Education

Friday Night Lights Out: School Cancels Sports to Save Money

Friday Night Lights Out: School Cancels Sports to Save Money

The Premont Independent School DIstrict in southwest Texas will shutter its sports program temporarily to focus on academics. (Image source: Corpus Christi Caller-Times)

A Texas school district has temporarily canceled its sports programs and will use the money to make major improvements to education, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times reported.

Premont Independent School District Superintendent Ernest Singleton made the announcement after district trustees were forced to sign an agreement last week with the state to stay open. The southwestern district, which recently earned the state’s lowest rating for the second time in three years, had been facing closure as soon as December.

“Our urgent situation requires swift and drastic action,” Singleton told the Caller-Times.

The ban will go into effect at the end of basketball season and will run until late fall, the newspaper reported, which means students will go without tennis, track and baseball in the spring and volleyball and football in the fall.

The 700-student district can save a total of $100,000 as a result of the ban and will put the money toward opening two state-required science labs, Singleton said. Money can also go toward needed repairs and teacher salaries in an effort to attract more qualified instructors.

He told the newspaper that while athletics are important for boosting morale and community spirit, the cash-strapped district needs to spend its limited funding wisely, and academics is the top priority. In addition to saving money, canceling sports will also free up teachers to focus solely on instruction.

“If we were a wealthy district and had performance at the right level and we had money in the bank, I wouldn’t even consider cutting athletic programs,” he said. “It wouldn’t even cross my mind. But we’re not. And I can’t emphasize that enough.”

Singleton’s decision has its detractors: Parent Irma Cavazos Martinez, whose son is a high school tennis player, said she feels bad for student athletes who will have their seasons canceled.

“I don’t think anybody realized the impact of how this was going to be,” she told the Caller-Times. “Everybody knew they were going to make drastic changes, but I don’t believe they totally understood.”

But district board chairwoman Carmela Garcia supports Singleton, saying he had “no choice” but to cut the programs to move into state compliance. A representative from the Texas Education Agency said she knows the district is making a hard decision but that Singleton is doing what he thinks is best.

Singleton said he hopes the community will ultimately support the ban, though it may be unpopular.

“To me, it would be a very sad day in Premont if the only avenue they would choose to rally around saving the district is through sports events,” he told the Caller-Times. “I would hope they would be crying out, ‘How many positive contributions can we guarantee for the next generation, the next society? How many doctors and lawyers and nurses and mechanics and welders are we going to introduce into the workforce that will contribute positively? And how many are we going to educate to the highest level of standards to perpetuate our democracy?’”

(H/T: Garth Maier at KTBB)

Comments (52)

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  • Coonrapids
    Posted on January 22, 2012 at 1:10pm

    Both political parties in Texas should cut one commerical each and give the money to that schools sports program. That would make themboth stars. What do you think Texas republicans and Texas democrats? Man up for the kids please.

    Report Post » Coonrapids  
  • deerjerkydave
    Posted on January 21, 2012 at 5:40pm

    But they would NEVER ration government run health care.

    Report Post » deerjerkydave  
  • hi
    Posted on January 21, 2012 at 4:00pm

    They need to cancel sports so they can pay the retired school superintendents $250,000 a year when they retire not to mention the pensions of the teachers who are paid to not work.

    People should pay for their own retirements. People who believe in pensions are crooks.

    Report Post » hi  
  • Beachbaby
    Posted on January 21, 2012 at 1:59pm

    All sports should be canceled forever because they only riot later. They wont be missed.

    Report Post »  
    • Gumbercules
      Posted on January 21, 2012 at 2:52pm

      I agree but on another front. . .

      All sports are just an utter waste of money – especially college sports.

      Also, want to bring gas prices down? Eliminate NASCAR.

      Report Post » Gumbercules  
    • john koenig
      Posted on January 21, 2012 at 3:38pm

      Eliminate NASCAR to bring fuel prices down? How about spitting in the ocean to raise it? How about telling families that they can’t go on vacation? Or telling Americans how to spend THEIR money?
      You call yourself a conservative? You want to eliminate sports? Why? Because you were an oddball and you were “bullied?”
      I know a guy who shares your “values.” His name is B. Hussein Obama.

