City schools scramble after pay-to-play vote

YOUR COMMENTS

- RG, Manchester

The so called teacher whining is actually a reaction to verbal attacks. The typical one is "they only work 180 days" The defense is not whining but an attempt to explain those who think they know better just how wrong they are. Over the course of an entire year I recorded every hour of work I put in as a teacher. summers, weekends, holidays, parent teacher conferences and nights as well as regular working hours.

The total :
2000 hours. Divide that by 50 weeks (usual work time for the private sector)

and you get:
40 hours per week. Doesn't seem too hard, huh, but you must realize that some weeks are 50-60 hours during the school year. How many more hours per week do you thing the teachers of your children should work? Do you want them fresh, alert, and exuberant or dead on their feet?
- Robert, Henrico, VA

Where do you suggest the money come from? At what point do you realize the government can't pay for everything. And yes, that means the taxpayer can't pay for everything. Eventually the person who wants something has to be the ONE who pays - not everyone else sharing in your cost. Stop complaining and start letting the government live within its means.
- Sean, Manchester

Interesting that you have those figures when they haven't been set yet. Crystal ball?
It never ceases to amaze me that voters believe what politicians tell them, vote them into office, and then complain about them when the real agenda becomes known. The person who stated that Guinta's agenda was his own political career is absolutely right. "Live Free or Die" may have had some basis in reality in NH's dark past; but, the time has come to pay for what you all want in life. Nothing is free, folks. And yes, taxes are "hidden" in NH so we can say we have income or sales tax. We just pay fees for everything in life.
I hope Frank is happy - he has devastated a school system which directly impacts the value of Manchester as a place to live and work. Think ghost town.....
- Celine, Manchester

Summary for the “Pay to Participate,” rate schedules are as follows:
High School Jazz Band $150.00 - per student
Middle & High School Band $185.00 - per student
Middle & High School Orchestra $95.00 - per student
Middle & High School Choir $70.00 - per student
Elementary beginning Band & Strings $150.00 - per student
Kids on free lunch would pay nothing and kids on reduced lunch would pay ½.

Dont know about anyone here, but Music is taking a huge chunk of money out of real working parents, with real dedicated kids to the music department.

Seems to me the hidden agenda for the City is to force these rates to the point that no one can afford jack-crap, and then the next meeting - you guys are going to axe the music department all together...

You mind telling me who the hell do you think you are?

You, the people who supposedly represent us - are the people who need to get kicked out of office because clearly you are not in OUR - the People's best interest...

Most of us working families BOTH SPORTS AND MUSIC students will need second jobs to pay for this crap because our full time jobs are not offering overtime -

and this is all thanks to the City School Board who cant keep track of accounting, dont want to disclose how much you have overspent, nor fess up on what.

You bet your political 'agenda' driven butts, Im going to the meeting
- A very angry Music Parent, Manchester

I do pay to play. I play in the City of Manchester and pay taxes on a house that is assessed much higher than it's market value. I'm not banging down City Hall doors looking for a re-evaluation for a fairer tax base.

We are not getting raises. We are living with pay cuts. We already work outrageous hours. How hard do we have to be squeezed?

Everyone wants more money at the same time we are getting paid less. Enough is enough!

The city is telling me - if we have $ our kids will have a better education. I thought public school was created in order to give equal opportunity to all.
- Susan L., Manchester

I'm a student at west high, and I find this outrageous. I am highly involved in the music department. I find this pay to play, highly unfair. It is targeting the kids that put in extra effort that do hard work. Most of the musicians and students involved in sports, are smart, and work hard in school. Personally, I am taking six level four classes next year, and two level threes. So forget about helping test scores. Making students pay to play in band, is sad. Specially with the demographics of my school. We've already lost probably one third of our band from Bedford leaving. This pay to play, will just worsen the blow. Many students can't even afford their own instrument. They use school ones. Most don't even take lessons, and just have the music teachers to help them improve.

Personally, I don't think I would be able to continue with the music department if this happened, which would devastate me, it's what I love. It'd be so much money, because I'm involved with many things.

This isn't private school, these are costs that are supposed to be covered in our parents and citizens of Manchester's property taxes.

Everyone should have an equal opportunity, this limits that. These are public schools, which are supposed to give us equal opportunities, and doing this will limit that majorly.

That even limits our chances to getting into a decent school after our high school careers. These "extras" aren't extras at all, they help students stay off the street, and help students better themselves.
- RL, Manchester

Rob in Auburn - if teachers were forced to take furloughs - who would be in the building to teach and assess the students? (NH requires 180 days of instruction) And may I remind you - teachers are only paid for hours that they are contractually obligated to be available for the students or required to be in a workshop. They are not paid for any vacation days. (not even Christmas....)
Private sector jobs can be furloughed when they are non-essential. Teachers provide an essential state mandated service. The teacher's union allows the city to collect interest on withheld earnings and defer payments throughout the year. That's also unheard of in the private sector.
Thank a teacher instead of complaining about them - they helped get you where you are.
- FM, Manchester, NH

Oh, by the way, for all who think that they will be able to pay by a sliding scale via the free and reduced lunch program info - think again. That information is strictly confidential and only available for use by the food service director per federal law. Not even the principal or superintendent have access to it.
- Dave, Manch.

