Athletes for Cassopolis Public Schools will be asked to pay $100 to play sports next season.

During the regular meeting of the Cassopolis Public Schools’ Board of Education Monday evening, board members voted 6-1 in favor of athletes paying the one-time annual fee.

Athletes interested in playing any school team sports will be required to pay the $100 to participate during the 2012-2013 academic year.

After a string of special meetings throughout the past weeks, several options were presented to the board for cutting next year’s budget, among those being that athletes pay a fee to play.

“This fee is for one year and for multiple sports,” George Calvert, board treasurer, said.

According to Tricia Gaideski, director of finance, the $100 will increase revenue and cut back on the athletic budget.

“Having pay-to-play offsets the athletic budget and keeps us from having to cut entire sports that are offered,” Gaideski said.

“Instead of us having to cut a sport that receives less participation, we are able to offer all of the sports, as well as the extra curriculars.”

Board President Christine Locke clarified during the meeting that the fee must be paid before student athletes step onto the practice field.

“For fall sports, that falls around the first week in August,” Locke said.

According to Gaideski, the issue will be revisited next year when budget preparations are discussed again. Currently, several other factors are being discussed toward cutting the school district’s budget for the next school year. The district must submit their budget to the state by June 30.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 25 at Ross Beatty Junior/Senior High School.