After a recent Okeechobee County School Board meeting, during which the board members voted 3-2 to enact a policy allowing them to charge participation fees of students who are not enrolled in public school, parents whose families could be affected expressed disappointment. 

Many of these individuals discovered that the Glades County School Superintendent, Dr. Alice Beth Barfield, was 100% against this policy and strongly encouraged board members to vote it down. In a post on Facebook, she made her views clear, and this post has been shared by many in the Okeechobee community.

I apologize for the long post…. But ask that you read in its entirety to understand my stance on this issue. 

 

Recent changes to Florida law through Senate Bill 538 amended Section 1006.15, Florida Statutes, authorizing school districts to assess activity fees for students participating in athletics and extracurricular activities, including eligible private school students who participate in public school athletic programs.

 

After careful consideration and prayer, I will NOT be recommending that the Glades County School Board implement participation fees for student athletics or extracurricular activities.

 

As Superintendent, I strongly believe in public education and the mission of our public schools. I also strongly believe in parental choice. Parents know their children best and have the right and responsibility to choose the educational environment they believe is most appropriate for their child's individual needs. I respect those choices and support parents in making the decisions they feel are in the best interest of their families.

 

At the same time, I want families to know that we are deeply proud of the Glades County School District. While no school system is perfect, we are an A-rated school district that provides an outstanding educational experience for our students. Our teachers, administrators, support staff, and school leaders work tirelessly every day to create opportunities for every student's success, and we hope families choose Glades County Schools because of the quality education, opportunities, and support we provide.

 

Regardless of where a student attends school, I believe public education has a responsibility to serve all children. I want every child in our community to succeed. When students are involved in athletics, clubs, fine arts, and other extracurricular activities, they develop important life skills, build relationships, strengthen their connection to their community, and are more likely to make positive choices both in and out of school.

 

While the new law provides districts with the option to charge participation fees, and while doing so could provide some financial benefit to the district, I do not view this as a financial decision. I view it as a decision about children and opportunities. My concern is not the potential revenue that could be generated, but rather ensuring that no student is discouraged from participating because of an additional financial barrier.

 

Although the district must always be mindful of its financial obligations and responsibilities to taxpayers, some decisions are larger than dollars and cents. This is one of those decisions. In a district the size as Glades County, this decision is what is best for us at this time. 

 

Some may ask, "How will the district absorb the additional costs associated with athletics and extracurricular activities if participation fees are not assessed?"

 

The answer is simple: we will do what Glades County has always done—we will find a way to make it happen for our students.

 

We will continue to pursue sponsorships, partnerships, donations, grants, and fundraising opportunities to support our athletic programs and extracurricular activities. Our community has always stepped up when it comes to investing in our children, and I am confident that spirit will continue. 

 

In Glades County, we do not look for reasons why something cannot be done. We look for ways to make it happen. Our students are worth that effort, and we remain committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of opportunity.

 

Individuals, businesses, and community organizations interested in supporting our athletic programs are encouraged to contact Superintendent Beth Barfield at beth.barfield@glades-schools.org. Every contribution helps create opportunities for our students and strengthens the future of our community.

 

More than anything, I want children to be children. I want them to enjoy their childhood, build friendships, compete, learn teamwork, and create memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Not every child grows up in a financially stable home, and not every family has the ability to absorb additional athletic participation fees or activity costs. I never want a student to miss out on an opportunity because of their family's financial circumstances.

 

Here in Glades County, we are committed to doing what is best for students. While participation fees may generate additional revenue, our focus must remain on providing opportunities, removing barriers, and ensuring that every child has the chance to participate, belong, and thrive. When we invest in our children, we invest in the future of our community.

 

Our schools should continue to provide opportunities for students to learn, compete, lead, and grow. Whether a student attends a public school or is eligible to participate under Florida law, I want every child to have access to experiences that help them develop into successful, productive citizens.

 

As this matter moves forward, I encourage community members to make their voices heard. The Glades County School Board will discuss this topic during its meeting on June 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Individuals who wish to advocate for or against participation fees will have an opportunity to address the Board during public comment.

 

Public education works best when the community is engaged, and I welcome parents, students, staff, and community members to attend and share their perspectives as the Board considers this issue.

 

At the end of the day, this decision is not about fees. It is about children. It is about ensuring that every student in Glades County has the opportunity to participate, belong, and enjoy the experiences that make childhood special. That is what is best for students, and that is why I will not recommend participation fees.

Okeechobee County Schools recognizes that athletics play an important role in the lives of students and families throughout our community. We are proud to provide athletic opportunities that support teamwork, discipline, school spirit, and student growth, and we value the participation of all eligible tudents who take part in those programs.

 

The decision to establish a fee schedule for private school students who participate in district athletic programs was made in response to recent legislation and after carefully considering the costs associated with maintaining those programs. Public school athletic programs require significant ongoing investment, including coaching supplements, as well as transportation, equipment, and utilities costs among others. These costs are borne by the District and paid through revenue received for student enrollment.

 

In some cases, private schools may not operate certain athletic programs of their own, and students from those schools are able to access opportunities through Okeechobee County Schools. The fee schedule is intended to help offset a portion of the costs associated with providing those opportunities in a way that is fair, transparent, and fiscally responsible.

 

This decision should not be viewed as a reflection of any diminished support for private school students, families, or institutions. Okeechobee County Schools values the many educational partners that serve children in our community, including private schools and home education families. Our district remains committed to maintaining respectful, collaborative relationships with all community partners.

 

We also recognize that any decision involving student activities and family costs can raise questions and concerns. While we have not yet published a fee schedule, we will ensure that any schedule is sensitive to family needs. The District will continue to communicate clearly, listen respectfully, and work to ensure that athletic programs remain well-managed, financially responsible, and supportive of student participation.

 

Okeechobee County Schools appreciates the continued support of our families and community as we work together to provide meaningful opportunities for students while responsibly managing the resources entrusted to the District to educate its students.