      Report Post » john koenig  
  • 71FOREVER
    Posted on January 21, 2012 at 1:51pm

    The TEMPORARY cancellation of sports at this school will cease. The adults need to keep things in perspective and not be self-serving.
    Many changes need to be made to the public school system as funding is down and folks are opting for alternative education such as charter, private, and on-line school.
    Maybe Im saying what someone has already said, but how about sports being based NOT from the schools but from the regions where the folks live? Your town could have one or a few football teams, they could recruit and have sponsors….
    Let the schools teach, and encourage kids to be a part of activities outside of school.

    Report Post »  
  • mikee1
    Posted on January 21, 2012 at 10:23am

    This will have to be done all over the United States. Turn the athletic facilities into HEALTH CLUBS. Students at the schools and their families get in free. Others in the community get low-cost clubs to workout in. It will save and BRING IN MILLIONS IN EACH STATE, BILLIONS IN THE BIG STATES.

    Report Post » mikee1  
  • orionreplay6607
    Posted on January 21, 2012 at 5:52am

    20+ years ago my Maine high school was similar. We had no team sports except soccer as that was pulled together by students. We did have school sanctioned “solo” sports, such as golf and even indoor track, I believe mostly because you provided the shoes or golf clubs. Anyone we played couldn’t be more than an hour away, so mostly other schools just came to us. Fan loyalty was high as we simply had a lot of home games.

    It was what it was and we didn’t really think much on it at the time. We still had fun and learned greater lessons of making do with what we had to compete. We learned how hit the Main Street and get businesses to support.

    My graduating class was 275, for those who think this sounds like a school of 20.

    Report Post » orionreplay6607  
  • txn4justice
    Posted on January 21, 2012 at 5:09am

    School being about school and not about sports? WTF? Dogs are sleeping with cats! Horses and cows are getting married! It is straight pandemonium these days!

    I say “Air Jordans” for everbody. It is the only democratic thing to do! Hail Queen Nancy Pelosi, Queen of Air Jordania!

    Report Post »  
  • USANUMBERONE
    Posted on January 21, 2012 at 3:15am

    I remember in 1975, there was a student that was in my 11th grade reading class that didn’t know how to read or write. If school does not have funds to teach students, it has no business funding sports.

    Report Post »  
  • One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:12pm

    THIS is beyond sad. I had a athletic career in high school that gave me some of my best qualities and pre adult lessons on fruits of hard and healthy work and was far more useful in MY life than the algebra I was forced to take.

    Then again I’m not a engineer…. but a school without extra curricular sports activities is nothing but a part time prison where the mostly Union teachers work less and less and yet demand they get paid more and more..

    Report Post » One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew  
    • saranda
      Posted on January 20, 2012 at 10:25pm

      Or you could say a school without extra curricular activities (ie sports) is a place for learning. What a concept. I was a high school jock but looking back, what a complete waste of money and time for the school. My kids benefited from a school that sports was on the backburner and it is amazing what a healthy place it was for those who were there to learn.

      Report Post »  
    • Cat
      Posted on January 21, 2012 at 1:57am

      You must teach your self how to communicate with others as well as mathematics, because math doesn’t lie
      Everything else is your choice
      Believe in God or not, you are going to die

      Report Post » Cat  
    • EvilConserv
      Posted on January 21, 2012 at 11:01am

      The problem is that athletics, or any school related extracurricular activities, are a huge part of a student’s development. I wonder if this school administration has cut all activities including band, choir, drama club, etc., etc. If that is the case, then I would feel like the decision may have been made in the best interest of this cash strapped district. However, my experience has me believing that it is just the sports that have been cut. Math, English, Science, History (non-revisionist), and the like are vastly important in school. Band, Drama, Science club, Football, Tennis, etc. are equally as important. I have coached high school and middle school sports for more than 15 years, and the overwhelmingly vast majority of the kids I have coached are no where near standout athletes. In fact, most are not even necessarily good athletes, but all of them were taught responsibility, accountability, teamwork, work ethic, leadership, sportsmanship, and the value of hard work. Without these anchors of life being a part of their school experience, what will they turn to? more Xbox, more TV, less motivation, less school spirit, etc.? I wonder… These activities are as important as any of the academic studies these students have in their development. Keep the sports! Shut off the A/C and the lights when not needed. Pay students after school less money than the custodians to clean the rooms and do minor non-skilled maintenance. Be more creative than punitive!

