By Megan Boatwright, Local News 8 Reporter
In anticipation of state wide public school budget cuts Madison High School is already taking big steps to cut costs.
Beginning in 2010, what was once a 5A sports program will be 4A.
"Our senior class enrollment was below our usual numbers this year," said Madison High School Principal Roger Hampton.
The numbers are ever changing, but in order to play 5A the district needs at least 1,280 students.
In the 2008-2009 School Year the district has 1,276 students enrolled.
Because the figures are so close Madison School District could have continued playing 5A sports, but this year economic factors come to play.
"At this point we're also looking at the financial reasons to go 4A," said the principal.
5A teams travel as far as Twin Falls for games costing the district $1,100 per round trip.
Under the 4A schedule, teams wouldn't travel farther than Pocatello, saving the district over $600 per trip.
"We'll be able to set up our schedule with more local teams instead of traveling to Twin Falls or the Boise area," said Hampton.
Sports aren't the only programs currently on the chopping block. According to Principal Hampton state wide school budget cuts will affect many programs at the high school.
"Programs not tied to the Activities Association probably won't be able to function as an organization or travel. There's just no money," said the principal.
There are advantages to going 4A. "I think kids will be excited to play teams like Hillcrest, Bonneville and Rigby which are already rivals," said Madison High School Athletic Director, Glenn Romney. "When we play conference games against those teams will intensify that rivalry."
The Scholastic Team, Future Farmers of America, Business Professionals of America and other vocational programs are several other Madison High School programs losing district funding next year.
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