New Jersey school board implements pay-to-participate extracurricular program
In response to a budget deficit, the East Brunswick, New Jersey school board has implemented a pay-to-participate program for athletics and extracurricular activities. Beginning in September, students must pay $50 per sport and $15 per extracurricular club in which they wish to participate. New Jersey is one of 34 states that have school districts with such plans, which allow schools to preserve programs in the face of growing budget deficits. "It's because of the buildup over the years of failed budgets. These are the kinds of tough decisions that districts are having to make all across the state," says district spokeswoman Trish LaDuca. Robert Kanaby, executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations, adds, "New Jersey really is starting to mirror what's occurring all across the country. I'm glad to see that schools are trying to save programs and not just eliminate them." In addition to the fees, parents will now have to pay for or solicit sponsorship for travel costs and competition fees. Michael Yaple, spokesman for the New Jersey School Boards Association, says state government in New Jersey pays only 38% of education costs, 12% below the national average, so districts must find creative ways to balance their books when state funding fails to meet rising costs. Opponents of the new policy believe requiring the fees prevents students from receiving the full free public education to which they are entitled. They believe extracurricular activities are integral to a proper education and fear the fees will decrease participation. So far, however, the plan has met with little resistance from parents. "Unfortunately the budget did not pass and that's what we are stuck with if we want our kids to be able to participate in a sport or activity," says parent Norma Comerford.
Home News TribuneBy Greg Tufaro
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