FCPS budget issues - why don't they just dump sports?

[Anonymous]

In light of the budget crisis, I ask, why doesn't FCPS just dump extracurricular sports altogether? I realize this would enrage parents, but frankly, we are guaranteed a free public education, not free extracurricular sports. (And yes, I know parents pay bills, raise money, etc for sports).

It doesn't serve the core academic purpose of the school system. It costs a lot of money in personnel, facilities, equipment, bussing. And lord knows there are TONS of opportunities for sports in this area. It's not like the only place you can play lacrosse, swim, or cheer is at school...

Tell me why this isn't a plausible idea!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In light of the budget crisis, I ask, why doesn't FCPS just dump extracurricular sports altogether? I realize this would enrage parents, but frankly, we are guaranteed a free public education, not free extracurricular sports. (And yes, I know parents pay bills, raise money, etc for sports).

It doesn't serve the core academic purpose of the school system. It costs a lot of money in personnel, facilities, equipment, bussing. And lord knows there are TONS of opportunities for sports in this area. It's not like the only place you can play lacrosse, swim, or cheer is at school...

Tell me why this isn't a plausible idea!

Then how would jocks be able to strut around campus like they're God's gift to that school? And how would their parents live vicariously through them?

[Anonymous]

I think they should charge a fee.

[Anonymous]

"Budget issues", the community fails to pass a meals tax, the school board refuses to make any cuts other than those felt by the employees. Other than the meals tax, it's the same old, same old...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In light of the budget crisis, I ask, why doesn't FCPS just dump extracurricular sports altogether? I realize this would enrage parents, but frankly, we are guaranteed a free public education, not free extracurricular sports. (And yes, I know parents pay bills, raise money, etc for sports).

It doesn't serve the core academic purpose of the school system. It costs a lot of money in personnel, facilities, equipment, bussing. And lord knows there are TONS of opportunities for sports in this area. It's not like the only place you can play lacrosse, swim, or cheer is at school...

Tell me why this isn't a plausible idea!

Then how would jocks be able to strut around campus like they're God's gift to that school? And how would their parents live vicariously through them?

This. As much as I like sports, this is what sports in high school has become.

[Anonymous]

They will not get rid of sports. That would make the school district less desirable. I didn't do sports growing up and my kids are not athletic, but I know it's a big deal to many families. I also enjoyed going to the football games in high school, they fostered school pride/spirit. I assume you'd also get rid of marching band? Charging a fee would be a much better option.

[Anonymous]

In our district, kids on academic teams have to pay fees but kids on sports teams don't. Messed up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They will not get rid of sports. That would make the school district less desirable. I didn't do sports growing up and my kids are not athletic, but I know it's a big deal to many families. I also enjoyed going to the football games in high school, they fostered school pride/spirit. I assume you'd also get rid of marching band? Charging a fee would be a much better option.

I don't think anyone's saying "get rid of sports". Just stop sinking so much money into them.

[Anonymous]

If an athletic director or a football/basketball coach is the highest paid staff member at a school, that is a problem of priorities.

[Anonymous]

This is an area where private sector out-sourcing is possible. Club sports organizations already exist and it wouldn't have to be part of the school system. The school facilities are already used by sports clubs -- so the schools could still offer those up. But, as far as coaching, uniforms, sports administration, and yes, marching band -- all of that could be left to private clubs.

One reason the board might give for keeping it in house is that they have control over students meeting certain academic standards in order to play. But, in honesty, you don't have to accomplish much to qualify to play (a "carrot" for those who might otherwise only focus on sports).

I would agree with OP -- our focus should be on the academics. Let clubs and private sector run the sports/cheer/marching band as out-of-school activities.

[Anonymous]

They should dump aap and all oob busing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They will not get rid of sports. That would make the school district less desirable. I didn't do sports growing up and my kids are not athletic, but I know it's a big deal to many families. I also enjoyed going to the football games in high school, they fostered school pride/spirit. I assume you'd also get rid of marching band? Charging a fee would be a much better option.

I don't think anyone's saying "get rid of sports". Just stop sinking so much money into them.

Did you read the OP? I think "dump extracurricular sports altogether" means getting rid of sports rather than charging fees for sports. The OP also states "And Lord knows there are TONS of opportunities fir sports in this area. It's not like the only place you can play lacrosse, swim, or cheer is at school..." Read in context, clearly OP was advocating getting rid of extracurricular sports "altogether."

[Anonymous]

Dump the illegals enforce citizenship requirements. Now is the time to do this since we have a president willing to stand-up against the flood of illegals destroying our country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They should dump aap and all oob busing.

Didn't take long for one of DCUM's usual AAP-haters to jump in.

AAP is one thing that helps make FCPS attractive to many families. Someone argued above that losing sports would make the area less attractive but in the end, education is supposedly why FCPS exists, and academic programs should take precedence over sports. Every time.

Go on, PP, rant about how AAP and AP and IB and everything that challenges kids (sometimes by letting them go to a school other than their local one) should be axed. So we can keep sports, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If an athletic director or a football/basketball coach is the highest paid staff member at a school, that is a problem of priorities.

Well, that is certainly not true in Fairfax County. Coaches are paid almost nothing for the hours they put in.

And, to those parents who think you must pay for academic activities but not sports--I do not think that is true. Please give examples. Sports have expenses, as well. All extracurricular activities do. Why do you think there is so much fundraising going on?