Camas School District increases athletic fees

Due to athletic budget cuts, sports fees will increase this year in the Camas School District.

Students at Camas High School will see a $10 boost in fees, from $40 to $50 per sport. Middle school user fees will increase from $25 to $30 per sport.

“We lost some coaching positions and some money that was used to pay for game management, transportation and helmet certification,” said Terry Cavender, CHS athletic director.

Currently, the district sends all middle and high school football helmets in for recertification and reconditioning every year.

“We want to continue to do so to ensure the safety of our student athletes,” Cavender said. “We didn’t want to lose the opportunity to continue this practice.”

Reconditioning the helmets typically costs $10,000 to $15,000 per year.

Some of the increase at the high school level will also be used to supplement transportation costs.

This is the second year in a row that athletic fees have increased.

In 2009, the district upped fees to $40 at the high school level and $25 at the middle school level.

“I would like to emphasize the fact that we do work with all student athletes and parents to make sure money does not keep kids from participating,” Cavender said. He added that the fees at the high school level continue to be some of the least expensive for sports participation overall.

In Washougal, high school students pay $100 per sport, with a $50 discount on the third sport.

Middle school students pay $20 per sport.

In addition to the fees, the cost of Camas High School athletic event passes were increased as well.

“We did it to make them more equitable and because parents said we were giving our product away and should consider an increase,” Cavender said.

The year-long pass was increased from $87.50 to $100, which equals a family of four attending five football games.

The fall and winter passes were increased from $50 to $60, which equals a family of four attending three events. The price of spring passes was not increased.

Questions about the athletic fee increases can be directed to Cavender at 833- 7206.