Pay-to-Participate Delayed a Year if Voters Approve Freehold Regional Budget

The Freehold Regional High School District will delay implementing a pay-to-participate plan for sports and activities until the 2012-13 school year, Business Administrator Sean Boyce announced at the Board of Education meeting at Manalapan High School on Monday.

The district’s 2011-12 budget received a fiscal jolt with the release of state aid numbers. FRHSD received $46.35 million in state aid, a $1.71 million increase over last year, but had anticipated a decline, Boyce said. The district will also get $1.76 million in federal education jobs funds. In addition, FRHSD saw a spike in retirements and saved money through a change in funding for health benefits, Boyce said.

The board unanimously adopted a $177.58 million tentative 2011-12 budget.  The budget’s $115.6 million tax levy has not changed from the previous year, Boyce noted.

“There are a collection of reasons why we are where we are today,” Boyce said. “We can offer a budget that recommends a one-year deferral of participation fees. Fees will likely be the first thing we look at if the budget is defeated, though.”

The proposed fee model for extracurricular activities would be $250 for a student to play school sports and $100 to join after-school activities. The cost for a family would be capped at $600.

The board will hold a public hearing on the 2011-12 budget on Monday, March 28 at Marlboro High School.