School districts should eliminate sports programs to free up $$$

[Montirob]

Originally Posted by Bo

The table that accompanied that story showed that athletics comprises around 1% or 2% of most school district budgets. The highest percentage of just over 4% was in one of the smallest area districts, Medina Valley. Medina Valley is preparing to drop B&G soccer to reduce their athletic budget.

Even if every single area school district went cold turkey and dropped athletics, it wouldn't fix as little as a 5% budget shortfall.

True... but to see a public high school football coach making over $106,000 a year was eye opening. Yes, they have increased responsibility, but ! I found it very interesting that while there has been talk about cutting librarians, counselors, etc. at the various schools in town, I haven't heard about any coaches (except middle school) being cut. I did appreciate seeing that the districts ARE including athletics in the cutbacks ("sharing the pain"), but I found the statement that "football is the canary in the coal mine" laughable. I understand the point... I just think it is sad.

[cashcall]

My son coach knew that by putting him on the football team that he made him a better person. A lot of kids on my sons football team went on to college without a sports scholarship. They are successful people. My son is one of them. He got his degree and he is a successful person. I think with the help of the coach. He told him to join journalism club and he did. He became a reporter for the school newspaper. I am tired of people saying I was great in english and math. Why dont these people go and help kids so they can be successful lk them. As far as kids going to a community center for sports, they do not have transportation. STOP PUTTING DOWN SPORTS. They keep our kids healthy and the ability to be somebody one day.

[L210]

I didn't have the transportation to continue sports at my high school. I don't see the difference. Sorry.