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Students and parents urge Sachem board not to cut middle‑school and JV cheer; directors say fundraising could cover stipends
Summary
After budget cuts were proposed, dozens of students, parents and booster‑club leaders urged the board to preserve fall middle‑school and JV cheer and dance seasons. Speakers described competitive teams, youth pipelines and safety concerns about skipping preparatory seasons.
Dozens of students, parents and booster‑club leaders spoke at the Sachem Central School District board meeting Wednesday to oppose proposed cuts to fall middle‑school and junior varsity cheer and dance programs and to urge the board to preserve those seasons.
Multiple students described year‑round training and said the fall season is essential to teach routines, build team chemistry and prepare athletes for competition. “Cheer has been a huge part of my life for the last 11 years,” said a freshman who identified herself as Isabella Ruggiero, speaking from the dais. “We use the fall season to teach, learn, and teach and work with all our new teammates to get us strong and ready for the following season.”
Parents and booster‑club officers said fundraising already covers much of their teams’ costs and that restoring a small amount would prevent larger program losses. “Our middle school teams compile about 20 students each. You’re talking about a $135 (per…
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