Hamilton County School Board members approved a significant fee increase for the Tyner Academy cheerleading program Thursday evening, raising costs from $500 to $1,900 per student.
The 280 percent increase was requested by Principal Rashaad Williams after the school changed cheer coaches and received parent feedback about expanding the program.
Principal Williams told board members the original $500 fee was approved earlier in the spring semester, but new coaching leadership and parent input changed the program's direction.
The fee increase covers two major additions to the cheerleading program: cheer camp participation and year-round tumbling gym membership for team members.
Principal Williams said these were the primary requests from parents looking to enhance the program's offerings.
Chief Financial Officer Mary Ellen Heuton noted in her recommendation to the board that the revised fee aligns with what other Hamilton County middle and high schools charge for their cheerleading programs this school year.
Board member Karitsa Jones expressed concern about the financial impact on families during the meeting discussion. "I just want to make sure that in the request we are trying to figure out if there's a hardship for students. How are they gonna handle that? That's a lot of money. That's more than my sorority dues," Ms. Jones said.
The fee increase takes effect for the upcoming school year. The board's approval allows Tyner Academy to charge the revised amount to students participating in the cheerleading program.