Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Coal Region Canary
Coal Region CanaryCoal Region Canary

Local News

Pottsville Area Approves Pay-to-Play Plan for Extra-Curriculars and Sports

pottsville area pay to play

pottsville area pay to play

After boasting about expecting a $1.2 million surplus next year, and a $600,000 surplus this year, Pottsville Area school board members voted 8-1 on Wednesday to approve what they’re calling a “Pay to Participate” program.

More commonly referred to as a “Pay to Play” program, high school students will be charged $50 to participate in any extra-curricular or sports activities. The fee for students in grades 7 and 8 is $25.

Pottsville Area Approves $50 Pay-to-Play Scheme for Extra-curricular Activities and Sports

As it was passed, this is a one-time fee and one $50 payment covers a student no matter how many extra-curricular activities they choose through a school year.

The vote on this pay-to-play scheme comes after it was previously tabled months ago. When it was last placed on the agenda, Pottsville Area school board members were considering dropping several sports programs. However, no vote was ever taken then as more options were considered.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1658728627906147

At that time, the school district was reeling in financial trouble. It appears, at least on the surface, that those tough economic times are behind the district, based on the reports presented at Wednesday’s regular monthly meeting.

During a 2021-2022 budget presentation, the board revealed that the district expects to operate in the black to the tune of $1.2 million. For this current school year, Pottsville Area is expected to see a $600,000 surplus in revenue vs. expenses.

So then, why vote to tack on an additional fee to students to participate in extra-curricular activities? Certainly a head-scratcher and one that’s likely to get some blow-back from a school population that’s become less better off financially over time.

According to a University of Michigan study in 2019, pay-to-play schemes at schools generally affects lower income families more and will prevent some students from participating in these extra-curricular activities.

The $50 Pottsville Area is charging pales in comparison to the average cost of pay-to-play schemes nationwide. University of Michigan found the average P2P costs are:

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1658728627906147
  • $161 for sports
  • $86 for arts
  • $46 for clubs

As it’s presented for now, Pottsville is not offering a no-cost alternative – like public service in exchange for the fee.

ALSO READ:

Subscribe to Coal Region Canary

Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!
Loading

News Tips?

Let us know of news happening in your area. Use our NEWS TIPS ENTRY FORM
2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Frank

    April 18, 2021 at 12:58 pm

    The only complaints will be from the parents that wear $200 sneakers

  2. Concerned Parent

    April 18, 2021 at 5:17 pm

    Will PASD give back the sport money that St. Clair Area gave them for the sports? Since now that PASD is charging a fee now. What a joke. Pay to Play? I guess next is Pay to be Taught….

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More From The Canary

Obituaries Index

The latest obituaries from the Schuylkill County coal region for June 6, 2023.

Local News

Police investigation ongoing

Local News

State Police bomb squad called in

Local News

Investigation ongoing, police say

Canary Jumped the Shark

What's the deal with June 31st?

Local News

Opposing Republicans present strong argument on 'No' vote

Schuylkill County Police News

Incident happened on May 27

Local News

Bridge repair over Swatara Creek begins Monday.

Local Weather

Fire Weather Watch in effect

Local Weather Alerts

Outdoor burning discouraged.

Advertisement https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1658728627906147