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Cheer coach asks Southeast Delco board to cover $1,875 in reduced camp fees for squads
Summary
Latonya Mason, the cheer coach, asked the board to fund two lower‑cost cheer camps totaling $1,875 after fundraising shortfalls. Parents said the board historically covered larger camp costs and urged a timely board response because deadlines are imminent.
Latonya Mason, the varsity cheer coach, asked the Southeast Delco School District board during public comment to provide $1,875 to cover two reduced summer camp options for the cheer squad after fundraising fell short.
Mason said she lowered an original $370 per‑participant camp option to alternatives that would cost $510 for one camp (10 cheerleaders) and $1,365 for another (13 cheerleaders), totaling $1,875 if the district covered both requests. She said parents have limited ability to pay and that some families already struggle with rising property taxes.
Why it matters: the request asks the board to allocate operating or discretionary funds to extracurricular programming outside previously budgeted athletic allocations and arrives near camp registration deadlines. Board members said they want to know whether the district has historically subsidized cheer camps (one board member estimated prior support at $370 per athlete, or about $8,510 for 23 participants) and asked administration to confirm past practice and available funding.
Board members and administrators recommended following the chain of command (athletic director, then administration) and asked the coach to submit a written proposal with costs and deadlines. Dr. Ryan and Mr. Donovan were asked to confirm whether the district has previously paid $370 per cheerleader and whether the current budget can cover the reduced camp requests or a portion of the cost.
Parents attending the meeting also said they emailed the athletic director and Superintendent’s office without receiving timely replies; one parent, Kim Paige Edgentetti, asked the board to acknowledge that lack of staff responsiveness and urged the board to address the parents’ concerns.
What’s next: the board asked administration to verify historical payments and available funds and to report back to the board; the coach was encouraged to provide a written proposal so members can review dollar amounts ahead of a formal decision.
