Trending
WOODSFIELD — In an effort to promote attendance and student participation, Switzerland of Ohio Local School District officials approved giving many students free access to athletic events in the district.
Board of education President Ron Winkler said the matter was discussed during Thursday's board meeting, where members unanimously approved a motion to allow district students to be able to enter any of its sporting events free of charge. Some grade level restrictions may apply.
"We want to try and get our students involved in extracurricular activities. We know it can be a hardship for families to have to pay for all their kids, and some of the students want to come but maybe some can't afford it," he said.
Winkler said board members are unsure at this point if it will include all students in the district or those in sixth grade and older.
Mark Romick, career readiness coordinator and basketball coach at River High School, spearheaded the project. He said this has been in the works for the past year.
He said now is a good time to implement the free student entry, as the district is in "pretty good shape" financially.
Romick said a meeting is set for today, when details of the free entry will be further discussed.
"We're gathering information from the principals of each school now, and then we'll meet and put together a plan to take it back to the board for approval,'' he said.
Prior to approval, it cost students $6 to enter a high school event and $5 to enter a junior high event.
"Things are going up and up, and we're seeing less people at games. If you take a family of five and they come to a game, it costs $30 to get in. That's quite a bit plus gas and you get something to eat, pretty soon you have $50-$60 in a game," he said, adding that the cost has made it difficult on the fans.
Now many students will be able to come to games for free. The policy will be in effect just in time for winter sports, which are set to begin next week, Romick said. He said he is hoping this encourages more people to attend sporting events.
"You want people at the games — it's community pride, it's school spirit, and when you go to a high school game you don't see the crowds you used to see,'' Romick said. "I think this will help. Now a mom or dad who is thinking about going to the game can bring the family to the game with their kids and it's only going to cost $5 or $6 for the parents."
Romick added that going to games will engage young children with the sports team and encourage them to join in when they are old enough.
Additional information will be released once the district's administration has had a chance to meet and finalize a plan.