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Bear Middle School debate team seeks $2,500 from city; commissioners pledge private donations but decline routine city funding
Summary
Two Bear Middle School students asked the City Commission for $2,500 to attend the National Speech & Debate Tournament. Commissioners praised the students and several pledged personal donations, but the commission declined to authorize city funds, citing precedent and fairness concerns.
Two Bear Middle School students told the City Commission they had qualified for the National Speech & Debate Tournament and asked the city for $2,500 to help meet a $6,500 fundraising deadline this week.
Student leaders Michaela Sekou (head of speech and debate) and Naomi Levy described late starts, limited resources and fundraising efforts that had generated roughly $3,000 to date, including a recent car wash. "We have a chance to make our city proud," Sekou said, urging commissioners to support the team's trip.
Commissioners applauded the students for their preparation and persistence. Mayor Michael J. Ryan and others noted long‑standing municipal support for youth programs, and several commissioners offered personal pledges: Commissioner Joseph A. Scudo pledged $500; Commissioner Latoya S. Clark and Deputy Mayor Kirch said they would make personal donations; several commissioners encouraged private donations from audience members and local businesses.
But commissioners stopped short of approving a city appropriation. Deputy Mayor Kirch, Commissioner Scudo and others said city funds are taxpayer dollars subject to precedent concerns: once the commission approves funding for one group, many other well‑regarded organizations would also seek city support during the fiscal year. "How do I say yes to you and no to them?" Scudo asked, referencing a separate request he had received for a band trip that was substantially larger.
City staff and commissioners discussed the mechanics of accepting private donations to the school and noted PTSA and school accounts have different fiscal close schedules that affect what the school can accept immediately. The commission recessed briefly so audience members could offer contributions on the spot.
Outcome: no formal city grant was approved at the meeting. Commissioners and audience members pledged private donations; the commission asked staff and the students to provide updates on fundraising progress as the deadline approaches.
