Goodrich – A budget cut misprint is a backhanded blessing, says Goodrich Schools athletic director Al Martus.
A memo to parents outlining 11 budget-cutting measures in the spring athletic program sparked an outcry from parents, who took issue with item no. 2.
‘For athletic trips the bus will take them to the athletic event and the student will need to arrange for their ride home,? the letter stated.
By the Oct. 25 board of education meeting, most board members had heard concerns from parents about the issue.
Although athletic program cuts are in the works, the controversial budget-cutting measure shouldn’t have been included in the letter, says Martus.
‘It won’t be used this year,? he said.
‘It’s an option we can use…other schools do it,? Martus said. ‘Powers? (High School team) kids drove here last night.?
While safety was a primary concern voiced by parents, many smaller teams often provided their own transportation without incident, Martus said, and a large number of student drive themselves to school.
Staffers agree maintaining athletic transportation is desirable, albeit for different reasons than parents, such as ensuring all team members arrive at athletic events on time.
More than 325 Goodrich students in grades seven to 12 are involved in the schools? fall athletic program, estimates Martus.
Beginning this winter, high school students will pay $50 to participate in sports; middle school students will pay $25. Hockey team members, who already pay nearly $600 in fees, won’t pay an additional fee.
The cost is lower than other districts, like Fenton, where high school athletes pay $100 per year to participate.
Parents like Kathy Hergenreder, who has a middle school-aged child in the Goodrich sports program, say parents are willing to pay more if the current athletic transportation program can be maintained without changes.
‘We weren’t asked,? she said in Monday’s school board meeting, indicating she and others are willing to pay two to three times the required amount.
While the budget cut misprint generated confusion, it also stimulated valuable feedback, Martus said.
‘It was a blessing because we found that parents are willing to pay.?
Scholarships will be available, with recipients determined mainly through the recommendation of coaching staff, says Brian Walton, Goodrich Schools director of special services.
Non-academic student clubs have also been affected this year by budget cuts, with many eliminated. Other clubs began charging fees.
But students may see a re-emergence of some clubs.
Bridges to the Future grants may help fund a Spanish club or class through the Community Education Department, said community ed spokesperson Cindy Pustelnik.
The department is seeking parent and community volunteers to help run programs, as in years past, and may be able to obtain funds for materials if parents are unable to provide them, said Pustelnik.
Cuts in other areas, such as temperature control in classrooms, aren’t being met with the same resistance. Teachers find the slightly cooler temperatures help keep students alert.
‘I don’t mind (cooler temperatures),? said student school board representative Samantha Minkler, who proposed students wear sweaters. ‘We all can sacrifice.?