.00 high school and $425.00 middle school flat fee per sport is recommended to balance the varying costs of all sports in hopes of maintaining student participation levels. The administration welcomes any further input or feedback regarding a flat fee for middle or high school athletic participation versus a per sport fee.

What will the $625.00 high school and $425.00 middle school pay-to-participate fees pay for?
The $625.00 high school and $425.00 middle school pay-to-participate fees for winter and spring sports will pay for coaching salaries and fringe benefits, athletic transportation, and some equipment required for each sport. Personal articles and related personal equipment will continue to be purchased by each family.

What is NOT included in the increased pay-to-participate fees?
The $625.00 high school and $425.00 middle school pay-to-participate fees do not include costs for athletic directors and office staff, referees and officials, facility related expenses, uniforms, tournament, entrance, or green fees, league dues, or required clinics. These fees will continue to be paid for by the district or via gate receipts.

When will the pay-to-participate fees be collected?
The pay-to-participate fees must be paid in full at the start of each season prior to any interscholastic play.

Can the pay-to-participate fees be paid via credit card?
Yes, parents/guardians will have the ability to pay the required pay-to-participate fee via credit card using PayForIt.net. Cash or check payments will also be accepted.

Will fall sports next August be required to pay increased pay-to-participate fees too?
Yes, should the November 4, 2014 levy be unsuccessful, fall sports in August, 2015 will also be required to pay the same increased pay-to-participate fees of $625 for high school and $425 for middle school as revenue for any future levy request will not be collected prior to January 1, 2016. The pay-to-participate fees will be required to be collected to off-set required budget reductions.

Will pay-to-participate fees be required if the levy passes on November 4, 2014?
Upon levy passage, the district will not increase the $50.00 high school and $35.00 middle school pay-to-participate fees. The current pay-to-participate fees will be maintained to off-set general fund expenditures in the school district.

Where can I provide feedback on the increased pay-to-participate fees?
Parents/guardians are encouraged to continue to provide feedback on the increased pay-to-participate fees that will be implemented if the November 4, 2014 levy is unsuccessful here.

Please know that we thank you for your continued partnership in the school district. We understand that increased pay-to-participate fees for interscholastic athletics in grades 7-12 will create hardships for some of our families. The recommendation to increase pay-to-participate fees was not made easily but is necessary in order to balance the impact that $7.5 million dollars in reductions has for the entire school district. We prioritized reductions to protect classroom instruction as much as possible. This information is provided to be responsive to helping our families know and understand what changes will occur for interscholastic athletics if the November 4, 2014, levy is unsuccessful. Your continued feedback is welcomed.

Sincerely,

April Domine