Hillsborough To Start Charging Students For Sports, Activities

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough students may soon have to dip into their own pockets to participate in school sports and co-curricular activities.

The Hillsborough Board of Education will be voting on Monday, Aug. 26 on the second and final hearing of a new policy to begin charging students this upcoming 2019-20 school year. The public will have a chance to speak before a vote is made.

The first reading of the policy was heard at the July 22 meeting with no comments. It passed unanimously with the exception of Jean Trujillo who was the only board member to vote no.

The fee program is a result of the school referendum failing to pass in March. (See Related: Voters Reject Hillsborough $8.09M School Referendum)

A line on the ballot stated, "If not passed the District would need to consider... increasing fees for students to participate in athletics and co-curricular activities...", according to Hillsborough School spokesman Michael Callahan.

"These fees are one of the consequences of the failed referendum. We recognize that these fees will create a challenge for some families and activity fees will be waived for economically disadvantaged students," Callahan said.

Looking at the policy, fees would impact students in High School, Middle School and Intermediate School.

For high school sports, marching band, winter guard and cheerleading there will be an annual activity fee of $100 per student per sport. Additionally, if a student participates in a fall, winter and spring sport, there will be three separate $100 fee payments required. There will also be some exceptions.

For any clubs or activities in high school, middle school and intermediate schools, students will need to pay an annual fee to participate, once the fee is paid students can participate in as many activities as they choose. The fee for high school is $50, middle school is $40 and intermediate school $25.

Families who qualify for free or reduced lunch are eligible for an activity fee waiver.

The board will meet to discuss this policy and host the public hearing at Auten Road Intermediate School Cafetorium, 281 Auten Road, starting at 7:30 p.m.

View the proposed policy here:

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