Hempfield Area suspends pay-to-play fees for 2nd year

For the second consecutive year, Hempfield Area School Board members voted to suspend pay-to-play fees for athletes and band members because of the covid-19 pandemic.

During Monday’s meeting, board members unanimously voted to suspend the fees for the upcoming school year, which cost $100 per participant for the first sport and then $75 for each additional sport, according to the 2019-20 athletic handbook. Board members first suspended pay-to-play fees during the 2020-21 school year because of the pandemic.

School leaders first discussed the idea of suspending the fees for the upcoming school year during the July board meeting.

“As we’re looking at the impact of the pandemic and how it may have negatively impacted our families, we feel not including that fee for the upcoming year provides access and equity for all students,” Superintendent Tammy Wolicki said during the July meeting.

In past years, the fee has generated thousands of dollars for the district. During the 2018-19 school year, board members voted to increase the cost to the current price. Prior to that, students would pay $75 and could participate in as many activities as they wanted.

According to documents presented at a December 2019 meeting, the fee brought in $116,625 during the 2018-19 school year.

Board members during the July meeting expressed support in suspending pay-to-play fees during the 2021-22 school year.

“I’m just ecstatic that we’re suspending pay-to-play,” said board member Vince DeAugustine. “I think, if it creates an opportunity for one more student to be involved in extracurricular activities, then it’s worth the money, the anticipated revenue that we’re losing.”

It was not clear if the fee could be reinstated in future years.