A Denver public school finds its sports money anywhere it can: a little here, a little there and occasionally a big assist from the professionals.
DPS gets more than $100,000 from Denver’s major sports teams to subsidize middle school athletics and build athletes who can feed into programs like George Washington’s. The rest involves a scramble.
Denver central administration pays for sports transportation. George Washington also received about $23,000 for equipment, uniforms and basic supplies, and another $137,000 to pay about 43 coaches.
A key variable is the $60 participation fee per season. About 60 percent of a school’s fees goes to central administration, which DPS athletic director Karen Higel then parcels back to schools seeking extra junior varsity teams or special items.
Each school keeps 40 percent — about $14,000 a year for George Washington. Any extras in this tight budget come from fundraising, which school athletic director Douglas Tucker estimates raised “a few thousand dollars” last year. Students pumped up last year’s efforts by manning concession booths at the Democratic National Convention.
Athletics are a crucial balance at George Washington, known for a rigorous International Baccalaureate academic program. Sports are a break from study and a useful lure for those who don’t want to study.
DPS believes the spending and number of games are about right, Higel said.
Michael Booth
Total budget: $6.7 million.
Athletics and activities: About $213,000 from district for equipment and supplies, coaches and game officials. School keeps 40 percent of participation fees, for about $14,000. Fundraising is a few thousand dollars each year.
Enrollment: 1,600.
Intangible: Urban school districts see the minimum GPA requirement for athletics as a key tool in retaining and improving students.
