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Board hears concerns about CHEER program costs and mandatory summer camp; administration to review with athletic director
Summary
Trustees and parents questioned mandatory fees, fundraising and equity related to the district CHEER program and a near-term away camp that costs roughly $400 per student; administration will meet with the athletic director and report back at next week's planning session.
Trustees and parents raised questions on June 2 about the Conewago Valley School District CHEER program, focusing on mandatory fundraising, high out-of-pocket costs and equity for families.
Board members said they were concerned about a district-ordered summer camp billed at about $400 per participant and additional season costs that parents estimated could reach $1,400 per child. One board member said families were being told the camp was mandatory for all cheerleaders, including younger grades, and that some apparel and supply purchases — including a $15 printed shirt and multiple outfits — were adding expense.
Trustees asked whether the camp fee covered transportation or other costs and whether the district or the team had financial processes to prevent students from being excluded if they cannot fund mandatory fundraisers. Several board members said the issue warranted a deeper review: scheduling and approval timelines meant the board would vote on the trip the Monday before students were to leave on Thursday, leaving little time to adjust plans.
Superintendent Dr. Perry said the administration will investigate. "The board did direct me to look into this specific item about cheer. So I do have that on my calendar to meet with Ryan Anderson," Dr. Perry said, referring to the athletic director. He said he planned to bring the matter to the athletic-board subcommittee for a deeper discussion and to return with recommendations.
Parents and trustees suggested options such as making attendance optional for noncompetitive participants or creating tiered participation so younger or noncompetitive cheerleaders would not face the same fundraising burden as varsity competitors. Board members also asked for clearer accounting of booster and individual accounts after several speakers said fundraisers and individual fundraising requirements appeared to be overlapping.
No formal action was taken; board members directed administration to meet the athletic director, gather detailed cost and funding breakdowns, and report back at next week's planning session.
Ending: Trustees said they want the athletic subcommittee and administration to develop options over the summer and to provide clear guidance before future mandatory activities are approved.
