Home Opinion Editorials Boosters launch effort to preserve activities

Boosters launch effort to preserve activities

Written by Observer editorial reports May 09, 2009 11:03 am

A sharp decline in state revenue will have a major impact on education in Oregon for the next two years — from programs, to staff, to extracurricular activities. La Grande, like all school districts, is being forced to prioritize services as it creates the 1009-10 budget. Protecting the classroom is the No. 1 priority, as it should. But that means other things will have to give, including athletics and other extracurricular student activities. The school district, like all government entities, is awaiting a May 15 state revenue forecast to determine just how severe the cutbacks will have to be. The reality is that at least some funding for athletics and activities will be going away. If the La Grande community wants its children to have these opportunities next school year, it’s probable that the community will need to step up to provide funding.

The Tiger Booster Club plans to hold a meeting at 6 p.m. Monday in the LHS auditorium to gauge support for a fundraising drive. Although no one knows for sure at this point how much will have to be raised, it’s not too early to start laying the groundwork for a campaign.

Anyone interest in weighing in on the matter, or in helping, is encouraged to attend Monday’s meeting.