• Slug: Pay to Play, 1,400 words
• Photo available

By BRITTANY BOWYER
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – When Denise Wilson’s children first approached her about participating in high school sports, she had no idea how much it would cost. She knew she would have to supply them with the proper shoes and attire, but she never imagined the total cost over the years would exceed $7,000.

“They don’t tell us where the money is going,” Wilson said. “They just keep asking for more money and we have to pay it.”

Ranking 49th nationally for education funding, Arizona’s budget for public schools is a controversial issue in the state. Low teacher salaries and elective cutbacks all are impacted. So, too, are extracurricular activities, and with fall sports under way, parents are facing a rude awakening: More and more schools districts are charging steep fees for athletics, more commonly referred to as “pay to play.”

Continue reading “‘Pay to Play’ an increasing burden for parents of Arizona high school athletes”