POLL: Are Some Sports Too Expensive?

At Monday's Watchung Hills Regional Board of Education meeting, board members approved a rental agreement with Rock Ice Center for the upcoming varsity hockey season.

But the $34,125 cost to use the Dunellen facility raised some eyebrows on the board.

"That seems high—this money could be used for other things," board member Lisa DeMizio said. She argued the district could use the money to support other student programs which reach a greater number of students.

But others noted the board provides varying levels of support to the different programs, depending on a particular group's needs and organization.

"Contrast that to the Ultimate Frisbee team—we buy them four Frisbees and some shirts," board President Robert Horowitz said.

Board members noted the hockey costs are higher for the rink, but the district does not supply any equipment for the team. As Horowitz noted, some sports, such as Ultimate Frisbee, don't require much equipment or costs for playing fields.

The board generally approves the requests as they come in, and most follow previous years' spending plans.   

Should the board set limits on the level of funding particular sports? If so, should it be determined by the cost per student involved? How could the board equalize the costs of various sports and clubs?

Take our poll and add your thoughts in the space below.