There are a lot of assumptions being spouted out here. How do some of you know that all kids have cell phones or not? Most do probably but, not all.

How do you know if all high school kids view their money from part time jobs as play money? My kids don't! 99.9% of it goes into the bank savings for college expenses (where the average book is around $100 dollars and kids will have to spend $600 to $1000 per year on books).

To those of you who complain that you don't have any kids in school and shouldn't have to pay. Would you like the town or city that you grew up in to send you or your parents a bill for all of the years that you were educated? And don't tell me that you went to a private school. That was a choice. Your preaching to the choir on that one. I made that choice and paid for all 4 years at a Catholic high school myself!

Do any of you know that there are kids already unable to afford a pair of track shoes, or lacrosse equipment, etc. and someone else has already stepped up to cover those expenses. Those generous pockets only go so deep. Booster clubs are already pitching in for uniforms because the city doesn't cover them all the time. The kids themselves are all ready fund raising so they can get warm ups because the city won't cover the costs. The list goes on and on what kids and parents and boosters and generous donors are already doing!

This is the largest community in the state and we are a laughing stock when it comes to much (not all but much) when it comes to our schools. We spend the least per head and while money spent per student is not everything, in the case of Manchester it really shows.

It is called public education people and we are all supposed to pay for it whether we have children or not. I will end up paying for it for more years without kids then with kids in schools. You need to accept that. That is what a community is supposed to do!

Are they going to be charged for being in the Spanish club or for working on the school newspaper etc.? Where does it end? All activities whether it be sports or music or drama or arts or clubs or the newspaper are all integral parts of the education system.

And yes colleges and employers do look at the whole picture when deciding who to accept or hire.
- Dave, manch

to RG

The jobs that you mention that people work 40-80 hours without complaining, I would guuess they reason they don't complain is they get OVERTIME for their hard work. Teachers don't but the other city employees do. Do you know the teachers get paid over the summer for work they have already done because it saves the district money? In fact, the district gets a lot of revenue by keeping that money in the bank and getting the interest.
You also cannot compare decades ago to now. It is night and day. If teachers have it so good, Why aren't you one? And yes I am a teacher and I do think of the children but I also need to make a living for my family and I'm not sure how much longer I will be able. and by the way, I'm a good one who likes teaching and work my butt off. I also knew full well I would never get rich by teaching but I need to support my family though.
- Paul, Manchester

What's it going to be next year when the school budget is cut my millions again? More teachers will be getting laid off, even more classrooms will be heavily over crowded and students will become frustrated because their education doesnt seem important down at City Hall. What will it be next year? Impose that middle and high school students purchase their books for the year?

As for Trinity's pay to play, you are comparing a private Catholic school where the parents of 95 percent of the students earn upper middle class or better incomes. They can afford the pay to play.

There are three departments in this city that should be taking priority over all other departments. Those three are, the school department,the police and fire departments. The annual budgets they submit should never be questioned or threatened with cuts.

There are plenty of other departments in this city to cut funds from. However,police, fire and schools are always the ones that are forced to function with less year after year.
- Terri C, Mancester,NH

I am really thinking that by the time my daughter is old enough for school I am going to move to a different town. I like Manchester but I feel like the schools are going down hill. Especially these people who claim they are paying for all the kids to play sports and play music. So what? The future is theirs! It is their decision what they want to do. I know most schools will not allow students to play sports etc. if they aren't doing well with their grades so for someone to say that people who play sports are most likely to not go to college and do drugs are in a dreamland. I went to school with plenty of athletes that had straight a's. I worked right through highschool and played softball and still got a's and b's. Get real people. Don't make it hard for the people who don't have a lot of money and they want their children to be able to fulfill their dreams. Seriously :(
- Kristy, Manchester

It's a pity, really, that it has come to this, but if Pay-To-Play is the reality, I agree with what one person commented upon below ~ that schools, booster clubs and alumni will rally and suport the programs. Another benefit, unintended but nonetheless a benefit, is that this variety of support will build a bond with those involved.

HS sports is much more than what is learned and displayed on a court, field or rink. Through sports (along with the classroom and at home) one learns commitment, sacrifice and yes, respect. Respect for coaches, teachers, peers and all who the student-athletes come in contact with each day. With respect comes ATTITUDE. An attitude that speaks when one is asked to do something they do not particularly want to do..rather than idle and moan about, do what is asked and be done with it.
- Jack, Manchester

I paid the money and my kids does not get to play. Are these going to be equal opportunity teams.
Everyone plays, or do I need to get a lawyer so my kid gets equal time, for the money I spent.
OTG: I agree many cant read textbooks as well as do basic math. What I can say is for some students it is the sports that keep them in school and give this gives them half of a chance.
As to this As I attend a Jr.HS graduation tonight, I wonder why is it that over seventy five kids are not going on next fall, but are repaeting the eight grade? Maybe because of the parents not doing the job they could be doing to help educate our youth.
- Robert W, Manchester

Forget about sports lets concentrated on a core education to get the testing and standards up to snuff. Worry about the 3r's, history, and science. Cut all the other stuff that isn't needed or required to graduate.

