The Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD) Governing Board made a significant decision during their May 1, 2024, meeting, approving new athletic participation fees and ticket prices aimed at addressing a substantial budget deficit in the district's athletic account. The board unanimously endorsed a proposal that could generate between $389,732 and $422,622 annually, helping to alleviate a current deficit of over $339,000.

David Huffine, the district's athletic director, presented the committee's findings, highlighting the financial challenges faced by the athletic department due to rising costs for officials, security, and event operations. The committee's analysis revealed that TUHSD was one of the few districts in the area not charging participation fees, which had been eliminated during the pandemic. The proposed changes include reinstating a participation fee of $50 per student, increasing student passes from $25 to $50, and raising ticket prices from $5 to $7 for adults and from $3 to $5 for students.

The board discussed the potential impact of these fees on families, particularly those with multiple children participating in sports. To mitigate financial barriers, a cap of $200 per family was proposed, allowing families to benefit from tax credits that could offset these costs. The board emphasized the importance of ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder student participation in athletics.

In addition to the athletic fee discussions, the board reviewed legislative priorities for the upcoming 2025 ASBA political agenda, focusing on accountability in education funding and advocating for full funding for special education. The board expressed a commitment to ensuring that all educational institutions are held to the same financial transparency standards.

The approval of the new fees and ticket prices marks a proactive step by the TUHSD Governing Board to secure the financial health of its athletic programs while remaining sensitive to the needs of its community. The board's actions reflect a broader commitment to maintaining quality educational and extracurricular opportunities for all students in the district.