An eleventh-hour reprieve for JV sports, other activities in Volusia schools?

By Pat Hatfield
BEACON STAFF WRITER

posted Jan 14, 2009 - 5:47:36pm

After weeks of talk about cutting after-school activities such as junior-varsity sports, science fairs, social-studies fairs and music competitions, Superintendent of Volusia County Schools Dr. Margaret Smith offered a last-minute reprieve, with strings attached.

A cadre of community members met with the superintendent and volunteered to raise $100,000 necessary to fund these activities.

"Based on the cadre’s commitment to raise $100,000, the reinstatement of these extra-curricular programs will be effective today so that preparations can move forward," according to a statement from the School District today, Jan. 14.

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Cadre leader Nancy Holman will coordinate the cadre’s efforts. Other cadre members are Rick Boehm, Jim Cantrell, Janet Dannehower, Forough Hosseini, Dwight Lewis, Mike Mitchener, Donna Sue Sanders, George Smith, Philip Smith and Mark Watts.

Volusia County Schools, like other school systems in the state, faces drastic budget cuts — to the tune of $32 million — this year, after cutting budgets, closing schools and laying off teachers last year.

School District officials have held meetings with parents and other concerned people at local high schools during the past weeks. Many parents said they were afraid the cuts will be detrimental to future chances for scholarships or personal development, and would leave little for many students to do after school.

— pat@beacononlinenews.com

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