Pay for Play makes a lot of sense to this taxpayer!
- Jack Alex, Manchester

I'm a union member and am taking two required furloughs this year to help save our company. Why can't the city employees and teachers in Manchester do the same? Unemployment will take care of part of your lost wages.
I have a child in athletics at a Manchester school and have no problem with a fee attached to sports and other activities. Fundraisers are the most fair way to do it though. Just how much revenue will be generated with many players on the citiy's teams getting a discount or free pass to play sports? Let the kids raise the funds for themselves. Several of the teams at Memorial are already requiring players to fundraise.
Sports and other after-school activities are important in developing kids personalities, social behaviors and work habits. It gives some, something to look forward to, and keeps them in school.
- Rob, Auburn

Most of Manchesters School have over 2000 students but only 20 get to play hockey. Maybe Pay to Play is a good Idea and it will open up the possibility of a JV and Girls Hockey Teams. giving more kids a chance to play.

Paying $100 is a bargin for number of games and practice ice the team gets. Hockey parents are use to shelling out money: $1100 for a split season midget team, $400 for a summer camp, $195 dollars for a 3 on 3 team, $120 for a new stick. Hockey is a money pit but once you are in you are in.

Paying $100 to play hockey won't even come close to covering the cost.

Maybe we could put slot machines in the rinks and at Gill Stadium to help offset the cost of high school sports.
- Dick, Manchester

John - yes I'm unhappy with the right people.

I guess my point is that in a time and economy when everyone from ESPN to Dartmouth is having layoffs, closing down, etc., all around that all city employees, officials, teachers, etc., should be glad they still got their raises.

Did you see the Boston Globe getting 23 percent CUT from their wages while taking a further hit in benefits and deductibles? Did this happen here? I think not. City employees have a great deal. But having to have that deal or any other change in today's changing times seems hardly negotiable in the land of layoffs. If you don't like it, you can always leave and let someone else who would like to have a job do it.

My former employer will not give a raise to the workers for two years now, stopped 401K matches and the healthy benefits went up to 35 percent in some cases. No one is there to champion their causes like a union and with all of us that were let go, those remaining are all darned happy to have their jobs.

I went to West HS and the place already was labeled "overcrowded" decades ago. We didn't seem to mind. We all got along. Having to go from 15 to 20 or 24 may not be optimal but it is doable. And for any going on to college, 25 is a small personal class. Trust me.

Teachers, like most of those still employed will have to "pick up the slack for ex-colleagues" as it happens in the private sector. The alternative isn't great now, is it?

My mother and her brothers were teachers and administrators. They all worked extra hours, brought work home at night and on weekends, too. Teachers seem to think they are the only vocational group that can legitimately whine about extra work, a longer day and everyone will run over with a crying towel for those who feel so badly put upon. But no one hear's that from cops, judges, lawyers, bakers, butchers, or those self-employed who work 40-80 hours a week do they? no. only seems teachers whine and then get the summer off, John.

If the teachers are so magnanimous then why not drop a single percent of the raise to return more than $800,00 to the schools and "the system?"

After all, the reason(s) they're doing all this is "for the children" right? Right? Thought so.
- RG, Manchester

Hey Chris from Claremont-


The prom is funded through dues, fundraisers and ticket sales.

NO TAXES PAY FOR THE PROM.
- Ed, Manchester

As a taxpayer and parent of an athlete i say Pay-to-Play makes sense. As for hockey, probably the most expensive sport, $100 is a bargain that NOT ONE SINGLE hockey parent or player will complain about, as the alternative is to pay $1000+ to play the 2nd half of the midget season in a local league (on top of the $1000+ already paid).

Re: sliding scales for reduced/free-lunchers, I say let them work it off by fundraising. There is no reason i can think of why Billy or Johnny can't sell raffle tickets, etc to raise their fee. It'll teach them a little bit about $$ at the same time. Many of the kids work and can likely afford to pay it out of their own pockets over the course of the season.

Finally, like it or not, sports are an important part of the maturing process. Teamwork, being a gracious winner AND loser, etc are all vital life lessons that are best learned on the field/rink/court. The fitness aspect is also vital and the friendships of both the players and their families are worth mentioning as well.

All extra-cirricular activities should be pay to play, with the amount being based on the true cost. Leave it to the players and their families on how much to offset the costs via fundraising.
- Rick W, Manchester

As a taxpayer and parent of an athlete i say Pay-to-Play makes sense. As for hockey, probably the most expensive sport, $100 is a bargain that NOT ONE SINGLE hockey parent or player will complain about, as the alternative is to pay $1000+ to play the 2nd half of the midget season in a local league (on top of the $1000+ already paid).

Re: sliding scales for reduced/free-lunchers, I say let them work it off by fundraising. There is no reason i can think of why Billy or Johnny can't sell raffle tickets, etc to raise their fee. It'll teach them a little bit about $$ at the same time. Many of the kids work and can likely afford to pay it out of their own pockets over the course of the season.

Finally, like it or not, sports are an important part of the maturing process. Teamwork, being a gracious winner AND loser, etc are all vital life lessons that are best learned on the field/rink/court. The fitness aspect is also vital and the friendships of both the players and their families are worth mentioning as well.

All extra-cirricular activities should be pay to play, with the amount being based on the true cost. Leave it to the players and their families on how much to offset the costs via fundraising.
- Rick W, Manchester

Kevin in Dover...

...And all you other people who don't want taxes spent on schools.

