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Board debates whether to waive student and senior admissions at KCPS athletic events
Summary
Board members discussed two policies on gate receipts and free admission categories during the April 14 meeting, weighing the equity of student and senior waivers against the small but useful revenue gate fees provide to athletics and transportation.
The Kent County Board of Education debated revisions to district policies on gate receipts and which people should be admitted free at school athletic events.
Policy staff presented two related policies (DFE on gate receipts and DFEA on categories eligible for free admission). Board members said the current policy (which waives admissions for citizens age 65+, school employees, board members and others 'as approved by the superintendent') opened fairness questions in a district where many families face economic hardship.
'I wish our kids could go for free because teachers can go for free,' one board member said, noting the optics in a county where a high percentage of students qualify for free and reduced-price meals. Several board members suggested options such as lowering adult ticket prices, creating student season passes tied to attendance or grades, or seeking community partners to underwrite student access rather than charging each student at the gate.
Administrators explained that gate receipts and booster fundraisers contribute to athletics funding — transportation, coaches and equipment — and said receipts for high school indoor sports historically range in the mid-five figures annually. The board asked administration to draft policy revisions for a first reading next month and to solicit input from booster clubs and other stakeholders.
The board did not adopt a policy change at the meeting; administrators said they would return with proposed language addressing which categories should be waived and mechanisms to ensure equitable access for students and families.
