A budget shortfall has prompted San Benito High School and athletic boosters to ask for monetary contributions from the surrounding community to prevent significant reductions to the athletic program, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
The school has set up a donation fund known as "Team Baler: Balers Supporting Baler Athletes," where community members can donate directly to the school's athletic program. Donations can be made to either the school or the Baler Backers Athletic Organization, a 501 (c)3 nonprofit.
The news comes in light of a $1.8 million districtwide budget cut announced last month, which included a proposed cut of $100,000 from the athletic fund.
On Monday, the San Benito High School District trustees approved most of the proposed cuts to fill the $1.8 million shortfall, although cuts regarding athletics were delayed.
The proposed cut would come from the district contribution, which pays for coaches, officials and clerical work, among other things, according to the SBHS web site.
"The San Benito High School athletic program needs outside contributions over and above the current level of support by $100,000 to avoid substantial program cutbacks," the statement read. "We are reaching out to our community for support. In order to maintain the outstanding athletic programs that currently exist at San Benito High School, we are asking for monetary contributions from our entire community."
The $100,000 proposed cut could see coaches' stipends cut in half next year, a negotiated item that could result in approximately $82,000 cut from the budget.
This is on top of a board-imposed waiver of transportation fees, which is costing the athletic department anywhere between $15,000 to $20,000 this year.
For more information about how to donate, go here.
For more information about the recent district cuts, go here.
For more information about the proposed athletic cuts, go here.
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