Let's imagine a scenario where, YOU WIN! No more taxes spent on schools.

Now kindly opt out of social security and medicare. You are now on your own, like the Echo-Boomers who you forced to "pay to play" for an entire school program.

You weren't ready for that, were you? Unfortunately some people can't understand we live in a society, in communities, and it's inherant we take care of eachother in some ways.

You can't expect to pucker up and burry your heads in the sand because you've reached some golden age of entitlement.
- Chris, Bow

This is a good idea. Sports are tangential to the real job of the school, so there's no reason a small, minimal fee shouldn't be required.
- Jack, Concord

Many schools in Mass and even Maine have pay-to-play and it works out fine. It's $100 not a thousand. If the student is that serious about playing the sport and can't afford it then they can get a part time job, they will make the yearly fee in a matter of days. The kids who are going to say they cant afford it better not have phones, ipods, etc because then we will see where the priorities are. When it comes down to it, people who complain about the costs are actually complaining about the changes they will have to make to their lifestyles. People don't like to sacrifice one thing for another, but sometimes it has to happen. The alternative is higher taxes.
On a side note it is sad to see this many people upset about sports when just a few months ago teachers were being fired to balance the budget. I would rather our students know how to read than throw a baseball and situations like this show whats wrong with todays culture.
- Bryan, Hooksett

You'll need to hire more cops.
In my youth if I wasn't on a team I was in trouble.
Wait for it.
- Jim, Manchester

These participation fees are passing on the costs of school expenses to the most disadvantaged youth in the state due to the great leadership of Frank Guinta. Alderman Frank Guinta promised to improve our education standing when he ran for mayor in 2005. He said that he would keep his word. (UL opinion letter 10/27/05) His slogan for his campaign for mayor during 2005 stated that 3 Manchester schools were listed as "In Need of Improvement". He pledged to improve the education standing. Now all 21 schools in the Manchester school district are listed as "In Need of Improvement" and 3 are listed on the state's "Corrective Action" list. Mayor Guinta could have chosen to fund the school system properly in his initial budget this year. He proposed a budget that wouldn't work, then he left the mess to Gatsas and Lopez to clean up. Instead of raising the tax rate to cover school costs, he chose to protect his political career. Mayor Guinta would rather take opportunity away from the school children by not funding the school district properly. Bedford raised their tax rate this year to fully fund their school district and provide salary increases for their teachers. The most privileged receive the best education. The least privileged receive the worst education and have to pay fees for sports, band and chorus!! Remember, as mayor of Manchester, Frank Guinta is also head of the school board. Thank you Frank Guinta! You have taken hope and opportunity away from our children. What a legacy you have left behind!
- Lisa Frisselle, Manchester

My goodness, what a hot topic! Well, here's my two cents: I grew up here in Manchester and the only sports programs we had when I was in school was called "GYM". As for music, I remember if you were in the band, that was one thing, otherwise, you got your weekly music class and that was that. I didn't grow up a delinquent or on drugs. I did grow up in a single parent household. We didn't have welfare or food stamps or Section 8 housing. We couldn't afford extras, but I went to work at 14 and earned the money to buy what I wanted. Been working ever since! We just cater way too much to kids and their parents today. Reading, writing, math, history, science - those are the things kids need in school. Join the Boys & Girls Clubs or Scouting for out of school activities to keep the kids out of trouble!
- Molly W, Manchester, NH

As a community, we're all responsible for the education we give out kids. There's more than ample proof that sports, music, and the arts enhance a child's education, as they provide a place to practice their acquired knowledge.

Just like you'd say to a dead beat dad ... step up and do your duty to the kids. People that don't want to pay for schools obviously don't care much about their community or children in general.
- Mike, Manchester NH

Kids will have to pay $100 for a season of a sport and they will sit in large classes due to fewer teachers. Which is the newspaper, public and our government representation concerned about? $100 for sports.

This from a city of 107,000 people and two publically owned regulation AAA baseball stadiums and a publically owned very large minor league ice hockey arena, a publically owned ski hill, a publically owned golf course, three artificially surfaced football fields, several other publically owned ice rinks, many, many other sports fields and other sports related taxpayer liabilities I’m sure I’m forgetting. Do people expect the success of the city, community, state and country to hinge on our proficiency in sports?

Athletics are very important, but is nothing of higher importance? What of the value of a quality public education. Yes, the thing that will help ensure we have good citizens able to support themselves. Just how many professional athletes are we attempting to produce? How many professional engineers? Doctors, lawyers, businessmen, etc? Sadly, our priorities seem all too clear.
- Peter Sorrentino, Manchester

Yes Chris, Claremont, your kid will get more privileges. They'll get the privilege of participating in the activities that you paid for. Athletics haven't been singled out. As mentioned in the article, arts programs are facing the same thing. By the way, cheerleading falls under athletics.
- Jeff, Manchester

To all the people who are complaining about sports and music being cut, I hope you aren't the same people who complain about their taxes being too high. If you don't want to pay, things have to go away... Manchester has been telling us this for years and it finally happened. I agree that there are plenty of positive benefits from sports/music(keeping kids off the streets for one) but a school's responsibility should be to educate. Kids will need to be able to read, write, math etc but will not need to hit a baseball, read music etc in real life
- Kate, Manchester

