NM budget problems could eliminate prep athletics

From the Santa Fe NewMexican.com - With Santa Fe Public Schools facing a large budget shortfall, the issue of how it will affect athletics is beginning to percolate. Cuts to next year's school budget are projected to be around $13 million, and SFPS athletic director Skip Hemperley said the district could severely reduce his budget — or possibly eliminate the department. Hemperley emphasized that all options are being considered. "As it was explained at a meeting in the fall, everything is on the table," Hemperley said. "So it's a true aspect that they will take look at it (eliminating athletics). So, it's possible." The athletic department budget for the 2010-11 school year is $999,999, which is less than the $1.3 million allocated for 2009-10 and $1.8 million in 2008-09. The budget encompasses funding for all sanctioned high school and middle school sports programs, as well as coaching stipends, transportation and equipment. SFPS already eliminated funding for bus transportation for middle school athletic events in May, and middle school athletics have faced elimination for the past two years. One option the school district explored the past two years — developing an intramural middle school program with the City of Santa Fe — is no longer possible, Hemperley said, because the city is in a budget crunch as well. Read more

NM budget problems could eliminate prep athletics