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Ferndale School District Athletic Activity ProgramChanges for the 2009/2010 School YearIn the spring of this past school year, the District was addressing the need to recommend significant cost saving measures for the coming 2009/10 school year. As a important part of that process, the District Budget Advisory Committee was formed, consisting of parents, teachers, classified staff, administrators and community members. The committee’s task was to review all programs throughout the entire district for potential cost savings. They considered the many ideas and suggestions that were generated by our community on-line survey along with suggestions from teachers, principals, program directors and staff. They then made some specific recommendations to the Superintendent for him to use in making his final recommendations to the School Board. One part of those recommendations was specific to the activity and athletics programs in our district. In so doing, they had these basic goals.
They considered many ways to reduce costs and increase revenues. They carefully considered the number of participants in each activity, at each level, Title IX regulations (equality of girls and boys program offerings), scheduling, transportation, league re-alignments, program cost sharing with ASB’s, participation fees, increase ASB card revenue and reductions in program offerings just to name a few. The Budget Advisory Committee made several recommendations, affecting our Middle and High School programs. Those recommendations provided a significant reduction in the overall cost to the district to continue to provide quality athletic/activity programs for our students. Some of the program changes at Ferndale High School include:
As a result of Bellingham School District’s decision to play games between schools in their own district at the Middle School Level, we have joined with the Blaine, Lynden, Meridian, Mt. Baker and Nooksack Middle Schools to provide expanded competition and program offerings for our Middle School Students. We are able to add Girl’s Softball and Boys/Girls Cross Country without increasing costs to the district. Below is an entire list of athletic offerings for the Middle Schools and the High School for 2009/2010.
Participation Fees This year, as one of the cost savings measures, the Board has approved the charging of a one-time yearly participation fee for all students who participate in one or more athletic programs. The fees for 2009/2010 are. Ferndale High School$60.00 Fee $40.00 Fee if on Reduced Lunch Program $20.00 Fee if on Free Lunch Program Horizon and Vista Middle Schools$30.00 Fee $20.00 Fee if on Reduced Lunch Program $10.00 Fee if on Free Lunch Program
PLEASE NOTE: The Athletic Fees are non-refundable once the teams are selected. The fee must be paid by the 5th day of practice in order for the athlete to continue participating. We sincerely regret the need to make these changes; but believe we have made changes that while reducing the costs of providing athletic and activity programs, continues to maintain a wide variety of participation opportunities for our students. For Middle School Students, the fees should be paid at the school office that your student athlete is attending. For High School Students, fees should be paid at the High School ASB Office. Free and Reduced Lunch application forms can be found at the School District Website, under Parent Resources (http://www.ferndale.wednet.edu/drupal/?q=node/8). This information is also available at the Middle and High School Offices for you to pick up. If you have questions, please contact your school office.
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