      Report Post »  
  • iamgorilla
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:39pm

    It’s just more proof that the government cannot run ANYTHING outside of defence. This is why private schools flourish for the most part(UPS and Fex Ex) and public schools all over the country are constantly struggling to break even (the Postal Service).

    Report Post » iamgorilla  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:29pm

    La Raza studies to increase, Art and music to be expanded, diversity studies increased, gay lesbian studies jacked up,Free Breakfast , Free midmorning snacks,, Free Lunch,, Free midafternoon snacks, Free dinner,, Free after dinner mints.

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • bankerpapaw
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:24pm

    I am shocked! I thought athletics would be the last to go.

    Report Post »  
  • john koenig
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:08pm

    Our school district used to threaten this every single year if we turned down the ballot issue for teacher raises. Finally, we the parents responded that we would “pay to play.” ($600 per football player.) We all ponied up deposits and waited. The teachers union backed down and has never had the board threaten to cut sports again.

    Report Post » john koenig  
  • iamgorilla
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:57pm

    Is it too late to blame Bush’s No Child Left Behind?

    Report Post » iamgorilla  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:50pm

    .
    School Cancels Sports to “Pay for Throphies for Everybody”…………….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Shasta
      Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:53pm

      Trophies and lavish tax payer funded teach benefits.

      Report Post » Shasta  
    • NoRoomForSocialismHere
      Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:03pm

      Friday Night Lights
      I live in Midland Texas right in the middle of the Friday Night Lights of movie fame.
      A few years ago a 12 year old Jewish girl wrote in to the local idiot newspaper. She said she wanted them to stop playing football on Friday nights because her family lit candles for a religious Jew ceremony on Friday nights. She thought we, a Christian built nation should name Friday Night lights for her religion.
      I do however agree we should not pay for extreme sports or sporting events. Where are the character building scrub games on the corner lots, now thats American

      Report Post »  
  • NeoFan
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:35pm

    If you really care about those kids then shut down that government school and give the money to the parents to home school.

    Report Post »  
    • your sensei
      Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:46pm

      Don’t ike sports, eh? h0m0

      Report Post » your sensei  
    • NeoFan
      Posted on January 20, 2012 at 9:23pm

      @your sensitive: Playing sports has nothing to do with learning and has no place in any real school. Being the big sports fan you are explains why your such a moron. It also explains many of the riots in cities when their “team” wins. Now run along before I give you another a$$ woopin.

      Report Post »  
    • your sensei
      Posted on January 20, 2012 at 11:14pm

      NEOKLAN . . . Sports is one of the most positive influences a young person can have. it teaches goal-setting, discipline, team work. It puts the idea of personal human potential front and center in their lives. It is a universal language that transcends borders and language and national agendas. And it is the source of tremendous accomplishment for those participating and joy for those watching.

      The fact that you‘re a nancy boy who sucks at sports shouldn’t prevent you from seeing its value for others.

      Report Post » your sensei  
    • NeoFan
      Posted on January 21, 2012 at 11:44pm

      Ah yes “if the coach would have just put me in during the big game my life would have been different, I would be soaking it up in the hot tub with my soul mate” I need a time machine to go back to 1982.
      Everything about government schools is a disaster and sports are just another symptom. Parents beating each other to death over a stupid game and humiliating their kids. Ah yes just look at all the professional athletes we have to look up to. Been to any foot ball games in Europe lately?
      I think its fine if you find value in it but how about paying for it yourself instead of forcing everyone else to fund your socialism experiments?

      Report Post »  
    • your sensei
      Posted on January 22, 2012 at 10:27am

      NEOKLAN . . .Sorry to hear about your getting benched back in1982. That can be tough for a young boy. But now you‘re an old boy and it’s time to let it go. Sports a socialism experiment? Quite the contrary. It’s one of the few things left based on pure merit and ability – attributes that have apparently escaped you.

      Here. let me put it in terms you understand. There’s a story on The Blaze about a guy who shot himself in the head wit a nail gun. When I read that I think, “Wow, poor guy. He should have been more careful.Hope he comes out of it OK.”

      You think, “Ban nail guns!”

      Why do you hate America? Why would you cripple the small businesses who make and use mail guns? They are the job creators in this great land. You want to forbid the very things tat make America great. Wake up or you’ll get the nanny state you think you want.

