Athletic fees could hurt participation

For junior high students, even small barriers can prevent them from taking chances.

As the father of two former junior high athletes and one soon to be, I’ve seen what junior high athletics do for kids. I’ve seen my oldest move from competing to volunteering with the District 54 Grizzlies Special Olympics and how my middle found a place to be challenged and build meaningful relationships with teachers. I’ve seen impassioned elementary PE teachers set the stage for junior high sports and junior high teachers show up for every athletic event.

I am asking the District 54 Board to reconsider the Athletic Participation Fee approved on March 19. Stories like these are at risk.

For the district, the expected $65,000 in revenue is three-hundredths of one percent (0.03%) of the budget. For some families, that fee becomes the reason a student does not participate.

Kids understand when their families are under financial strain. They feel that pressure. Some students will decide not to ask their parents to pay another school expense, and often, these students are the ones who most need the connection, structure, confidence and belonging that sports provide.

Parents, district staff and high school coaches I’ve spoken with agree the costs to students outweigh the expected revenue. Fewer students will participate if asking parents to pay becomes part of the process.

District 54 goals state, “Every child deserves to be healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.” Junior high athletics accomplish this.

If the district insists on collecting fees, I urge the board to make them optional donations. This would generate revenue while removing barriers for families who cannot absorb another cost.

Let’s remove this financial hurdle before it’s in place and replace it with a physical one on the track. I urge the Board to reconsider.

Zach Matyja

Schaumburg