The schools are scrambling, but not about athletics. They are scrambling to figure out how to move people to cover classes. Elementary schools don't know how many teacher's will be moved or how many kids will be in each class. This should be the story, not athletics. The other part should be the increase on the city side. Your tax bills went up 3% because of the city side not the school side. Yes, RG the teacher's will get their 3% raise and step increase next year then nothing. The city side will get their raise of 3% in January and then a raise every year for three years after that. If you want to be mad be mad at the right people. After next year the taxes on the city side of your tax bill will be TWICE as much as the school side for half the amount of employees. The school district employs about 2100 people for $146 million. The city side employs about 1000 people for $126 million. Do the math. Who makes all the money in the city? Check out the city salaries and school salaries by doing a site search on this page at the top. You might be surprised to find that out of 260 people at the police department, 46 of them make more than $90,000 and 20 of them make more than $100,000.
- John, Manchester

If I should pay for my child to play a sport or in the orchestra, I want them to have the best coach or teacher. Am I able to choose which school will offer the best coach or orchestra teacher?
Let me guess: NO.
- AL, Manchester

Will you people please stop dumping on West High School. There are 30,000 people on the West Side. That's the size of Merrimack. If it broke away it would be the 6th largest town in NH. West High was overcrowded and long in need of a major renovation. Baines who was principal there realized it and at least he did something for the schools. Did anyone read the GreaterSchools rating of schools in the country a couple weeks ago. We did very very bad. We scored a 1 to 3 rating overall. Bedford schools rated 10's. No wonder people are moving there and our Mayor doesn't send his own kids to public schools.
- JP, Manchester

What most of you are not considering is that colleges these days are looking for well rounded students, not one dimentional kids that are smart but do nothing else. Today they want kids that are active in sports, bands, chess clubs and many other extracurricular activities. They also want kids that have volunteered their time to helping non-profits and others who are disdisavantaged. So these programs are as important as what they do in the classroom and they should not be punished for not being able to pay.
- Russ, Manchester

RG

People in the private sector lose their jobs because there isn't work for them to do because of the lack of demand for their products/services. That is not true in teaching. In fact, next year teachers will be asked to do more than they ever have due to the reduction in staff. I'm not sure how many people are aware of how bad Manchester school are doing at the moment. They are in danger of losing accreditation because of staffing needs(that are federally and state mandated). In most Manchester classes, class size is NOT 14 people and is usually 25-30+ which will increase with that staff reduction. That was a huge issue with the accreditation committee.

The teachers will not get their step raises for the first half of the year and it will save the district over 800,000 dollars. There are 21 schools in manchester and employ at least 2000+ people, The raise they are getting is about 400 pre-tax, while I understand they are getting a contractual raise(from a legal contract agreed about by the city and the teachers like someone earlier commentd), but it's about 250 after taxes not thousands of dollars. If the city were doing better economically, would the teachers get more than 3%? the answer is NO, the contract was signed when the city was doing better than now. They got 5% over 3 years(1.5 the first 2 years and 3% the third IIRC) People in the private sector get bonuses for good work, teachers got a coupon for two dollars off a sub at D'angelos(when you buy chips and a drink)
- Nate, Manchester

Pauline from Franklin. I really must take exception to your statement that; " the only reason that people let their kids play sports is to be popular." I wonder if you understand that the sporting industry is one of the largest in this country. As a graduate of the Sports Management dept. at the University of Massachusetts, I think that I can speak clearly on this subject. More importantly, as the mother of six athletic kids, I can testify that popularity is the last thing on my mind when encouraging them to use their athletic abilities. You see, our kids are home schooled, so popularity truly has nothing to do with their sports participation. They, like most kids, have certain gifts and abilities, one of their gifts is that they are athletic. Going back into our family history on both sides are some fairly decent athletes. Why should the athletic kid have to apologize for that? While it is true that there are many over the top parents who do not have a true perspective on where "little Johnny" may be headed in the sporting arena, they usually get a wake up call as they climb the athletic ladder. I find that the majority of those parents also place a strong value, on their athletes education. While it also may be true that some athletes get away with some stuff they ought not to, that is true in "academia" as well. Although our kids are home schooled, they have grown in so many ways by participating in Central High Track, and baseball. Our second oldest just finished her HS track "career." This past year she has been able to be co-captain, an important member of a class L team first place finish, qualifying in many events for meet of champs, and then qualifying as a member of two relay teams to New Englands. She has formed close bonds with her team-mates, and coaches. She has met kids from all over the state, and New England. One of her coaches would testify to her growth, not only as an athlete, but more importantly as a person. I was an athlete myself, and it has given me the hard working ethic that I have today. Athletics is just one more way for kids to learn that if you want to be good at anything it takes hard work, and perseverance. Recently, while on a college interview, I watched as our once "shy" daughter, walked into a college coaches office, introduced herself, and proceeded to hold an adult conversation. Her years at Central high Track have given her a boldness I do not think she would have had would it not be for all of her years there. Yes "sports" have given to our kids something. That something is confidence, and academics is not the only way to teach that.
- laurie, manchester

What would be nice to see is a pay to play for school in general. If you have school age children, YOU should with other parents, be the ones paying for the schools. For those of us that have no kids, it just isn't fair, nope.
- Kevin, Dover, NH

So now what...if you can't afford the pay to play the kids end up hanging out on the streets, playing video games etc. This kept kids in ck with grades and behavior, that will all change. What do you say to the single mom who has two children maybe three children from high school to middle school, I am sorry that you can not afford to have your kids play sports or band. I guess they will need to hang out instead...get into trouble...drugs...GREAT PLAN MANCHESTER!

