Budget Cuts Affect Clubs

Many students have already expressed their exasperation with teachers being riffed (hyperlink to Meredith’s Buckles story) because of budget cuts, but another step the school will have to take to save money next year is cutting funding to clubs.

Business club is one club that will be affected by the cuts. It sponsor, Computer Keyboarding teacher Kristine Sherrick, says that the future of the club is unknown. “Members are still attempting to determine whether or not the club will exist and if so, what the club will be involved in next year,” she said.

The club puts on a well- known planner fundraiser and the Mr. Urbana pageant every year. If the club goes under, it is likely that the events will be able to continue, according to Sherrick.

“The planners will still be in place for next year,” she said of the fundraiser. “Teachers in the Business Department are going to use the planner for fundraising for employer appreciation luncheons… The planners help students to be organized and ultimately experience success at UHS.” As for Mr. Urbana, Sherrick says that student senate would probably continue it.

The budget that the club gets goes to a sponsor stipend and purchases the club makes. Such purchases go towards Mr. Urbana, homecoming and t-shirts.

If business club goes under, its members will surely be affected. “Less opportunities to participate in clubs of interest,” Sherrick says. “Members of the Business Club have the opportunity to choose items to be involved in for each year. That involvement and creativity will be lost.”

Business club is not alone in the cuts. Art clubs is likely going to have its budget cut as well, but was not available to comment.

Although, Green Tigers does not get funding from the school, there is a chance that it will not continue next year too. “Student interest is way down, I am afraid the club will need to close!” said Matthew Sly, sponsor of the club.

So, UHS, if you want to keep your favorite club alive showing support for it is your best bet. However, the forecast doesn’t look too bright, the budget cuts are mandatory- and the results aren’t fun.