Commentary; Posted: 6/18/03

Parents should oppose higher school activity fees

Don Heinzman

Parents, it is time to rise up and challenge school boards that are either eliminating co-curricular activities or charging higher fees for them. These school boards are being brain washed into believing that the only good dollar spent for education is the one to lower class sizes.

Some administrators would rather drop debate, the school newspaper, the marching band and the junior high school sports programs to have one more teacher.

This loss of programs is more threatening now when money is tight.

Let school boards realize that to some kids what they learn on the athletic fields and in music rooms is just as important as what they learn in the regular classroom.

Let school boards and teachers associations know that the American College Testing Service study showed that the single yardstick that effectively predicted success in life was achievement in high school activities. The three losing predictors in the study were high grades in high school, high grades in college and high scores on the ACT test.

Let school boards know that these activities are in no way extra. They are a part of the education of many students and they donít deserve to be eliminated or charged out of existence for students who need them most.

Let school boards know that a study of high-ranking executives in Americaís largest companies found that 95 percent had participated in high school sports, 54 percent were involved in student government, 37 percent in music, 35 percent in scouts and 18 percent in student publications.

Instead of funding these activities, school boards are charging fees to participate in them, so that only those who can afford them can participate.

Parents, recognizing the value of these educational activities, are digging deep to pay these fees . . . the same parents who are paying property taxes for their education.

So far, according to data at the Minnesota High School League there has not been a big drop off in participation in athletics and these activities. Parents, however, are beginning to ask before they pay if their kids will play.

Parents of junior or middle high school students in particular must let the school board know the importance of these after-school sports programs that are being dropped, meaning thousands of kids are left on their own with parents working. They go to empty homes and watch television where the research says they get their moral values. Isnít that alarming?

Because the stateís budget deficit is so great, the Minnesota High School League did not introduce its bill to allow school boards to levy extra for these important activities. This is an important idea to keep alive.

Unless school boards hear from parents theyíll continue to believe that they are cutting and charging for ìextras.î These are not extra. They are essential to the complete education of students. ó Write to Heinzman at dhein0219@aol.com

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