WBCH offers this space to area school superintendents to highlight news in their districts. This posting is from Maple Valley Superintendent Michelle Falcon.

“Maple Valley Schools Extra-Curricular “Pay to Participate” Fee --- NO MORE!

It has been nearly a dozen years in which “Pay to Participate” has been assessed to students who take part in school sponsored extra-curricular activities. 

The cost ranges from $50 - $300 annually depending on number of activities, grade level, and family member participants. Our annual operating budget views this income as a $22,000 revenue.

After many discussions at the board level, the Labor/Finance, School/Community, and Athletic committees requested data to determine if a barrier existed for those students who could not afford the fee to participate in activities.

Due to the lack of quantitative data, the perception data collected from our stakeholders indicates this could be a factor.  In addition, the Maple Valley Athletic Boosters have been cooperative and collaborative in financial supporting the district in the areas of our trainer, supplies, uniforms, and other expenses. 

Both the board of education and the board of the athletic boosters have agreed to meet annually to discuss the financial need in order to fill the revenue void of the “Pay to Participate” fees collected.

Beginning 2017-18 school year, there will be no fees collected for extra-curricular activities. It is always our mission to support our Maple Valley families in a successful school experience. We hope this will encourage more of our students to participate in our extra opportunities.”