The Berlin Board of Education is considering charging students to play sports. Reactions to this "Pay to Play" proposal are mixed.
"I’m sure they have to pay enough with uniforms and everything else, so I don’t think they’d probably approve," said parent, Sara Mortensen.
"I don’t see a problem with it," Marie Janelle said.
Berlin School Superintendent David Erwin says nothing is happening yet. It’s on Tuesday’s meeting agenda to decide if talks should move forward. Some who spoke to NBC Connecticut say the conversation should end now.
"There might be some kid who are good athletes that might not be able to participate if it becomes a pay for play situation and that would be a shame," Mark Harris said. "There are other things they can cut other than keeping kids from playing sports."
As long as there is no state budget, Berlin could face deep education funding cuts. Under Gov. Dannel Malloy’s plan, Berlin is one of 85 towns with a zeroed out Education Cost Sharing Grant for Fiscal Year 2018. It’s money school leaders say they need.
The meeting is Tuesday at 7 p.m. If they decide to move forward, the idea will go on to a special subcommittee.
