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Collingswood administrators say pay-to-play fees can’t fully close $150,000 athletics shortfall; board seeks family input
Summary
At the June 16 Committee of the Whole, district administrators told board members a proposed fee structure for middle‑school activities will not cover an estimated $150,000 gap; staff plan surveys, a tiered fee model and a July communications timeline ahead of formal August approvals.
At the Collingswood Public School District Committee of the Whole on June 16, administrators told trustees they expect a funding gap for student activities that cannot be met solely by family fees.
Board members raised why middle‑school athletic stipends and the district’s proposed pay‑to‑play structure were not ready for approval. Administrators said they sent a family survey to test price points and are exploring a tiered fee model (one fee for a single activity, reduced combined fees for multiple activities) but cautioned that fee collection will not close the district’s full shortfall.
District staff estimated the current gap at roughly $150,000 and said there is “no pathway to be able to collect $150,000 through fees” that would be fair and equitable to families. They told the board they will meet with board leadership, refine fee options and notify families by mid‑July, with final approvals expected at the August meeting. Administrators also said athletic hiring is already underway and that coaches will be notified during the summer so programs can continue.
Board members pressed for operational details—how and when families will be billed, who will verify payments, accommodation for families on free or reduced lunch and timelines for coach hiring—saying families need clarity well before the start of fall sports. Administrators acknowledged collection-process gaps identified this year and said they will close them (for example, by cross‑checking rosters in the Genesis payment system) but did not give a final fee schedule.
Trustees and staff agreed the district must balance revenue needs against affordability and fairness. The administration requested more time to refine options and pledged to return with specific proposals and communication plans; board leadership said it would meet this week to finalize details and report back. The board did not adopt a new fee schedule on June 16.
Next steps: staff aim to present a concrete plan to families by July 15 and bring a recommended structure and any related stipend approvals to the August 2026 board meeting for formal action.
