From WTNH (New Haven, CT) - Branford budget cuts school sports

New budget calls for pay-to-play

By: Rebecca Santillo

Branford (WTNH) - In an effort to save about $100,000 from the school budget, the superintendent has proposed cuts to the sports programs.

Superintendent Kathleen Halligan would like to cut four sports teams at Walsh Intermediate School; boys and girls basketball, baseball and softball. The move would save about $33,000.

"It feels like they are discriminating against us, but they are really not, it's just really hard," said Max Fillion, who plays on the Walsh boys' basketball team.

Additionally, pay-to-play would be implemented at Walsh and the high school. It would cost students $100 to play a sport, but waivers would be available for low income students. Pay-to-play is estimated to save about $75,000.

Parents hope that they can work with the school board to find an alternative.

"The opportunity to sit down and discuss with this board is great and say there are alternatives. Maybe a booster club, charge two dollars at the door," said Bob Kenney of Branford.

The total proposed budget for the 2010-2011 school year is over $48 million, which is up nearly four percent.