THE ISSUE   Tighter and tighter budgets have forced schools to shift financial resources away from extracurricular activities.

OUR VIEW   Despite tough economic times, residents and parents should be commended for helping to provide a well-rounded education.

Imagine if your local school district had to cancel one of its music or athletic programs. How would you feel if your child finally made it into high school only to find that his or her favorite extracurricular activity was eliminated over the summer?

Many school districts have been compelled to divert financial resources away from sports, music and other programs as they’ve tightened their belts when it comes to their budgets. Extracurricular activities add a great deal to the academic experience for students, but when push comes to shove, what’s needed for them to succeed in the classroom is most important.

Fortunately, some school districts are getting a helping hand from parents and community members. Booster clubs have raised much-needed funds so schools can maintain programs that otherwise would be curtailed.

All-Stars Boosters raised about $180,000 in the past year for athletic programs at Geneva Community Unit School District 304, where about 900 young people participate in sports. The boosters club is essential to making sure these athletes have what they need.

Pat Hofstetter, president of All-Sports Boosters, said the group strives to ensure that many athletic activities are funded, not merely the most popular sports, like football and baseball. For some programs, this is crucial to their survival.

Jim Kafer, athletic director at Geneva High School, said that because of All-Stars Boosters, the school has been able to add athletic programs in the last several years without putting a crimp on the budget.

A sour economy would be a good excuse for people to cut back on anything that isn’t vital to keep their households running. But many people continue to support groups like All-Sports Boosters, and this is a positive sign. It means athletes at our local schools will continue to flourish.