Garfield Heights City Schools is facing significant financial challenges that have led to the proposal of a "pay to participate" plan for student athletics and extracurricular activities. During a special board meeting on June 9, 2025, Athletic Director Mike Cruz presented the plan, which aims to address the district's fiscal reality while maintaining student engagement in sports and activities.

The proposed fees are structured to be manageable for families, with a charge of $150 for one activity, $250 for two, and a maximum of $300 for three or more activities. Cruz emphasized that this decision was not made lightly, as he and the board are opposed to implementing such fees. However, the current financial situation necessitates this approach to sustain the district's programs.

Cruz also noted that if a levy passes in November, the district plans to eliminate these fees immediately, with a system in place to refund any payments made prior to the levy’s approval. This contingency reflects the district's commitment to ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder student participation.

The board discussed the potential impact of these fees on student enrollment in athletics and activities, with estimates suggesting that participation could drop significantly, potentially affecting up to half of the student athletes. This decline could have broader implications for school culture and community engagement, as many students involved in extracurriculars are also among the top scholars.

In addition to the pay-to-participate proposal, the meeting highlighted ongoing challenges related to funding for educational resources. The district has been grappling with the costs associated with implementing the state-mandated "science of reading" curriculum, which has strained financial resources and diverted funds from other programs.

The board remains focused on fiscal responsibility while striving to provide quality education and support for students. The discussions from the meeting underscore the urgent need for community support and the importance of the upcoming levy to secure the future of Garfield Heights City Schools’ programs and initiatives.