Warren School District Ends Pay-To-Play Fees

WARREN (WWJ/AP) - A metro Detroit school district is dropping pay-to-play fees for participating in sports or band.

The Warren Consolidated Schools Board of Education recently voted to cancel the student activity fee, which was $100 for high school students and $75 at the middle school level.

The aim is to allow more students the opportunity to play sports or join the band. Mike Schulte, director of student activities, athletics and facility usage, said participation was on the decline because of pay-to-play.

"We are hoping the district will see higher participation numbers and more students become involved in athletics at their school," Schulte said in a statement.

Pay-to-play went into effect in 2009 when state aid was cut and the school board voted to slash programs to make the district's finances work.

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