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Parents protest $150 marching-band fee as district outlines $9.5 million shortfall and policy review
Summary
Parents and students told the Garfield Heights board that a proposed $150 fee for marching-band participation would bar low-income students from graded activities. Superintendent Dr. Reynolds said the administration will propose a formal pay-to-participate policy to the policy committee next month; the board was also briefed on a projected $9.5'M
Parents, students and boosters confronted the Garfield Heights City Schools board Sept. 15 over a newly announced fee for marching-band participation, while district leaders described severe budget pressures and a plan to develop a formal pay-to-participate policy. Several parents and the band-boosters president urged the board to rescind or delay a $150 marching-band participation fee they said would prevent students from attending graded events. "This board has chosen to block kids from contests, parades, and performances," parent Renee Bolton told the board. "Many events which are part of their grade, unless their families can pay." Booster president Valerie Toney said the community is low-income and asked the district to avoid excluding students: "Which child sitting…
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