Athletics to fund its way off chopping block

It could cost more for high school athletes to take the field next year as the Clarkston school board moves closer to approving a budget for 2007-?08. A final decision is expected June 25, and the budget was a scheduled topic for this week’s meeting Monday night.
In an effort to offset declining contributions in funding from the state and health care and retirement costs, Clarkston schools has drawn up plans to cut $5.49 million from a budget of about $78 million. Of that total, approximately $180,000 is expected to come out of the athletics budget.
Clarkston Athletic Director Dan Fife said the result could be an increased pay-to-play fee, the amount athletes contribute to play their sport. Currently, the school charges a one-time fee of $125, which is lower than other area schools, Fife noted.
The upcoming school year would mark the third year since the pay-to-play program was re-instated in 2005-?06. The system was dropped 10 years earlier and reached as high as $167 in 1989-?90.
‘It’s a hardship on everyone, there’s no question,? Fife said.
‘We have to do our part.?
A decision on the fee will be made once the budget is finalized.
While extracurricular activities make students well-rounded, Fife, also Clarkston’s varsity basketball coach, and fellow coaches understand that academics are the first priority for students.
‘It’s hard to justify losing a teacher and keeping a basketball team,? Fife said.
‘If the state cuts money, the extras are going to be cut first.?
The increase would allow the district to keep all its athletic programs operating, and gate receipts, which exceeded early estimates, will help cushion the blow, Fife said.
Clarkston saw almost $80,000 in entrance fees during the fall and winter seasons, fueled by traditionally popular football and basketball games.
‘We had a great year,? Fife said.
‘When we win, they come.?
School Board President Steve Hyer said the cut in athletics is in line with other budget cuts.
‘Our first priority is classroom instruction. Things the furthest away get cut first,? he said.
‘Athletics are taking a cut just like other areas in the budget.?
Each area of the budget has seen a cut in the past five years, Hyer added.
‘Every year, they’re more painful. Every year we get closer to the classrooms and the kids.?
Clarkston schools receive $7,322 per pupil from the state. The district has heard talks of a $210 increase in per student funding, but also a proposal for a $122 cut.
‘Anything could change,? Hyer said.
‘We have to play it conservatively. We can’t spend money and then wish we didn’t.?
The situation looks similar across town, where the pay-to-play fee will be $200 next school year, the second year at that price. Lake Orion Athletic Director William Reiss said the fees have been implemented off and on since the 1980’s. Two years ago, the rate was only $150 for its high school students.
The district has seen a forty percent reduction in funding over the past five years, Reiss said. The department took a ten percent cut as part of the district’s 2007-?08 budget, or about $70,000 less.
‘If another cut comes, we’re going to have to look at reductions in some programs,? Reiss said.
Those reductions could mean the elimination of entire programs or junior varsity and freshman squads. Cuts have meant the elimination of various assistant coaching positions, which jeopardizes athletic programs, Reiss said.
‘It’s tough to argue. Academics come first,? Reiss said.
‘We continue to survive with the participation of the community.?
Also a help to the athletic department, the Clarkston Athletic Boosters raise money to support Clarkston’s teams.
‘They’re a great group who are a great support to athletics. I don’t know if we could operate without them,? Hyer said.
Fife anticipated an optimistic outlook from the athletic community.
‘Every time we’ve had these (increases), our coaches, families and kids meet the challenge and we make it work,? he said.
Keep tabs on the budget process at www.clarkstonnews.com.