[FreeTally]

You make some good points, but I'd disagree with removing competitive sports. A great deal of lessons are learned and character is built through participation in competitive sports. As longs as we are going to have forced public education, I think athletics are an essential part.

[jeremiah]

I agree with you about sports, but competitive sports take large monies, and limit participation. Football will only attract a certain amount of players, but cost all taxpayers. I still remember the Boys Clubs having football teams after schools. It cost only those that want to play, and they could make up the price of uniforms etc, with drives and pay admittance. Lessons can be learned by rec leagues within school days, and before and after school. I too enjoyed the school spirit etc, but the money saved by cutting these sports is tremendous.

[nfldgirl]

As longs as we are going to have forced public education, I think athletics are an essential part.

Why not have intramurals, and then possibly, championship playoffs with all-star teams or the best of intramurals teams...this would cut way back on the ridiculous amounts of money spent on school athletics...money that could best be spent elsewhere, IMHO.