OTG, Manchester... this is true about Manchester Grads not able to read... It is so true and sad all in one. Now id they had IEP's well then there is no need for them to read their para will do all the work for them...so true.

And my final thought...where is all the property
tax going...oh right YOUR SALARIES
- ll, manchester

I think it's too bad that families will be charged a fee to play sports. But, if there's truly no other option to help avoid this or reduce costs (which I find hard to believe), then so be it. Another thing I find sad - all of the people that leave comments on these UL articles, where they're judging people and making assumptions about parents and kids that they don't even know. I don't read these comments all the time but when I do, there's always some type of bashing going on - bashing of the parents of someone who's done something wrong (because all of you and your kids are perfect, right?), bashing of people from MA, or anyone else that someone decides to make a target. Stop judging and complaining - get up and do something to make a difference.
- Lisa, Manchester

Bob is right. Maybe the Claremont attorneys will be interested.
- Sandy, Manchester

Pauline - You have got to be kidding me. You are definitely uninformed about the significance of sports and music in schools. Sports are definitely not a waste of time. They are a vehicle for many kids to learn responsibility and to stay healthy. If coached properly, kids in sports programs take many lessons learned and apply them to their everyday lives later on. All my kids (6) play sports and it is not because they want to be popular. Grow up Pauline. In our house we have a policy that they must maintain a B average in all subjects, at all times or they will be taken out of sports immediately. All of our kids graduated so far (3) have done so with honors and scholarships. So I suggest you get your facts straight and stop making such uneducated and ridiculous comments. Pay to play is a direct result of communities unwilling to support the necessary programs within the school system. The only ones suffering here will be the kids.
- Jeff, Littleton

I grew up out of state and my town always had booster clubs to help pay for sports and extracurriculars IN ADDITION to allocations from the town budget. The result, a lot of excellent programs for kids to compliment their academics. It was kind of neat driving around town and seeing the signs showing the progress. Another thing we did in high school once per year was go door to door in our uniforms and ask for donations to support our teams. Both of these strategies raised enormous sums of money for the programs and gave people the choice of declining rather than have the costs baked into their taxes.

Why is Manchester only figuring this out now?
- Chris, Bow

It's interesting to me that what gets people moving in this city is the thought that little Johnny might not be able to play ball or hockey. It matters little whether or not little Johnny is going to get into a decent college if he doesn't graduate from an accredited high school. It matters little that little Johnny can't read at an adult level or calculate enough to make sure he has the right change. It matters little that little Johnny can't THINK and come up with creative ideas about anything. But, lord help us if he can't tackle a QB or score a goal. How many of Manchester's graduates have played professional sports for a living? How many of Manchester's graduates have actually had to WORK for a living. If you are convinced that your child is going to gain something useful from playing sports in school, then PAY for it just as you do for summer soccer camps, hockey equipment, and all the other accouterments of the game. The school district has a responsibility to EDUCATE your child - since when did that include memorizing plays, dribbling or making a slap shot? I don't know about the rest of you, but those are skills I don't often use in my JOB. But, the fact that I have a quality education (from the state of NY by the way) has been one of the most valuable assets in my life - second only to my family.
When are the people of Manchester going to GET IT??
The mills are gone, folks. Where will your kids work after high school?
- Celine, Manchester

I agree with a previous comment, how is this legal? Are they aware and ok with the fact that they will likely lose talented atheletes who might not be able to afford it?
I'm sure you'll all start to complain though when there are MORE bored teenagers hanging out and getting into trouble.
- C, Manchester

I had to pay to play 15 years ago when I was in high school. I think its a great way to save tax dollars. Sports are a huge part of school budgets we should pass some of the burden on those that play rather then those that could care less about a ball or a stick. and if you want to teach your kids about responsibility, make them work to earn the money and pay the fee themselves. thats what I had to do.
- Tom, Manchester

Here's the lesson for all you out there have failed to realize or want to embrace:

WE ARE IN A RECESSION/DEPRESSION!!!!

This is economics 101, folks.
Dartmouth College, the Dartmouth Med School and yesterday Harvard announced staff layoffs due to the economy! It's the economy, Stupid!

Do any of you know someone who's lost their job through no fault of their own but the economy? Check out the empty store fronts on Elm St. (The UL won't count them b/c they've laid off lots of employees themselves) Have you seen costs rise with benefits if you've still got a job? Did any of you go to that so called job fair this spring that was over-run with people and had to be shut down for public safety?

What makes anyone think that the City of Manchester's budget and the schools in the city would be impervious to this and why?

Does anyone realize the teachers STILL GET THEIR 3 PERCENT RAISE AND STEP INCREASES!?!?! Do you now think that all this is "For the Children?" It's NOT! It's teachers protecting teachers' jobs and pay raises pure and simple.

There is no part of this recession that has not touched and altered the way every business and person survives in this economy.

