Because of rising costs, especially fuel, the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District found it necessary to adjust its extracurricular fees.

Students who want to play sports, play in the band, participate in a club or go on field trips must come up with the cash. The district’s administration came up with a cost chart for the five schools within the district.

“We wanted to adjust our fees to what other schools are charging,” Business Services Director David Snyder said at a Sept. 9 district board meeting.

Some activities are being charged for, for the first time, most at $1, which prompted Board Chairman Randy Garrison to question the fee.

“It seems that it would be more trouble to deal with,” Garrison said.

However, Snyder said in order for all extracurricular activities to be eligible to receive the tax credit donations, a fee had to be charged.

None of the items to which a fee is charged are part of the school’s general curriculum.

“Music is, but band is not,” Superintendent Barb U’Ren said.
Yet, Sandy Huson, principal at Tavasci Elementary, said no one who wants to play is turned away. Some scholarships are available, particularly for band.

Fee Schedule
Cottonwood Middle School:
Football — $50
Other sports — $30
Art Club — $25
Chess Club — $10
Band — $15
Other extracurricular activities — $1
Field trip fees vary.
Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary:
Cub Stacking, Computer, Reading — $1 each
Tavasci Elementary:
Band — $40
Choir — $5
Computer, Jewelry, Volleyball, Basketball, Archery, Cut Stacking and Drama clubs — $1 each
Cheerleading Camp — $1
Student Council — $1
Field Trips — $1 to $5
Oak Creek School:
Band — $15
Other activities — $1
Field trip fees vary.
Cottonwood Elementary School:
Band and Choir — $10
Jump Team, Leadership and Astronomy — $1

The difference in band fees depends on the program at the school, U’Ren said. For example, Tavasci rents instruments for $40. The fee covers that cost.

CMS Principal Denise Kennedy told the board the new fees have not had a negative effect on participation.

“We still have the same number of teens in volleyball and in football,” she said.

Conversely, Donnie Shanks at Oak Creek School said he has seen a decrease because of the fees.

The five-member board unanimously approved the extracurricular and sports fees.

Lu Stitt can be reached at
634-8551 or e-mail
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