It's happening again just as it did in 2013…the proposed FCPS budget cut for 9th grade athletics is a small fraction of the 2015 operating budget yet it has the potential to have a tremendous impact on over 500 9th grade athletes across Frederick County, MD.  The cost for 9th grade athletics is estimated at $60,000; most of which is made up of transportation costs to/from games.

Eliminating 9th grade athletics creates a void in a student athlete’s life at a time when they need it the most. Athletics teaches students discipline, respect, and time management. The social aspect of sports is just as important especially during such an impressionable stage in their life. Having a sense of cooperation, teamwork, and friendship on a team can keep students out of trouble and assist them to focus on their education.

To my knowledge, FCPS has not utilized the councils it created (Family/Community Engagement Council and Citizens Advisory Council) to reach out to the community for input or local Youth Athletic Associations/Leagues to see if they could accommodate the addition of these 9th grade athletes.

If there is an increase in Interscholastic Athletics costs, as listed in the proposed budget, and there are no other resources to allocate towards the cost, then please consider raising the sports registration fee per student to keep 9th grade athletics.

Supporters, Please consider signing this petition (which will automatically email the FCPS BOE) as well as taking this short survey regarding raising the Athletic Fee.

Finally, the BOE will cast their final vote to remove 9th grade athletics on June 10; please come out to show your support and voice your opinion in person.