Time for Manchester to change the way it does business. Get used to it this "economy" will be around for a long time, like it or not.
- RG, Manchester

Why should the homeowners of Manchester pay for your children to play? If YOU and YOUR children want to play then you can pay for the cost of it. WE will continue to pay to EDUCATE your children - not amuse them!
- Tracy, Manchester

I'll answer the question. Who killed JV hockey? The City Athletic Committee about five years ago. Back in the 1980's you couldn't play JV and High School. The Junior League upped the age to play Bantams to Sophomore in HS. Now you can play both HS and Juniors providing there isn't a game conflict which HS takes preference. John Young who was the Central coach at the time wanted JV Hockey because he had another 10 or 12 kids he might've kept instead of cutting them. John Young a great guy was shot down.
He's now at Trinty and they have a JV program. End of story.
- Dave elliott, hooksett

“thank the unions for refusing guint'a budget and gatsas for this pig of a budget. what a mess. the mayor's budget with furloughs would have kept every job and extracurricular activity. i hope the unions are happy”
The school union had a legal contract that they wanted honored. Both the union and the CITY went into a LEGAL contract. They were guaranteed certain things. The city wants to change the details but if the union wanted to do that everyone would be up in arms. I know things aren't great right now but would the city make up for it in better times? My guess would be NO. The union is taking a pay reduction even though they were legally entitled to the pay increase. TPTB knew full well that they have legal obligations to fulfill and made a budget that would be IMPOSSIBLE to honor. And Mike from Conway, furloughs are ILLEGAL so what does it say about a leader whose only solution to make a budget that includes illegal actions? Education has been screwed by our current mayor, these kids will be taking care of us in the future and if they have a crappy education with what the city provides them(the teachers do the best they can with what they are given) then that screws us all!
Take your anger out on the city side of things not the school side!
- Mike, Manchester

Good call, Bill from Manchester. All you over-involved parents need to do is driop little Ashely's cell phone subscription and you'e covered her pay to play fee AND put some money back in your own pocket. Start teaching your kids by example.
- DP, Manchester

What would you expect from the same schoolboard that took 2 years to order pizza?
Also, the same school board that insisted that 3 high schools get renovated when they knew only two would really be needed if Bedford left the system.
- Mike Bodruk, Manchester

Let's see we're going to drop hockey. We have six hockey rinks in the area, two colleges playing, a pro team and Trinity.
Brilliant!
Another tremendous move by the powers to be in the Queen City. Getting rid of a few administrators and people with touchy feely positions kids wouldn't have to pay a dime.
At one time when I coached practice time wasn't charged it was unlimited even at the Junior varsity level. Bink Smith AD at the time said, " You've got all the practice time you want make sure you show up."
Memorial always had 20 jv kids even at 5:30 in the morning. Who killed the jv program if numbers are a big deal?
Why don't parents ask why they don't charge ($3.00)for single HS hockey games which draw 300 to 400 people? Maybe this might defray some of the costs?
Prediction: When Hooksett, Auburn and Candia's contract is up or sooner these towns will go the Bedford route and build their own high school.
Manchester will then become another Lawrence, Haverhill etc.. Good luck!
- dave elliott, hooksett

Pauline, that's the problem with today's society! It's all me, me, me! We need teamwork and not selfishness!
- Scott, Manchester

I am the parent of three children. One is a Memorial graduate and the other two are currently in the school system. I do not have a problem with pay to play for extracurricular activities if all who participate are required to contribute. I understand that there will be a sliding scale fee based upon the free and reduced fee lunch programs. So, kids with free lunches will be able to participate without paying the user fee. It's just another way to make those who pay property taxes (which includes an increase this year) bear the burden of supporting these programs. Everyone should be required to contribute something. Having said that, I am NOT in favor of pay to play being applied to the music programs, as these are academic courses of study and not extracurricular. Kids are graded on these courses. If we are going to charge them, then the system must charge for all electives. It's basic fairness.
- Pam, Manchester

Seems silly that after all this hoopla about lower taxes, we get a tax raise AND we have to pay for our children to play. Shouldn't they have just raised the taxes more, so we wouldn't have to worry about our students paying to play and our teachers and administrators?
Silly, all this extra work and headache for how much? $200,000?
- Hogan, Manchester

Is it lawsuit time? Are students' equal access to curriculum denied because of pay to play? I mean if the School Board grants gym credits for athletes, and credits for music classes, does implementing pay to play deny some from getting that credit?
- Bob, Lake Ave, Manch

Let's discuss all the schools who started football programs , etc. and promised the school districts that they would fundraise and take care of all of the costs to operate it. Yes, until their kids graduate. Then the burden went to the taxpayers.
Your kid isn't going to die because he never played sports. he WILL die however if he doesn't have a decent education to support himself in life.
How about we teach our kids (expecially now) about finance and make them see the value of their education while it is still free to them?
Stop whining about nonsensical things and if you want to play, then just pay and be done with it.
OTG- Your kid is going to have more problems than just laundry. It's parenting like yours that will let a kid turn to drugs. Try WATCHING your kid once in a while and MAKE him help out around the house, and while you are at it, TEACH him to budget his money.
- Donna, Rye

