MHS does not withhold education from a student based upon race, sex, gender, economic status or any other qualifier. This sense of equality, however, is not extended to the school budget.

Recent investigations into the allocation of funds to MHS’ athletic teams revealed a blatant favor towards specific sports, as well as stark differences between the amounts given to male and female teams of the same sport.

According to the Activities Budget from the 2005-06 school year, the boys basketball team spent $17,009.15, while the amount given to the girls tennis team was $1,016.89.

One would have to live under a gigantic, soundproof rock to not realize that boys basketball receives more community support and hype than girls tennis. However, the school should not treat female tennis players with less importance simply because of the sporting preferences of the population of McPherson.

Adult supporters of MHS athletics have the opportunity to extend their financial support through the Athletic Booster Club; therefore, the amounts of money coming from the school should not drastically vary from activity to activity.

Granted, all activities have different requirements. It makes logical sense that football equipment would cost more than a cross country uniform. Despite this concession, however, there is no reason why one sport should receive $16,000 less than another.

The root of the issue is equality. This school system takes pride in the wide variety of activities it has available; activities that allow students of all shapes and sizes to express themselves through athletics, fine arts, public speaking, communications, construction and numerous other venues.

The budget tells another story. It places a ranking upon these different activities, and upon the students themselves. Although the adults of McPherson may champion a star athlete, it does not mean that he loves to compete more than a devoted Scholars Bowl member. It is the responsibility of the school leaders to acknowledge this fact and extend an unbiased attitude to the budget.

McPherson’s annual migration to Topeka reflects the priorities of the school and community. Basketball players were put up in hotels; cheerleaders received 12 dollars a day for two meals and stayed in a hotel, while pep band members rode the bus to and from Topeka for four days in a row, receiving a mere 5 dollars a day for two meals.

This issue does not derive from the student body. In fact, if a board of student representatives came together to separate the budget, the result would likely be a more fair distribution of resources.

Although the community of McPherson has every right to have its favorite pastimes, district administration and leaders should be expected to treat all activities and students with an enlightened regard as a result of their higher level training in the field of administration.