Barberton City Schools implements pay-to-participate policy for sports, marching band, color guard

By Editor | July 21, 2026 |

BGNN staff report

BARBERTON Families of students in the Barberton City School District were notified Tuesday about a pay-to-participate policy that has been implemented for the 2026-2027 school year.

A letter addressed to Barberton City School District families from Superintendent Jason Ondrus states: “At Barberton City Schools, we believe that athletics, the musical arts, and extracurricular activities are vital pillars of the student experience and our community’s identity. However, as our district navigates state-mandated fiscal oversight through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW), and takes into account the recommendations from the performance audit conducted by the Ohio Auditor of State’s office, we are forced to make incredibly difficult structural adjustments to balance our budget.

“Having already reduced our operating expenses by approximately $7 million, we have cut as far as reasonably possible,” the letter continues. “In order to protect our athletic teams and the marching band from outright elimination, the district is immediately implementing a Pay-to-Participate Policy for the 2026-2027 school year. We recognize the burden that this places on our families.”

The letter states that the last time the district implemented a pay-to-participate policy was in 2012. At that time, the cost per sport was $125.

“Taking current financial challenges into account, the district will be charging a lesser amount for 2026-2027,” the letter states.

Pay-to-participate details in the letter state that beginning this school year, the following fee structure will apply to all middle school and high school student-athletes and marching band members:

High school athletics (grades 9-12): $100 per sport
Middle school athletics (grades 7-8): $50 per sport
Marching band and color guard (grades 9-12): $100
Individual student cap: $200 per school year for high school (grades 9-12), $100 per school year for middle school (grades 7-8).
Family/household cap: $500 per school year

Fee deadlines and details in the letter state that fees for fall activities must be paid in full by Tuesday, Sept. 1. For winter and spring activities, fees must be paid in full prior to the first contest or performance. Pay-to-participate fees are non-refundable, the letter states. Immediate payment of fees will be available through cash, or check. In August, an online option will be available to pay, likely through Pay Schools Central, the letter states, and noted that more details will be shared. Cash or check payments can be brought to the BHS Athletic Office for BHS and to the BMS Main Office for BMS. Please contact your program’s head coach, the BHS Athletic Office, or the BMS Main Office if you have questions or need more information, the letter states.

“We understand that adding any financial obligation to our families is an unwelcome burden,” the letter states. “This policy was not entered into lightly, but it is a necessary measure to keep our Magics on the field, on the court, and on the stage while we work to satisfy state requirements and restore long-term fiscal stability to our district. Thank you for your understanding and support of our students.”