The Tacoma Public Schools board approved a pay‑to‑participate fee structure for athletics beginning in the 2025‑26 school year, with exemptions for students who qualify for free and reduced‑price meals and a family cap intended to limit burdens on multi‑student households.

Superintendent Josh Garcia presented the item and said the district currently spends about $5 million in local levy dollars to subsidize athletics and needs new revenue to maintain programs. The board approved the fee ordinance after discussion about waivers, distribution of revenue and assurances that no student would be denied participation for inability to pay.

District officials said the fee is designed to be comparable to neighboring districts and includes a maximum annual family cap; families that qualify for free and reduced meals would be exempt from the fee. The administration noted it will centrally administer coach stipends and uniform costs, and it plans additional sponsorship outreach to offset costs. Officials said schools would not directly retain the fees as separate ASB funds; the revenue would be used centrally for athletics operations.

"No student will be denied participation," the superintendent said, noting that administrators will work with families who cannot afford fees.

Discussion vs. decision: The board voted to approve the pay‑to‑participate structure (agenda item 14.1). The motion passed on a voice vote with no recorded opposition during the meeting. The administration will return with communication plans for families and the mechanics for fee collections and exemptions.

Ending: The fees take effect in the 2025‑26 school year; the district will run an outreach campaign and accept family requests for fee waivers tied to free and reduced‑price meal eligibility.