BOISE, Idaho — Caldwell High School (CHS) is discussing a new athletics system called a “pay-to-play program.” Currently, the program proposes that student-athletes will need to pay $100 to play a high school sport, but it could change as the board of trustees still needs to vote on the proposal.
Alex Martinez, the CHS Cross Country and Track coach, started a GoFundMe to help cover those costs for his team to ensure that no student would be unable to do the sport they love due to the new cost.
“It’s such a small thing maybe to you and I but it’s a big barrier for a lot of kids here,” Martinez said.
The new program comes after the Caldwell School District’s levy did not pass in June, requiring the district to make $5.5 million in cuts to the district's budget.
According to a notice from the district, the new pay-to-play program will help with transportation costs for the athletes.
Martinez said the new costs will specifically affect low-income students in Caldwell, who couldn’t play if they had to pay. In Caldwell, 76% of students are economically disadvantaged and 67% of those students are on the free lunch program, according to U.S. News and World Report.
“Our goal is to make sure that at least for our program, our kids don’t have to pay that,” Martinez said. “I want to raise enough money to cover that cost for every kid who wants to do cross country.”
Caldwell School District said the Board will hold a hearing on Monday, July 8, at 7 p.m. to hear public comment and discuss these changes.
For further information about the GoFundMe, visit their website here.
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