Whitman-Hanson Athletic Fees Rise Dramatically to Address Budget Crisis
HANSON - August 20 - The Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee voted August 20 to add a $400 fee for swimmers on top of existing athletic user fees that have already increased dramatically this year, highlighting the district's ongoing financial struggles following failed budget overrides in both towns.
The Full Story
The committee unanimously approved adding a $400 pool fee for swim team participants, matching the existing additional fee for hockey players. This comes after the district already raised base athletic user fees from $250/$50/$50 (first/second/third sport) to $375/$250/$100 with a family cap of $1,200.
Athletic Director Bob Rogers painted a stark picture of the district's athletics funding crisis, telling the committee that even before recent budget cuts, Whitman-Hanson was "already the lowest funded athletic program in our league, probably one of the lowest in the entire state of Massachusetts."
"The school has never purchased a single uniform for basketball or any sport at Whitman Hanson," Rogers said, explaining that the district doesn't pay for transportation, game officials, equipment, medical supplies, ice time, gym time, swim time, meet entries, or league dues.
Rogers emphasized that successful athletic programs at the district exist solely because of coach leadership and extensive fundraising efforts. "We are so lucky to have the coaches that we do here at Whitman Hanson because with their players and through their leadership, that's how our teams look like," he said.
The athletic director also outlined several fundraising initiatives to help offset costs, including a "Panther Pals" program allowing families to solicit donations online, ticket sales at more sporting events, and service opportunities for students and parents to work off fees.
In other business, the committee approved significant changes to the high school handbook, including new "junior privileges" allowing juniors with B grades or better in all classes to leave early or arrive late on Fridays during second semester. The changes also clarify academic integrity policies and add a new "WIN block" (What I Need) period providing 35 minutes daily for students to get extra help or engage in enrichment activities.
Committee member Rosemary Hill addressed an open meeting law complaint at the start of the session, apologizing for sending private emails to committee members in April and announcing she would attend additional training on Massachusetts open meeting law requirements, inviting her fellow committee members to do the same.
Superintendent Jeff Szymaniak provided updates on summer programs, reporting that 177 elementary students participated in Extended School Year services, 32 high school students attended summer school, and 141 middle and high school students took part in summer enrichment programs. He noted concerning enrollment drops, particularly at Indian Head Elementary which projected 100 kindergarten students but currently has only 81 enrolled.
The committee also approved revisions to the academic calendar, adding school days on Election Day (November 4) and Good Friday to allow for an earlier June 12 release date instead of June 15.
Assistant Superintendent George Ferro announced plans for an operational review of the business department, similar to previous reviews of technology and curriculum. The review will examine job descriptions, communication processes, and technology integration to improve efficiency and establish best practices.
Why It Matters
The dramatic increase in athletic fees directly impacts hundreds of families in Whitman and Hanson, potentially creating barriers for student participation in sports programs. With fees now among the highest in the region, some sports are already seeing decreased participation, particularly in football and cross-country where "any student can participate," according to Rogers. The financial pressures highlight the broader budget crisis facing the district after voters in both towns rejected override attempts, forcing cuts to programs and services that have historically been funded through the municipal budget.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve high school handbook changes for 2025-2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 50:57)
Motion: Add $400 additional fee for swim team participants. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:21:44)
Motion: Accept chromebook donation from Steven Bois. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:31:57)
Motion: Approve revised academic calendar changes. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:34:21)
Motion: Approve all athletic field trip requests. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:28:56)
What's Next
The committee will conduct facility tours on August 21 starting at 9 AM at the high school. A workshop on school committee roles and open meeting law requirements is scheduled for September 24. The committee will consider elementary and middle school handbook changes at the next meeting. A "topping-off" ceremony for the new Whitman Middle School, with a beam signing, is planned for August 29.