OTG- are you kidding? The reason your kid didn't know anything about chores, is that you just let him run wild and not make him take responsibilties.
All my kids started some kind of chores when they were 5. None of them drink or do drugs-never have. All are very successful and make good money. None of them ever played any sport because it was a waste of time.
The reason these kids can't read IS sports, etc. They are made to believe that it is the center of the universe. They are missing school for games,etc. and their grades suffer. Here if Franklin, I personally know of 3 kids that were failing, but since they were good athletes, they were suddenly passing.
Parents let their kids play sports to be popular, plain and simple. They hope that they will make it big and their kids will be famous and rich. That never happens.
I love the idiots that play the "teamwork" card. Life isn't teamwork these days, it's every person for themselves in the workforce.
I am tired of my tax dollars going to "education" and the kids aren't being educated. It is sad when these kids are allowed to get away with so much and graduate stupid.
Make them pay, that way they will actually learn that money doesn't grow on your magic tree either.
- Pauline, Franklin

When does summer start so I can ignore all stories having to do with public education. Talk about a bunch of cry-babies. Get off you .... folks, and start talking solutions. Set up booster clubs, open email lists, do some fund raisers, and most important of all .. reach out to the alumni. They played in the band, played the sport, and now it is up to them to give back. Many of the former musicians, athletes, are just waiting for the computer to beep with an email that starts: Dear XXX .. we need your help, whatever you can do.
- Tom, Manchester, NH

MRS - just remember I'm not old so I don't want to pay for your medicare.
- Bill, Plymouth

OTG...Your college admits people that can not read! I hope to god your college is not accredited.

Aside from that, this idea makes sense to me. Essentially, it's taxing the people that actually use the service. It's indiscriminately by making allowances. What's the problem? Oh yeah, you want your cake and to eat it too. Also, bad behavior is reflective of parenting, not schooling.
- DL, Manchester

In the private sector, the second biggest cost next to labor is benefits. Many companies have introduced high deductible health plans with an HSA component to reduce health costs. Most municipal employees still enjoy low deductible, traditional health plans that are negotiated into their contract and are taxppayer fuunded. Perhaps the city should change the health plan like the private sector and free up hundreds of thousands of dollars.. If they did this, we wouldn't be having this discussion..
- JW, Manchester

Maybe its time to go back to the basics. I'm sure mom and dad can find the money if they didn't have to pay for the monthly cell phone bill that most kids seem to carry !!
- Bill, Manchester

It's a horrible day to institute a double tax but why single out athletics. If this group is so self rightous, they should institute a pay for use for everything, why single out athletics. I suspect that unless any education program is mandated, everything else from kindergarten to the prom to cheerleading to the chess club and everything else will see the same user fees instituted. This is a cheap stunt to get the most involved segment of our population up in arms.If I pay $5,000 in property taxes and additional fees for athletics and any other extra-cirricular, should my kid get more privilidges because I have funded more of the costs? What is next...textbook costs, where will the madness stop. If you can't afford the budget, make equal cuts across the board or elimiate the lowest participatory programs and classes and not just athletic programs.This is just wrong.
- chris, claremont

I'm glad its more money out of your pocket Dave Lescatre. That means its less money out of mine!!!
- TMAN, Mancheseter

If pay to play is approved the city is going to have to work harder on getting better quality and better qualified coaches. No kids/parents are going to pay $100 or more play for bad coaches. It's not always the love of a sport that keeps them involved, it's the guidance and knowledge of a good coach and there are far too few of them out there.
- Becky, Manchester

thank the unions for refusing guint'a budget and gatsas for this pig of a budget. what a mess. the mayor's budget with furloughs would have kept every job and extracurricular activity. i hope the unions are happy
- mike conway, Manchester

Yes Dave, out of your pocket. Quit picking the tax payer's pockets.
- Bob H, Londonderry

who gave them this budget folks? Remember it at election time....and just a hint.. it wasn't the current Mayor.
- Frank, Manchester

I think all towns should have kids pay to play! About 65% of my tax bill goes to the schools and I don’t have kids, I know it will not go down but give me a break and stop making it go up. I also understand that without a good school system my property value would not be the same but again give us a break
- MRS, Bow

Let me see... Over the past few months I've heard "The sky is falling, the sky is falling", "Boo hoo hoo", "This is all a ploy", "Tighten their belts"...Well guess what folks---the schools said that they didnt have enough budgeted to them---Guess they were right??? You want to PLAY, you gotta pay!
- Jorge, Manchester

More money out of our pockets. Poeple just dont have the money . Kids on my sons little league team did not even have 6 dollars for a cup let alone $50 or $100.
Are you people for real.
- Dave Lescatre, manchester

Our teenagers need some alternatives that build teamwork, responsibility, time management and character. Research show that young musicians generally do better than their peers in school. My son didn't know what a washing machine was until he started in youth hockey. He believed the laundry elves just whisked away his dirty clothes and put them back clean in his drawers. What will teens do if they are priced out of sports, music, the arts? Possibly more drinking, drugging, irresponsible sex..."Let's find out whose Mom is working tonight, and head over there to party!" Maybe the kids will work, and then they'll have the bucks to fund some bad habits. Unless Mom or Dad actually charge them for gas, insurance, food, etc. Highschoolers view these jobs as 100% play money. Who knows where the dollars go? Meanwhile let's focus on teaching reading and basic math. As a Department Chair at a local college, I met many Manchester grads who tried, but COULD NOT READ THE TEXTBOOK.
- OTG, Manchester