Athletic participation fees considered

Participation fee.

“I don’t even like saying it,” said Roger Myers, president of the Stanwood-Camano School District board of directors last Tuesday.

He raised the topic following a presentation by representatives of the athletic and activity programs in the district concerning the challenges each respective program is, and will, face under budget restraints.

“I’m afraid we won’t be able to operate the way we have in the past,” said Myers regarding the district’s stance on not having a set fee for activities. “I don’t know what we are going to do.”

As public schools across the state struggle to balance limited budgets, many have already decided to set participation fees rather than cutting programs.

For the Stanwood-Camano School District, its “Lone Ranger” status, as described by Myers for being the last district in the area to hold off on fees, may be in jeopardy.

Tom Wilfong, athletic director for Stanwood High School, said the pay-to-play option is the future, and pressure to change district policy is mounting.

“It’s nothing we wanted,” he added. “But, to keep our programs alive, it’s the feeling I get from our coaches and the community.”

Myers recognized the need to create funds for existing programs, but remarked that charging a fee is “distasteful” and noted the option targets a certain group of students.

Star athletes will always find a way to play, he said, the concern lies with student athletes who don’t get the bulk of playing time — the students who participate in athletics for intrinsic rewards.

For a kid on the line, he said, it would be a tough decision to continue to play should a fee be incorporated. To force a family into that decision is “really hurtful.”

For now, the decision remains up in the air.

Wilfong encouraged the board to consider the payto play option as a “last case scenario” to maintain the integrity of strong after-school programs in the district.

Myers suggested the budget task force should focus on the issue during meetings.

Other school board news:

• Prior to the regular meeting, the board of directors and administrators met with officials from the Washington State Auditor’s Office for a yearly audit review. Casey Dwyer, audit manager for Team Everett, said the district has done an “excellent job having good controls in place.” The audit covered the district’s accountability for public resources, financial statements and federal programs. No violations were discovered.

• Elger Bay Elementary PTA donated five multimedia projectors, five visual presenters and accessories valued at $6,081.37 to Elger Bay Elementary for classroom use.

Cindy Edmonds-Healy donated a Dell Pentium II computer with accessories valued at $200 to the Stanwood Middle School music department.

Stanwood Elementary PTA donated $3,840 to Stanwood Elementary to help support field trips.

• Michelle Freedman, first-grade teacher at Stanwood Elementary, was recognized as December Teacher of the Month. Fellow teacher Sara Lemke nominated her for the award citing Freedman’s generosity and care.

“By simply seeking and anticipating the best motives in everyone,” said Lemke, “Michelle surrounds students, families and co-workers with peaceful acceptance.”

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.