City Section facing $1.4 million in sports cuts

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It’s time to start figuring out a plan for the City Section sports program, which is facing a $1.4 million cutback for the next school year.

City Section Commissioner Barbara Fiege said Monday she has begun discussions on how to proceed.

‘What I hope and do believe is possible is that we can make the cuts needed or raise funds needed so that the opportunity for kids who are playing right now won’t be taken away to any large degree,’ she said.

Individual leagues could end up deciding whether to cut lower-level teams or coaching stipends. Money needs to be saved in transportation costs. Whatever is decided, 2010-11 is looking like a tough year for high school sports programs throughout the state.

‘The reality is because of the economy and budget restraints of the district, we can’t avoid it,’ Fiege said. ‘But can we be smart about it? Yes. Can we be efficient? Yes.’

-- Eric Sondheimer