Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) has implemented several cost-savings measures this school year related to athletic programming for high school students. The changes focus on a consistent use of athletics funding resources while maintaining strong athletic programs for CCPS students. High school athletic directors and administrators were notified of the changes.
CCPS has limited scrimmages for all sports teams to two per season. This helps to reduce CCPS transportation costs related to team travel. Additionally, athletic contests/events are now required to be scheduled within a 50-mile radius of the home school in order for CCPS to cover the transportation of students. High schools are now responsible for covering the transportation of students for any athletic trips that fall outside of this radius.
The transportation guidelines do not apply to Southern Maryland Athletic Conference (SMAC) conference games or Maryland Public Secondary Schools Association (MPSSA) playoff competitions.
For students on golf and/or swim teams, CCPS will continue to transport students from school to the practice locations. Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation home from the practice site.
CCPS has also eliminated high school freshmen basketball programs. All high schools typically have a junior varsity and varsity team, which is consistent with other sports across fall, winter and spring seasons.
CCPS has also limited travel for cheerleading squads, including restricting basketball cheer to attend home games only.
To help offset travel costs associated with athletic competitions that fall on non-school days, such as on Saturdays, coaches can request that parents/guardians arrange transportation to and from competition venues. CCPS coaches are not permitted at any time to transport any student athletes (unless the student is their child).
CCPS may implement additional cost-savings measures related to athletics while maintaining student participation. Questions about CCPS athletic programs should be directed to the Office of School Administration and Leadership at 301-932-6610.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).