By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

FAIRFIELD - High school athletes will have to pay $630 per sport unless voters approve an operating levy Aug. 3.

That's the worst-case scenario outlined Thursday to Fairfield educators by leaders of PACE - Promoting Activities for a Complete Education. The group was given the go-ahead to run a pay-to-participate program in Fairfield schools last month.

All after-school activities were eliminated for the coming school year after a March levy defeat.

"We're hoping we're not in business Aug. 4,'' said Tom Spenceley, a PACE steering committee member. "We're strictly a safety net. Our primary goal is to assist with the levy effort."

Voters will be asked Aug. 3 to approve a 6.9-mill operating levy that would raise $9.1 million annually. Taxes would increase $211 a year on a $100,000 house. If approved, the pay-to-participate program would be dropped and all money collected to that point would be refunded.

Spenceley said the cost for all after-school activities for grades K-12 is about $965,000. Most of that will come from participation fees. About a dozen fund-raisers are planned to help defray the costs and to establish a $100,000 fund to assist students who can't afford the fees.

Grants of up to 80 percent would be available to students based on family size and income.

Fees for middle school athletes were set at $430. Those in marching band will pay $350. The cost for other middle and high school activities and clubs was set at $260 per activity.

Students in grades 1-6 will pay a flat $20 that allows them to participate in whatever activities are offered.

No refunds will be given unless a student didn't make a team during tryouts, Spenceley said. Students who are injured, quit the activity, transfer out of the district, don't play much or fail to meet academic eligibility won't be given refunds.

Information packets are to be ready within two weeks.