Light at the end of the tunnel for Newark (OH) Schools?

Came across this article from NBC4i, and wishing for the best for these Newark students

 

By: Steve Wainfor | NBC4
 

 Updated: February 14, 2012 - 6:19 PM

 

NEWARK, Ohio --

Because of budget cuts, school districts have been charging high fees for students to play sports or be involved in the arts and it can get costly when a student participates in more than one activity.

Andrew Niccum plays the trombone in the Newark High School band and he also runs on the cross country team. He was paying a high price to do both.

"It did get a bit expensive between both fees and it was some where around $200," said Niccum.

It was a price his family was willing to pay but not all of Andrew’s friends could afford to do what he did. Director of bands Zack Wilkins said many families have a tough choice to make.

"You're talking $50 to $55 and that doesn't sound like a lot to some people, but for some families that are struggling right now, that's a big issue," said Wilkins.

Newark City Schools started their pay-to-participate fees in 2007. The district feared it would impact their graduation rates and said they saw changes -- especially in their sports teams.

"A lot of our sports don't or some of them don't, have JV teams, don't have freshman teams and it's very hard to compete at the division one level," said Athletic Director Jeff Quackenbush.

The district hopes to increase their graduation rates through sports and extra-curricular activities.

Their hope is that keeping kids interested in these things will keep them in school.

Now, they say, an unexpected increase in their income tax collection is giving them the freedom to suspend all pay-to-participate fees.

"When a kids feels like they take ownership of something. When they feel like they are part of something, they are not going to let that go. These are the things that are going to keep kids in schools. I know for sure there's a bunch of kids that marching band is what they live for and I am glad that we can provide that," said Wilkins.

Newark City Schools said that this is only a two-year suspension of fees. The district will be watching to see if they can afford to continue waiving fees in the future.