barberton high school scoreboard
Barberton High School scoreboard at Rudy Sharkey Stadium. (Photo: Gene Simmons/Ohsfbmedia.com file)

BARBERTON, Ohio -- Beginning in the fall, Barberton High School will transition to pay-to-participate for middle and high school students after failing to pass a tax levy this past May. 

About 65% of voters rejected the levy, prompting the district to move forward with additional cost-saving measures, including staffing reductions and the implementation of participation fees. 

According to Barberton City School District, fee prices were listed in a letter sent to parents over the last week; high school athletes and marching band members will pay $100 per activity, while middle school athletes will pay $50 per sport. 

Furthermore, the district has set yearly limits of $200 for each high school student, $100 for every middle school student, and $500 for each household.

The district's financial difficulties have developed over several years. School officials cite lower state funding, inflation, property tax reform, and rising health care costs as the main factors. 

Earlier this year, officials in the district stated that previous financial forecasting errors led to the impression that there was significantly more money available than there truly was. Before the May election, they projected that if the levy did not pass, the district's deficit could exceed $11 million by the fiscal year 2030.

"The lack of funding, not only for our kids but for our teachers, you know, our teachers need a little more support, you know, our teachers need a little more support," said a concerned parent.