Board raises athletic participation fees for 2026–27, family cap increases to $250

The Grandville Public Schools Board of Education approved increases to athletic participation fees for the 2026–27 school year. Under the approved schedule, the middle-school participation fee will rise from $45 to $60, the high-school fee from $60 to $80, and the family cap will increase from $210 to $250.

District staff explained the increases respond to higher transportation and coaching costs. "We tried to rank, low to high, we're pretty much right in the middle in all three categories," a district administrator said, and noted expenses and recent cost increases as the rationale for the adjustments.

Board members asked how hardship cases will be handled; staff said schools and teams will rely on student-assistance funds, fundraising and booster support to help families in need. The staff reported the district’s free-and-reduced lunch rate is about 30% and estimated that roughly 30% of district athletes may need some assistance.

Members also discussed sponsorship and name/image/likeness (NIL) activity at the high school level and whether sponsorships or collectives could offset fees. A board member noted booster assistance: "The football boosters donated $20,000 to the 7th and 8th grade football to buy helmets for the players," which should mean most players will not have to purchase helmets this year.

After discussion and a clarification about a typographical error in staff’s table, the board voted to approve the fee increases.