Marshfield School Committee Proposes Significant Athletic Fee Increase to Address $170,000 Deficit
MARSHFIELD - August 26 - The Marshfield School Committee discussed a proposal to increase athletic fees by 400% for single-sport athletes and establish per-sport pricing for the first time in seven years, as the district faces a $170,000 athletic department deficit that officials say threatens to impact classroom resources.
The Full Story
Assistant Superintendent Thomas Miller presented the athletic fee proposal during the committee's summer meeting, explaining that the current fee structure—unchanged since 2018—has created an unsustainable financial situation. Under the current system, students pay $300 regardless of whether they participate in one, two, or three sports. The proposed changes would implement a per-sport fee of $300 for the first sport, $300 for the second sport, and $150 for the third sport, with a family cap of $1,500.
"The athletic revolving fund now, one year it would be negative $90,000, and hopefully $110,000," Miller told the committee. "Just the growing cost of everything. Expenses in general, transportation is significant."
The deficit has grown consistently over the past seven years, with the district using operating budget funds to offset the shortfall. Miller emphasized that the district cannot absorb another $170,000 deficit in the upcoming fiscal year, stating that athletics "could seriously potentially harm the classroom if we don't move forward with fee increases."
The proposal would generate an estimated $275,000 in additional revenue, which combined with a $500,000 increase in athletic transportation funding in the operating budget, would address the deficit. Miller presented comparative data showing that many neighboring communities have higher fees and have recently increased their rates. However, unlike Marshfield's all-inclusive model, most districts charge per sport.
Committee member Laura Brait expressed strong opposition to the proposal, stating, "I would absolutely vote no" and raising concerns about middle-income families who don't qualify for free lunch but may struggle with the increased costs. She emphasized worries about students who "might pay a certain score" being negatively affected by the fee increase.
Athletic Director William Battis defended the program's value, noting that the high school's 1,120 students generated 1,206 athletic participations last year, indicating many students play multiple sports. He highlighted that Marshfield offers extensive opportunities, including freshman and sophomore teams that other districts don't provide, and maintains programs like gymnastics and swimming.
The committee established an athletic subcommittee earlier this summer consisting of members Lauren Dargan and Richard Greer, along with Battis and Miller, to study the issue. This subcommittee plans to continue working on longer-term solutions, including examining a potential three-tier fee system based on actual sport expenses and reviewing coaching salary structures as part of upcoming contract negotiations.
In other business, Superintendent Dr. Sullivan provided an extensive summer update, highlighting the district's continued focus on their strategic plan initiatives. The district has formed building-based "belonging teams" as part of their "Everyone Belongs" pillar, conducted successful staff retreats, and prepared for the upcoming school year with new teacher orientation programs.
Assistant Superintendent Miller reported on competency determination requirements, a new state mandate requiring districts to develop policies by December 31st explaining how students demonstrate mastery of content. The district plans to submit their policy for legal review by early October to ensure compliance with the deadline.
Miller also updated the committee on facility improvements, including completion of playground installations at Daniel Webster Elementary and ongoing transportation planning. The district rolled over approximately $30,000 in circuit breaker funds, the lowest amount in recent years, which will impact special education funding for the upcoming year.
The committee discussed establishing a superintendent evaluation subcommittee to improve the evaluation process timeline and provide more structured feedback throughout the year. This subcommittee would work with Dr. Sullivan on goal formation, data collection schedules, and mid-year evaluation processes.
Additionally, Miller presented a draft article for the October 20th Special Town Meeting regarding the Martinson Elementary School repair project, estimated at approximately $7.8 million with nearly 50% state reimbursement expected. The vote on this article was postponed to allow for final cost determinations.
Why It Matters
The proposed athletic fee increase represents a fundamental shift in how Marshfield funds its extensive sports programs, potentially affecting hundreds of student-athletes and their families. With nearly 1,200 athletic participations annually and about 25% of students playing three sports, the financial impact could be significant for many households. The district's emphasis on maintaining broad participation opportunities while addressing fiscal realities reflects the challenging balance between educational equity and financial sustainability that many school districts face in the current economic climate.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To establish a subcommittee for superintendent evaluation. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 3-0. (Timestamp: 26:05)
What's Next
The athletic fee proposal will return for a vote at the September 9th meeting. The superintendent evaluation subcommittee will be formed with two members to be determined. The SBA article for Martinson Elementary repairs will be presented with final cost figures at the next meeting. The Special Town Meeting is scheduled for October 20th to vote on the school repair project.