Freshman Sports Back On School Committee Agenda

In a move that could save athletic opportunities for Belmont students, the Belmont School Committee will discuss a proposal by parents and supporters of financing freshman sports with private funds at a committee meeting Monday, July 12 tentatively scheduled at 6 p.m. at the Chenery Middle School, 95 Washington St.

School Committee Chairwoman Ann Rittenburg said her goal on holding the meeting Monday was because that date was when the greatest number of School Committee members would be available to meet until Aug. 17.  

"We told (supporters of freshman sports) to take a look at our guidelines, policy and state laws and then come back to us," said Rittenburg after today's, July 7, school committee meeting. 

Adding that the school committee would "not change our policy about accepting funds targeted to one area," Rittenburg acknowledged that Belmont schools have well-established relationships with outside organizations such as parents of performing arts and music students, parent teacher organizations and philanthropic education foundations that provide money and grants to the schools. 

If there is one potential stumbling block, according to Rittenburg, no where are salaries supported by any other of the outside funding groups.

While she would not speak to the proposal that would establish accounts within the school department directed to financing freshman sports, "nothing has been determined one way or another. Only as a body can we decide what to do," Rittenburg said.

Rittenburg scheduled the July 12 meeting after receiving the proposal late on June 25, only hours before leaving Belmont of two weeks. 

Due to another pressing agenda item - a decision whether to place a new electrical substation on Belmont High School property will likely be decided that night - the meeting will now begin at 6 p.m., July 12.

The Committee last month had all but rejected a proposal from parents to reinstate freshmen sports with private funds. They noted the school department's long standing policy of using any available money sent to the schools in areas the school superintendent and school committee believe is most needed.

At the meeting, a number of residents believed the estimated $45,000 required to keep the sports programs running could be accomplished. 

While expressing concerns on targeted funding, the committee did not take an official vote at the June meeting.

Since that time, the parents initiative has continued to gain support, with more than 300 supporters of the on-line petition.

After the June meeting, freshman sports supporters contacted several Belmont youth sports organizations who expressed their willingness to contribute to the fund that would not effect the school's budget.

Studying state and federal law, the group is leaning on state law that allows for the creation of  "student activity checking accounts." Under this provision, the purpose of the money raised must would be clearly stated and spent only for freshman sports.

Under that and other state laws, two accounts would be established in the school department, one to place the money raised and the other for paying expenses.

The supporters hope to have an agreement no later than July 23 to allow freshman to play this fall. 

Rittenburg said the school committee will discuss the proposal and hear recommendations from School Superintendent George Entwistle before making any official decision.

"We want to hear what the proposal is and then work in partnership with the parents on our shared priorities," said Rittenburg.