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Pocono News Section
Parents Worry School District Will Cancel All After School Programs
Parents Worry School District Will Cancel All After School Programs - Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 4:10PM EST
Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday, Mar 3, 2010 @ 05:10pm EST
SWIFTWATER, MONROE COUNTY - Student athletes in the Pocono Mountain School District received letters this week that say the school district will hold discussions about "eliminating all athletic and after school programs."
According to the letter the cuts would include both Pocono Mountain East and Pocono Mountain West. The entire school district.
Jessica Johnson has two students in elementary school. She said the kids need extra curricular activities. She explained, "They provide something for kids to do after school so they don't get into trouble."
She added that activities provide socialization, exercise and mental challenges. She wondered, "What are there college applications going to look like if our school district gets rid of these programs?"
Lou Schaefer is also upset with the idea. His son is a swimmer. He said, "My son looks forward to the program every year and he would be devastated to find out that was canceled." He said it would be a poor way to balance the budget. He remarked, "We certainly pay enough school taxes to cover those sorts of expenses."
The letter was not distributed by the school district. It appears an employee sent it as an email to encourage coaches to attend a school board meeting about the issue. At least one coach copied the email and distributed it to student athletes.
The school board meeting is Wednesday night at seven in the Swiftwater Elementary Center.
The school board released this statement through spokesperson Wendy Frable.
"At tonight’s Pocono Mountain School District School Board meeting the School Board Directors plan to review school sports, intramurals, activities and clubs. The purpose of this discussion is to take a close look at the benefits of these programs, the number of students who participate in these programs, and the costs and staffing needs associated with these programs. We have a responsibility to take a comprehensive look at all budget items and determine if there is any way we can gain efficiencies or reduce costs while still offering great opportunities to students to excel academically, athletically and through the arts. Tonight’s discussion is a continuation of the 2010-2001 General Fund Budget discussions that have taken place for the past three months as we work our way through the budgeting process. Input from parents, students, staff and other community members will be an important part of tonight’s discussion." | | |
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