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Activity Fees. An overview to inform the community. Definitions Scope of Programming Costs of Programming Booster Dues and Fees Activity Fee Background Information and Definitions Activity Survey Results. Agenda. Extracurricular Programming:
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Activity Fees An overview to inform the community
Definitions • Scope of Programming • Costs of Programming • Booster Dues and Fees • Activity Fee Background Information and Definitions • Activity Survey Results Agenda
Extracurricular Programming: • Includes interscholastic sports, art, music, and clubs • Promotes the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and moral well being of the participants • Important and integral part of the total school program • Open to all students • Students assume the academic and behavioral responsibilities and obligations of the club or activity • Key connection for school success • College admissions expectation Definitions
Funded Activities • Activities that are facilitated by paid coaches or advisors. • Non-Funded Clubs • District approved student activities that are facilitated or advised by an unpaid staff member Definitions
Athletic Expenditures • Non-Athletic Expenditures Extracurricular Expenses
Direct Expenses—those expenses that are commonly associated with running athletic programs. • Indirect Expenses—those expenses that represent capital purchases, field maintenance, utilities, etc. • Revenue—Monies received by the district through gate receipts, fund raising, and fees. Athletic Expenditures
Booster Club-any parental or community support group that provides services, awards, funds and/or equipment for school district sponsored programs. These programs shall include, but are not necessarily limited to, athletic and nonathletic as well as interscholastic and extracurricular programs. Booster Dues and Fees
Activity Fees A Quick Review
Activity Fees/Pay-to-Play/Participation Fees • Growing trend in Pennsylvania and nationally • Requires students and their families to pay fees to participate in extracurricular activities. • Activity fees do not replace booster dues or fees. Definitions
Nation • As of 2009, 33 states had districts that utilized activity fees • State • In Pennsylvania, in 2010 13% of school districts surveyed reported charging fees. • As of 2012, that percentage has risen to 30% • Local • As of this school year, some of the local districts that charge fees include: Downingtown, Great Valley, Marple Newtown, Tredyffrin/Easttown, Unionville, and West Chester • Marple Newtown is the only Delaware County district to charge fees How prevalent are activity fees?
Fees Vary: • Ranges from $10 to $250 for individual students • State average: $65 per activity • Some districts have one-time fees, fee caps, different fees for different activities, only charge for sports, etc. • Fee structures are a reflection of the community What is the typical fee?
Illegal in some states as extracurricular activities are seen as vital and guaranteed part of students’ education. • Could decrease student participation • Could discriminate against lower socio-economic families • Large families will carry a heavy financial burden • Parents are already paying fees through booster clubs and fund raising • Activity fees could cannibalize booster club funding Against Fees!
Slippery slope—paying for activities could eventually lead to other fees. • Could lead to the demise of smaller programs, sports, and clubs • Could add pressure on coaches, directors, and advisors—I paid, so my kid plays! • Yet another tax • Collection and compliance is an administrative nightmare. • Revenue does not outweigh the cost of time and effort to administer the fee. Against Fees, Continued
Most states, including Pennsylvania, from a legal standpoint do not regard extracurricular activities as part of the guaranteed basic education. • Fees allow districts to maintain existing programming by generating added revenue. • Fees support the philosophy that extracurricular activities are “extra”. • It is commonplace for parents to pay for their children’s activities. For Fees!
Most districts have waivers and financial assistance for low socio-economic families or financial hardships. • Family “fee caps” could be established to limit the burden on large families. • Districts may utilize cafeteria pre-payment software for collecting fees to lessen the administrative burden. • Booster clubs often provide above and beyond programmatic costs, so their fees could be reduced. For Fees, Continued
1637 Total Respondents • 958—have a child or will have a child in the district • 679—do not have a child in the district Survey Results
I have enough information to express my opinion about activity fees • All respondents: 82% yes; 18% no • Respondents who have a child or will have a child in the district: 75% yes; 25% no • Respondents who do not have a child in the district: 91% yes; no 9% • I support the idea of implementing activity fees to help the district support its extracurricular programs. • All respondents: 52% yes; 48% no • Respondents who have a child or will have a child in the district: 36% yes; 64% no • Respondents who do not have a child in the district: 76% yes; no 24% Survey Results
I would support the implementation of an activity fee that ranges between (choose one). • 880 Respondents • $25 to $75—63% • $75 to $125—25% • $125 to $175—6% • $175 to $225—6% Survey Results
If the district implements an activity fee, having a family fee cap that sets a maximum amount that families are required to pay is important to me. • All respondents: 70% yes; 30% no • Respondents who have a child or will have a child in the district: 77% yes; 23% no • Respondents who do not have a child in the district: 65% yes; 35% no Survey Results
If the district implements an activity fee, students should have to pay per activity. • All respondents: 62% yes; 28% no • Respondents who have a child or will have a child in the district: 49% yes; 51% no • Respondents who do not have a child in the district: 72% yes; 28% no Survey Results
If the district implements an activity fee, students should only have to pay a one-time fee that allows them to participate in as many activities as they wish • All respondents: 45% yes; 55% no • Respondents who have a child or will have a child in the district: 57% yes; 43% no • Respondents who do not have a child in the district: 34% yes; 66% no Survey Results
If the district implements an activity fee, offering assistance for families that face financial hardships is important to me. • All respondents: 77% yes; 23% no • Respondents who have a child or will have a child in the district: 75% yes; 25% no • Respondents who do not have a child in the district: 80% yes; 20% no Survey Results
Continue to collect participation and enrollment data. • Continue the activity fee discussion at the January work session when our two new Board members are officially in place. • Determine next steps at the January Meeting. Next Steps