Community fundraising for athletics
June 21, 2011—Without a
doubt, schools across New York State are facing some of the most challenging
fiscal times in recent memory. Rising costs, declining revenues, and a
general downturn in he economy have made building a sound spending plan that
not only meets the needs of our students, but that also meets the needs and
expectations of our taxpayers, more difficult than ever.
As such, the Guilderland Central School District had to make many
difficult decisions in preparing the 2011-2012 school budget that was
approved by voters on May 17. Reductions were made in staffing, programs and
services throughout all district buildings and within each educational
level.
The athletic department saw the elimination of freshman boys lacrosse due to
low projected participation trends at Guilderland and throughout the Suburban
Council and Section II. However, the final
spending plan also called for the partial restoration of other freshman
sports--which were completely eliminated from the budget in 2010-11.
As approved by district residents, GCSD will fund approximately half of the
cost of freshman
football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and softball in the upcoming school
year. However, the sports will only be played pending the availability of
the remaining half of the funds, to be raised through community fundraising efforts.
The Guilderland Central School District supports community efforts to raise
funds to reinstate any and all sports programs.
Legally, for a sport to be reinstated, the entire cost of the program must
be donated to the school district prior to the start of the season. Please
refer to the chart below for the sports and levels eliminated, the date by
which all funds must be raised, and the total amount of funds needed.
| SPORT/LEVEL | SEASON | SALARIES | OFFICIALS | TRANSPORT. | FEES | TOTAL | DISTRICT FUNDED | COMMUNITY FUNDED | FUNDING DATE |
| Frosh Football | Fall | $8,030 | $830 | $420 | $3,800 | $13,080 | $6,560 | $6,520 | 08/16/11 |
| Frosh Soccer - Boys | Fall | $4,650 | $1,085 | $500 | $0 | $6,235 | $3,130 | $3,105 | 08/17/11 |
| Frosh Soccer - Girls | Fall | $4,650 | $1,085 | $500 | $0 | $6,235 | $3,130 | $3,105 | 08/18/11 |
| Frosh Basketball - Boys | Winter | $4,030 | $1,120 | $500 | $0 | $5,650 | $2,835 | $2,815 | 10/31/11 |
| Frosh Basketball - Girls | Winter | $4,030 | $1,120 | $500 | $0 | $5,650 | $2,835 | $2,815 | 10/31/11 |
| Frosh Baseball | Spring | $3,970 | $910 | $610 | $0 | $5,490 | $2,755 | $2,735 | 02/27/12 |
| Frosh Softball | Spring | $3,970 | $910 | $610 | $0 | $5,490 | $2,755 | $2,735 | 02/27/12 |
| TOTAL | $33,330 | $7,060 | $3,640 | $3,800 | $47,830 | $24,000 | $23,830 | ||
| * In order to meet NYS Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) competition requirements, only sports that are fully funded by the funding date noted above will be allowed to compete during the 2011-12 school year. As stated above, freshman boys lacrosse will not be played due to low projected participation trends at Guilderland and throughout the Suburban Council and Section II. | |||||||||
Donations
Donations to the Guilderland Central School District will be accepted with
the goal of reinstating sports programs. However, it is the expectation of
the school district that donations be solicited by the various booster clubs
and youth sports programs.
Although the school district is appreciative of each and every donation, it
is important to note that the receipt of a donation or the size of a
donation does not guarantee that any particular child will make the team or
ensure a prescribed level of playing time.
The Guilderland Central School District values the continued support of the
community during these difficult economic times and appreciates the efforts
by the community to raise funds to provide further athletic opportunities
for our students. To make a donation, please contact the president of the
booster club or youth sports organization to which you wish to contribute.