Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1349911
13 Wyoming has always been a state where people take pride in our commitment to each other as community members and neighbors and where supporting student learning opportunities and achievement have been given top priority. As of this writing, two bills have threatened to cut funding for student activities – HB 89 proposed a 50% cut, and HB 129 proposed a 100% cut. Each bill essentially tells districts: You want your kids playing sports and participating in extracurricular activities? Good luck in finding the money to pay for that. is will force districts to either cut student activities in whole or in part or push costs onto families who will have to pay fees for each activity in which their kids participate. A wealth of research shows the positive impact extracurricular activities like speech and debate, drama, sports, choir, and band have on student learning, wellness, and overall success in life. A research article published in 2019 by Cornell University shows that extracurricular activities significantly impact student learning and achievement. John Fabela, WEA Treasurer and Band Director at Powell Middle School and High Schools, points out that extracurricular activities provide incentives for students to keep their grades up because they want to be eligible to play sports and participate in activities. Further, John says, "Many extracurricular activities become pathways to future careers. Not every athlete will grow up to be a Josh Allen, but some will— and others will become coaches, teachers, musicians, sports journalists, artists, or any one of a number of professions that flow from their extracurricular activities in school." With this proposed legislation, we should all be worried about the inequities defunding or underfunding student activities will create. Buddy Red Bow is a middle school Health & Physical Education teacher at Lander Middle School. He has been coaching in Lander for 13 years. Buddy says, "I fear cutting funding for student activities will have a devastating effect on our state. Especially in Fremont County where we have huge disparities of income, many students will have to stop participating in sports or other activities because their families can't afford to pay activity fees or other costs such as for uniforms." Currently, participation in Lander athletics requires students to pay a $20 fee. Even that amount is a barrier for some students because their families can't afford to pay. is barrier to entry is a disservice to overall student success because, as Buddy points out, "When students participate in sports, they are learning important skills that prepare them for life: teamwork, problem-solving, perseverance, resiliency, and respect for others." Charli Fluty, a WEA member who teaches Physical Education at Powell High School and is the Volleyball coach at Powell Middle School, worries that cuts to funding for student activities will have devastating consequences for kids. ey will be denied opportunities either because programs will be cut or because their families cannot take on the additional burden of student activity fees. Charli further points out, "We want to provide opportunities for all students in Wyoming. We can't do that by making it impossible for districts to provide those opportunities." According to the Wyoming High School Activities Association, more than 25,000 students participate in school athletics and activities – 13,019 boys and 12,230 girls. Which of these students should we deny the true enjoyment, the powerful learning, and the essential life lessons that come from their participation in student activities? Wyomingites know the answer: Not one! For student activity funding to be protected, it will take parents, educators, and students, making their concerns known to their elected representatives. WEA members have the support of their Association to make their voices heard – keep an eye on your inbox and on WEA's social media platforms to stay up-to-date on opportunities to lobby or cyber-lobby to protect student activities. "We want to provide opportunities for all students in Wyoming. We can't do that by making it impossible for districts to provide those opportunities." Student Activities Protecting