Federal Hocking's school board will meet today to decide if it will implement pay-to-play for athletics next school year to reduce the district's projected $1.8 million debt. Officials proposed a $50 or $100 fee per student, which would generate about $12,500 or $25,000 for the schools next year. This meager sum wouldn't put a dent in the district's massive debt, yet it would likely prevent some students from participating in athletics.
Federal Hocking's superintendent, James Patsey, does not endorse pay-to-play because it precludes some students from participating. He said it is strictly a money issue. The money issue is the reason why no school district in Athens County currently has a pay-to-play program.
The district is considering a scholarship program that could provide financial aid to students who cannot afford to pay the fee. But unless the district has secured some source of outside funding, the scholarships would be counterproductive.
The potential financial benefits for the district are insufficient to justify the cost to students. Given the social benefits of participating in extracurricular activities, discouraging athletic activity would not be in the students' best interests. Also, if the district really wants to reduce its debt, pay-to-play is not the answer. They could put forward an operating levy. Take it from Ohio University ' messing with sports is not the solution.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of the executive editors.
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Operating levy more likely to dent debt than athletic fee at Federal Hocking
