Marquette Area school board cuts athletic participation cap to $500, trims per-sport fees 25% for 2024–25

The Marquette Area Public Schools board voted to reduce the district's athletic participation cap from $800 per family to $500 and to reduce per-sport activity fees for district-funded sports and activities by 25% for the 2024'25 school year.

Board member Jason Zadunik moved the measure, saying the motion would "reduce the $800 per family cap to $500 and reduce the per sport activity fee for district funded sports and activities by 25% for the 2024, 2025 school year." Glenn Sarka seconded the motion. The measure passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: District staff told trustees the district has an excess food-service fund balance that can be tapped to cover some cost pressures and that reducing fees would lower the out-of-pocket burden on families. Superintendent Sedjoy provided staff estimates during debate: a 25% reduction in per-sport fees would cost roughly $30,287, and a 20% cut would cost about $24,229.

Trustees discussed trade-offs and budget risk. Board president Kristen Cambenzi and James Hewitt both said they were supportive of lowering fees but urged caution about making permanent changes if future budgets shrink. Hewitt said he was comfortable with the proposal given current numbers; another trustee proposed a sunset/annual-review so the board must revisit the decision each year. Trustee Glenn Sarka formally offered the friendly amendment to make the reduction effective for the 2024'25 school year and subject to annual review; the board accepted the amendment before voting.

The board did not record a roll-call tally for the voice vote on this item; the chair announced the motion passed. Trustees said the change will be revisited each year alongside the budget.

Next steps: The fee schedule will be applied for the 2024'25 school year and reviewed annually as part of the district's budget deliberations.