Why parents in Fort Mill School District will soon pay more for sports
Families in the Fort Mill School District will soon pay higher fees to participate in sports.
The school board on Tuesday voted to raise sports fees for the first time in about 15 years in order to pay coaches higher stipends. The cost for middle and high school sports will increase this fall from $100 to $150.
The fee will apply to each sport a high school student plays but only the first two sports for middle school students.
Band students will also pay higher fees.
If cost is a barrier, Chief Financial Officer Leanne Lordo said families should contact their athletic director so the school can cover the fee.
At last month’s meeting, Lordo said increasing the fee will bring in an additional $46,250 at the middle school level and $151,100 at the high school level. Money raised through fees will go entirely to coaching staff.
Cori Hustedt, the director of student services, said the district trails the state average stipend for every sport.
“This is not a money making business for us. This is, we’re trying to keep up with the quality athletics that our community demands of us and are able to keep our coaches,” Hustedt told the board during a previous meeting on May 20.
Fort Mill names firm to conduct Silfab environmental assessment
The board also unveiled its partnership with Citadel EHS, an environmental health and safety firm that will conduct an assessment on the controversial Silfab Solar facility.
Citadel EHS health and safety specialist and Fort Mill resident Julie Wojnowski said her team will deliver “an in-depth, transparent evaluation” of the health risks posed by the solar cell manufacturing plant, which is slated to open next door to Flint Hill Elementary School.
Citadel will look at air permits, chemical inventory, emergency response protocols and other information relating to Silfab’s operations. Then, the consultants will recommend policies and procedures the district can implement to support student safety. Citadel EHS can also help with ongoing monitoring.
The company has served a number of high-profile clients in California, including Los Angeles Unified School District, California Institute of Technology and the University of California Los Angeles.
“Often, our work takes place in settings just like this: under immense scrutiny, where trust, clear information and sound science are essential,” Wojnowski said.
The district revealed it was looking for an independent environmental assessment in April after pediatric health experts raised concerns about Silfab’s proximity to Flint Hill, the new school opening this fall. The Southeast Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit warned the district the types and quantities of chemicals used by Silfab warrant closer examination by an outside party.
Wojnowski said Silfab wants to collaborate and has invited Citadel EHS to tour its facility.
This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
