Mokena Junior High Administration, Parents Talk Pay To Play

The day after the , held an open meeting for parents to learn what the new program means for students interested in activities and sports.

In a handout given to everyone in attendance at the meeting, and also available at the school's website, MJHS administration outlined the cost of each activity and sport the school will offer for the remainder of the year. The most costly sport on the sheet was girls and boys basketball, which will cost $308 per student. The most costly activity will be student council, which will have an $88 participation fee for students who are elected.

About 100 parents attended the meeting, which outlined costs of participation, season length and what offerings MJHS will have this school year.

“We've been working on this for quite a long time, to try and find some way to bring these activities to [the school's] students,” MJHS principal Mike Rolinitis said.

Fees for all activities and sports were chosen based on a formula using last year's costs, after which 5 percent more was added to cover any additional expenses that may arise. Items taken into account included pay stipends for coaches, entry fees for leagues and tournaments, transportation, game workers and supplies.

“We're not trying to make money on this. We just want to get our costs paid,” Rolinitis said.

For the parents in attendance, the reinstatement of sports and activities was a welcomed event, said MJHS parent Trisha Hanson, although she said there are some questions still.

“I like it, I have a daughter that wants to play, so I'm all for [pay for play],” she said. “She plays club team, so we pay for that, so we might as well pay for this. … Not knowing how many games we're going to play, I don't know [if the cost is fair].”

Although there was positive feedback from the meeting, Rolinitis said, the success of the pay-for-play plan hinges on two big things.

“Our big concerns now are getting a season for everything and getting enough people to sign up. If we get those things, we'll be in good shape,” he said.