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TENSION BUILDS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL BOOSTER GROUP |
| (03/14/2006) |
| Tensions continue to build with the Calhoun Middle School Athletic Boosters and Calhoun Schools over what they claim is an unfair policy, requiring extracurricular activity groups to bare all transportation costs, while the school system still receives 90% reimbursement. Calhoun school superintendent Ron Blankenship made the policy change after gasoline prices sky-rocketed, creating budget problems for the system. Middle School Booster spokesman Roger Propst said "This borders on double dipping," with all extracurricular groups being asked to pay for trips. Irona Yeager, president of the Middle School Boosters, said "This policy is really taking advantage of our boosters, who have worked hard raising $40,000 to keep the programs alive." The booster group has bought uniforms, equipment and support to nearly all Middle School athletic groups, which Yeager says has produced some remarkable results. "We and others have spoken at board meetings in protest of this policy, but our words have fallen on deaf ears," said Yeager. The policy is requiring groups to pay 30 cents a mile for transportation. Middle School boosters have no problem with paying bus drivers $100 for trips, along with other associated costs. "We do not have a problem helping, like paying the 10% the state does not reimburse," said Propst. The Middle School boosters group has raised $40,000 to keep sports activities alive. "It has been lots of sweat and work by volunteers to help our kids and their programs, which were about to go under," said Yeager. "This is just unfair," she concluded. A discussion regarding the policy will be on the school board agenda for Monday, March 20th at 7:00 p.m. Propst said "We urge concerned citizens to attend and let the board know your feelings on this matter."
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