Higley raises athletic fees

Higley Unified School District plans on raising sports fees for both middle and high school students. Photo courtesy of The East Valley Tribune

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Written by Andrea Lavalette - Staff Writer

Higley Unified School District is planning on raising sport fees for middle and high school students to address their budget crisis.  If the idea is passed, it will affect both families and participants alike. Along with raising sport fees, the district plans to raise fees for family passes, along with charging admission for baseball, softball, and track events, which are currently free.

Due to all the educational budget cuts in the state of Arizona, Higley’s activities fund have been budgeted to only 65% of their $1 million expenses. However, Higley officials reported that the cost of athletics alone is more than $1 million. They stated that the participation fees include maintenance and repair in each individual sport. However, in a meeting last month, athletic director, Arthur Wagner deemed that statement untrue. “The amount does not cover the true cost of the programs and maintenance of fields, gym floors, purchase of uniforms, balls, bats, and, in the case of football, regular replacement of pads and helmets to fulfill state safety standards,” said Wagner.

High school students currently pay $50 to participate in sports, while as middle school students pay $25. HUSD plans to charge $50 more for high school participants, and $25 more for middle school. This financial choice could affect more than 3,000 students in both middle and high school.

The plan would also raise sport attendance fees. For families, an additional $75 would be added to the annual family pass. Baseball, softball, and track events, which are now free, would be $3 per adult and $2 per student.

A board meeting discussing the subject was held March 11. As of now, the situation is still being discussed. If the proposal is passed, the athletic budget would increase by $168,530, according to Wagner.