Adviser’s Note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this opinion article belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views of The Colt Chronicle Staff, Kinnelon High School, or its students and staff members.
The total budget for the 2026-2027 school year is $51,476,943, with roughly $1.4 million going towards athletics. With these numbers, it is evident that the student body shouldn’t have to pay for an entry fee at football games.
Football is often one of the most expensive school sports, getting around 25% of the athletics budget, giving Kinnelon football around $350k for the season.
That money is mainly used to pay the head coach and three assistant coaches for both the varsity and junior varsity programs. It is also used for the football players to get 12 new helmets and new shoulder pads if necessary, which cost roughly $10,000 combined.
These purchases are not made annually, though. The equipment is sent out for reconditioning each year, but when things come back and cannot be made safe again, a purchase is made. Reconditioning is a yearly fee of roughly $5-$6k.
These are necessities to keep the program running smoothly and safely. The football booster club offsets much of the training equipment, and the numbers vary each year depending on what is needed to keep the program safe, so there is no fixed number as to whether the income has gone up or down. The Snack Shack is also run by the Football Booster Club, and they use money to provide for their program as well.
Over the course of a few years, the budget has increased and will continue to go up. The school already makes $500-$600 from the ticket booth, and the student body contributes less than 10% of that, so critics wonder if student fees are crucial for revenue.
Parents, family members, and opposing team supporters would all still have to pay the normal fee to enter the game. The money that’s coming from the student body is unnecessary, and you won’t be able to see a large decrease in income.
Some may argue that every bit of funding helps. Students should support school programs, and athletic budgets are rising. If every bit helps, why target students directly and not raise prices for other supporters? Students already contribute through school spirit and spending at games. The financial impact of removing student fees is minimal.
The student body already spends money on decorations for the stands, confetti poppers, and additional accessories that they choose to wear or bring. Many students also spend money on the snack stand to enjoy something during the game and at halftime, added on that most do not have a stable job for spending money during the football season.
Charging students may discourage participation in school events and having the experience of the football games. The small costs can add up over the season, especially over the 4 years of high school that they attend.
