In recent years, the financial strain on SCHS sports and school programs have become increasingly evident, leading to a growing trend of students having to ask their families for support. As schools grapple with limited budgets, students involved in a wide array of activities, including marching band and sports such as football and water polo, often find themselves soliciting donations from their parents to sustain their programs.
Without the proper funding and involvement, a team can struggle to secure necessary equipment and volunteers to help with events. Varsity swimmer senior Alexis Lindsey explained that the lack of assistance challenges her swim team to maintain a competitive edge.
“We have to find parent volunteers to do our timers, and we often struggle with that,” Lindsey said. “Last year, we struggled a lot because we didn’t have enough parents.”
Parental contributions are essential for keeping the swim team afloat. Lindsey’s family donates annually though she admits it is difficult to repeatedly ask for support.
“I know a lot of other sports and mine struggle with finding parents to help out and funding and everything else,” Lindsey said. “While some parents may be able to donate once, it becomes increasingly difficult to continually fund their child’s sport.”
Lindsey also pointed out a contrast with other areas of the school, such as the Bruin Bistro, where parental involvement is much more visible and organized. She believes the Athletic Boosters is the primary reason the Bruin Bistro continues to run. Lindsey also noted that relying on the boosters to keep sports up and running creates a pressing need for more equitable funding solutions.
The expectation for families to take on leadership roles or any roles within the Athletic Boosters, however, can compound the problem. Boosters secretary Deanne Martin feels that the time commitment and responsibilities associated with roles such as president, vice president and secretary may deter parents who are already stretched thin by work and family obligations.
“I think the other more affluent neighborhoods have more involvement, either financially or in person,” Martin said. “Our neighborhood is a little bit more of a working class neighborhood, not stay at home moms as much, so they don’t have the time to give.”
Growing up with no brothers, Martin learned to raise two boys who had high energy and a love for sports. As they entered high school, she took the initiative to engage with their passions by donating her time.
“In the beginning, I just wanted to be involved for my kids,” Martin said. “I wanted them to see that their mom cares and that she’s available and she supports whatever activity they’re into.”
Financial demands placed on families to support school sports programs has become a more widespread issue, forcing parents to shoulder the burden of providing assistance and funds for things such as equipment, transportation and meals. Whether it is the rising costs associated with marching band instruments or the substantial expenses linked to football gear, the financial responsibility often falls on parents.
“The swim team, their clock broke, and it’s a $40,000 clock. They came to the boosters to ask us to pay for it. We couldn’t do it,” Martin said. “I really do feel like those are the kind of things that the school district should pay for.”
Many believe that only through collaborative efforts can schools ensure that all students, regardless of their financial situations, have the opportunity to engage in the experiences offered by school sports. It is not a simple task, as it comes down to fixing funding issues beyond SCUSD.
“You know, it’s just with the way the government is structured and how much funds they give to the schools. I kind of feel like they (SCHS) don’t have a choice, ” Martin said.
As students continue to navigate the complexities of school sports, many do not want the pressure being placed on families to donate their time and money. Although she acknowledged the challenges faced by parents in supporting their teen’s extracurricular activities, Martin encourages parents to be grateful of the opportunities they are given to support their children.
“I feel like it’s a privilege to be involved in your kid’s life. I really enjoy being a mother,” Martin said. “I miss my kids so much right now because they’re both gone to college, but I think that if you have the time or some time, you should always be involved in some way, shape or form. Maybe your kids are in the music club and you’re going to all their performances. It’s always good to show your kids that you care and that you’re there for them.”