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Parent urges board to address rising cheer costs for middle-school athletes
Summary
A Meadow View Middle School parent told the Hamblen County Board of Education that cheerleading costs — $676 for uniforms plus travel and other expenses — are burdensome for families on free or reduced lunch, and asked the board to explore funding options.
During public comment at the April 14 meeting, Meadow View Middle School parent Tony Strazulo urged the board to help reduce the financial burden of cheerleading on families.
“My daughter is a cheerleader … this year, that fee obligation totaled $676 in uniforms,” Strazulo said, adding that his family spent about $1,000 attending basketball and football games. He noted many student-athletes receive free or reduced-price lunches and urged the board to seek funding or other supports so families are not required to shoulder large out-of-pocket costs.
Board members responded that booster clubs and high-school activity funds exist to help support teams, and one board member said high-school cheer expenses can reach about $1,200 a year. Trustees agreed the issue merited further discussion and asked staff to explore potential options and report back at a future meeting.
What’s next: Staff will review funding sources (booster clubs, activity funds and other local supports) and return with recommendations to the board.
