UXBRIDGE – This week’s rally in the state capitol helped push for a bipartisan bill that would make school meals free for children.Some educators believe the move is just the beginning I’m here.
“When you put a financial barrier between that child and that opportunity, you’re robbing them of potential,” says Uxbridge Superintendent Mike Baldasser.
He calls on districts to abolish royalties for children to participate in sports and clubs. Uxbridge schools scrapped tuition fees last year and budgeted to keep the move up this year.
Baldassarre said that even if the children’s financial situation is not their fault, some children are unable to participate because of the cost of participation. Extracurricular activities can be successful or unsuccessful in getting students into the college of their choice.
“When we submit it for a college application or a job application or for a school experience, we are responsible for it,” Baldasare believes. We’re poking in. Some kids want prom costs, dance costs, yearbooks, some kids want class rings, some kids can’t get them, we’ll do what we can Please allow access to the system that needs it. ”
The Uxbridge Schools Commission spearheaded this change last year. Debbie Stark is on that committee and she has several children in the school system. Although she can afford to pay her bills, she believes that having other children with whom she cannot play and interact with her will stunt her child’s development.
“I want my children to experience as many different people as possible,” Stark added. You may not have even taken the step to get involved. [about joining a sport or club.] They worry that their families won’t be able to support it. ”
“My kids play hockey, basketball, track and tennis,” said Janice Ouellet, a parent of three who attend school in Uxbridge. “It would cost him three times as much to register all three at the same time.”
Uxbridge schools receive additional funding from the state, but Baldassarre said any school district can budget. School districts face opposition from parents who want to pay because they believe they will get a better program overall.
“My answer is that it is our responsibility to deliver a great program,” argues Baldassarre.