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Tecumseh board cuts pay-to-play fees for 2024-25 in 4-1 vote, to be reviewed annually
Summary
The Tecumseh Local Board of Education voted 4-1 on June 17 to reduce student pay-to-participate fees for 2024-25, with Board President Sue Anne Martin opposed citing potential pressure on the general fund; Treasurer warned refunds may require Social Security numbers for vendor processing.
The Tecumseh Local Board of Education voted 4-1 on June 17 to reduce pay-to-participate fees for athletics and activities for the 2024-25 school year, with an April annual review to determine whether the reduction is financially sustainable.
Board member Jon Stafford proposed cutting fees roughly in half to reduce the cost burden on families. "If we were able to reduce these rates, so if you're going to play football, it's $250, it goes to $125, we'd have a shortfall of $50,000," Stafford said during the board discussion. He said boosters and community donors might be able to offset part of the cost but warned there were no firm commitments.
The motion, made by Mr. Stafford and seconded by Mr. Mills, passed on a roll call vote: Stafford, Mills, Diller and Clark voted yes; President Sue Anne Martin voted no.
President Martin said she personally opposes pay-to-play but was concerned about immediate budget effects. "I cannot stand that we have pay to play. I cannot stand it. But the other part of it is 75% of the cost for athletics are covered by our general fund," Martin said, adding that a $50,000 gap would have to be covered from the same general fund when district finances are tight.
Treasurer Denise Robinson flagged administrative steps the district must take if fees are reduced and refunds issued. Robinson said parents seeking refunds may be required to supply Social Security numbers for vendor/vendor-account setup or verification, a process that could complicate and slow reimbursements.
Board members emphasized the change is time-limited and subject to review. The motion instructed administration to implement the lower fee schedule for fall activities and return to the board in April with updated financials and an assessment of sustainability.
The reduction affects athletic and other activity fees including marching band and student performance fees; the board did not adopt a permanent policy change and will revisit the item annually.
Next steps: the reduced fees will take effect for 2024-25; administration will track receipts, participation and any need for transfers from the general fund and report back to the board in April.
