High School Sports Funding Plan Approved by the MDUSD Board
On June 16, 2009, the MDUSD Board unanimously approved the proposed high school sports funding plan submitted by the United Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation (UMDAF), an organization comprised of representatives from all six MDUSD high schools. This means that MDUSD high school sports will continue in the fall. While you are encouraged to review the plan that was submitted to the MDUSD Board at www.unitedmtdiabloathletics.org, the following summarizes the key points of the plan:
• High school sports will be funded entirely by parent/athlete contributions, corporate donations, fundraisers, cost savings, and other revenue sources (e.g., student sports activity cards, additional gate revenue, and corporate matches). This revenue must offset the MDUSD high school athletic costs as the District will not fund any of these costs.
• Parent/athlete contributions will comprise the bulk of the revenue. Parents will be asked to contribute a set amount per sport with a total contribution cost ceiling of $600 per family per year (excluding transportation fees). The contribution amount varies by sport (generally $150 to $300 per sport, excluding transportation fees) – see www.unitedmtdiabloathletics.org for a current contribution amount per sport. The UMDAF and MDUSD are working on an alternative plan for families unable to pay the full contribution, including a way to do community service or fundraise towards the team contribution.
• Transportation fees remain unchanged from last year.
• To date, the UMDAF has received commitments totaling $105K from donations and fundraisers. Over the next few months, the UMDAF will be working on two large fundraisers – a concert/auction at the Sleep Train Pavilion, and a 5K run. Many volunteers will be needed for the events.
• The UMDAF will work closely with the District to validate revenue and cost reports on a regular basis. The overall sports funding status will be reviewed by the MDUSD Board after the fall sports season. Changes will be made to the funding plan as necessary.
• These contributions and donations will not replace the money raised by the Northgate Boosters, the Northgate Pride Foundation, and individual sports teams.
It is unfortunate that these changes need to be made, especially during these difficult economic times. But we have no other choice if we want to have high school sports next year. It is up to all of us to make it work. Please contact Kent Caldwell at 925-938-1412 or at teamc@astound.net if you have any questions.