Pinellas County Schools will introduce athletic fees for middle and high school students starting in the 2026-2027 academic year.
The fee will be $50 per sport, according to PCS athletic director Marc Allison. There will also be a $200 cap per family.
“When we had our Listen and Learn athletic meetings, we heard from our communities about the desire to add student experiences,” he explained. “With the rising cost of officials, transportation, uniforms and equipment, it becomes very difficult to start adding student experiences without finding other ways to support them.”
Additionally, PCS plans to upgrade facilities to be more competitive with private educational institutions.
Allison added that many surrounding counties already have “pay to participate” fees. The PCS Athletics team researched other schools in the process.
Pasco County requires parents to pay $80 for the first sport and $50 for a second. It also has a max of $200 per family. Hernando County requires $50 for the first sport and $30 for a second.
By adding opportunities, this can have a profound impact on students – especially those who are in middle school.
“We know that building a solid foundation in basics and fundamentals at lower levels and younger ages,” he said, “will enhance our programs at the higher levels.”
PCS plans to add middle school boys and girls’ soccer, middle school girls’ volleyball (grades 6 and 7), high school boys varsity volleyball, high school girls volleyball (grade 9) and high school girls competitive cheer.
Students who are engaged early in school have better academic success rates and develop life-long social skills, Allison explained. Sports programs can help provide that experience.
Pinellas County Schools athletes are also thriving on the field. He said that local teams have become state champions.
“We understand that it’s about repetition and skill development,” Allison explained. “All of that is going to enhance our opportunities to approve upon the excellent work that we’re already doing.”
The primary operating cost, excluding the proposed expansion, is $5.2 million. This has increased, he added, “significantly” over time.
Allison said that fees may be waived for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. However, financial assistance specifics have not yet been solidified.
“We want to remove those barriers,” he explained. “The last thing anybody wants is to make it difficult for our kids to participate. We want to make sure we have options for them.”
For more than a decade, Pinellas families have been required to pay accident insurance for their student athletes. This will remain the same, Allison added, and will not be covered by the participation fee.
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