      Report Post » your sensei  
  • TwoMinuteMan
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:27pm

    Last time i checked High School was about getting an education. Back in the day when i was in H.S. if you didnt have a good enough gpa you didnt play sports. Now budget hardships are pushing the limits of what a school can spend on non education activities, All of those lights and staff eat into budgets and while teamwork and sportsmanship are VERY important in life they aren‘t in the 3R’s.

    Report Post » TwoMinuteMan  
    • Shasta
      Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:56pm

      I believe it is important to balance a lot of hard work with a little fun. The hard work is gone because it is not fair to some students. Now the fun is gone too.

      Report Post » Shasta  
    • RichNGadsden
      Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:26pm

      It also cuts down on potential college scholarships for yes, only some. It drops the balance that sportsmanship, teamwork, through sports teaches and develops, not only for the players, but the students as they attend the games. Also, thought that these activities made money for the schools? They did when I was in school, but that was a very long time ago.

      Report Post » RichNGadsden  
  • jungle J
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:22pm

    sanity and true love for children prevaled!!!

    Report Post »  
    • john koenig
      Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:02pm

      @Jungle…Once again your hatred for sports shines through. We can’t help the fact that you were never picked for the team, nor can you understand the education kids receive through the discipline, sportsmanship and camaraderie sports demand.

      Report Post » john koenig  
  • godhatesacoward
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:20pm

    I know how Texans love their H.S. football. This will not go over well!

    Report Post » godhatesacoward  
    • TwoMinuteMan
      Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:32pm

      Schools who are pressured into continuing sports activities will probably be forced to raise ticket prices and team fees.

      Report Post » TwoMinuteMan  
  • Robert-CA
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:15pm

    How about turning off the AC or heater on the weekends for empty classrooms ?
    How about cutting down the food that kids won’t eat & ends up in the trash cans ?
    How about the school board people stop their personal lavish expenses when in fact the money should be spend only for school purposes .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • iamgorilla
      Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:00pm

      Smart ideas, but who do you negotiate with to make those kinds of moves? Hopefully not a UNION!

      Report Post » iamgorilla  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:14pm

    Good, kids are getting too many participation trophies. Now those kids can learn gay history, play inside, and never feel the disappointment of losing a game. Now if we can just get rid of testing, none of our kids will ever face heartache or loss.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • BlackCrow
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:09pm

    This might get me run out of Texas but…….’bout time.

    Report Post » BlackCrow  
  • CatB
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:08pm

    I wonder how many illegals they are educating? .. if they stopped that they could provide the services to the legal students.

    Report Post »  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on January 21, 2012 at 6:14am

      In Premont they probably have about 50% illegals. They don’t own property and pay no school taxes.
      The biggest problem is the requirement for the no student left behind testing. The teachers I know hate it. The quit teaching their courses and teach the students how to take the test.
      This can be blamed on Bush.

      OMG

      Report Post »  
    • Darlie
      Posted on January 28, 2012 at 1:20am

      More than 50%, I’m sure. When we left Texas we could hardly find an English speaking small town. Haven’t missed that a bit!

      Report Post »  
  • Zone Read
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:03pm

    Instead of screwing the kids, why not have the teachers start contributing towards their lavish benefits like we did here in Wisconsin?

    Report Post »  
    • Shasta
      Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:09pm

      I agree, and send the teachers in the rubber rooms home, without pay, or preferably fired.

      Report Post » Shasta  
    • Deb C
      Posted on January 20, 2012 at 7:11pm

      Oldest trick in the books. Put the squeeze on the kids so the kids squeeze the parents. Instead of screwing the taxpayer why don’t they start up their own sports teams/games ?

      Report Post » Deb C  
    • refereebrent
      Posted on January 20, 2012 at 8:34pm

      I teach in Houston and also officiate high school football there. As a teacher in Texas I can tell you our benefits are horrible. I pay $650 a month in insurance to cover my daughter and myself. To cover my whole family would cost over $1200 a month. I pay it, not my district. Plus, the insurance sucks! I am not griping (much!) I have a job. We do not have teachers unions in Texas,and I probably would not join if we did. I make much, much less than other places (less than $52K a year, and that is with a Masters degree). I teach because that is my calling.

      Report Post »  
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