The athletics department has plans to help the budget. We were able to talk to Pete Lango about the athletics department making cuts. What else could be cut was also covered.

When asked about cuts to the athletics department, Lango replied, “We have had to cut our budget by more than half.” This is most likely the reason for the possible cut of the water polo team. Lango added to this, saying, “Water polo was cut for budgetary reasons, When the water polo program was compared to other programs, the cost per athlete was significantly higher than other sports.” The board will voting on whether or not to cut the program.

Lango was also asked about other programs being looked at to be cut, he replied, “All of them are.” Although all programs are being looked into being cut, this doesn’t guarantee any more programs will be cut. We asked about possible changes to coach stipends (what they are paid to coach). Lango said, “There are talks that everything may be reduced. All that stuff is on the table.”

P.E. uniforms have always been provided by Taft High. Most schools make their students purchase P.E. uniforms. We wanted to see if that was going to be a possibility in the future. Lango replied, “They’ve talked about it, but we haven’t firmed that up as being a possibility.” For the time being, students’ P.E. uniforms will be provided. Stay tuned for additional updates after Tuesday’s Board meeting.