Frequently Asked Questions about Pay to Participate
The Board of Education approved a Pay to Participate program at the April 12 meeting to help with cuts to the district budget as a result of the state funding crisis. This spring, the Budget Advisory Committee recommended that the district generate revenue from new or increased fees, one of which included a Pay to Participate fee. This fee has been adopted to help with funding to maintain the number of activities the district currently offers. If a fee was not approved the district would be faced with the decision to eliminate some activities completely or reduce the number of coaching positions.
How will this money help with the state funding crisis and help minimize the budget cuts to education?
The Pay to Participate program will help reduce the number of cuts to supplemental positions and activities that would otherwise have to be made because of the lack of state funding.
How much is the fee?
The fee is $50 per student per year to cover participation in athletic activities that fall under the authority of the Kansas State High School Activities Association. This is a yearly fee, not a per sport fee.
My child is in more than one sport. Do I need to pay the fee for each one?
No. The $50 fee covers the student for the school year whether the student participates on one or multiple athletic activities.
I have 3 children in the district – will I have to pay this fee for each one who is involved in sports? Is there a maximum amount per family per year?
The fee is per child with no family maximum. Therefore, the above
situation would result in a total of $150 being due for that family.
When will this fee be assessed?
We expect most families to choose paying this fee during enrollment in August. If a student is not involved in a fall activity, the family may wait until the winter or spring to pay the fee. The fee must be paid prior to the student participating in any athletic activity.
Will every sport be assessed this fee?
Yes, all middle school and high schools sports and cheerleading fall under the realm of being assessed the $50 fee. Again, this is a yearly fee, not a per sport fee, and applies to athletic activities that fall under the Kansas State High School Activities Association.
I already pay fees for my child to be involved in a sport – is this new fee in addition to uniform costs and other fees?
Yes.
Will there be fees for activities as well?
The only activities involved include those athletic activities that fall under the direction of the Kansas High School Activities Association. This includes cheerleading but does not include activities that are also academic classes such as debate, forensics or music.
What if I can’t afford the fee for my child to participate?
Parents or students should visit with their school athletic director
to determine if other arrangements may be made for payment of the fee.
I'm on the Free or Reduced Meal Plan. Do I have to pay this fee?
Students who qualify for free meals are not required to pay the fee. Students who qualify for reduced meals will be assessed a $25 fee.
What if my child starts a sport but doesn't end up staying with that sport? Will I get a refund?
Normally no. The fee is due prior to participation in a sport. Refunds will not normally be made once the activity has started practice and the student has participated in that activity. If the student has paid the fee, has not participated in another athletic activity and for some reason never begins participation in a sport, they will be eligible for a refund.
