I merely opened this thread to bring attention to a current problem. I know there are a lot of passionate basketball fans that would be willing to help a worthy cause to see that these players get a small reward for their efforts. Nobody said that the overall education system isn't in the same condition, it's a tough economy for everybody. I'm sure there were those that would have been willing to do the same for the football programs had they been made aware of it. If you don't put it out there no one knows about it. What better way than right here on this forum?

 

Actually, I agree completely. I love the fact that the community is coming together and raising funds to take the financial burden off of the players' families. My concern was with how in the thread title, Covington Schools was painted as a district that can't afford the rings, when in fact, very few districts provide them. I just don't really think it is fair to put the district in such a negative light, especially when we all seem to be celebrating a great win by one of schools within this district.

 

That said, I'll be putting the word out to some people in my office to see if we can scrape a few bucks together to add to the cause.

This issue is a political minefield. If the public Board of Education expends funds like this, it will almost certainly be criticized - heck, even if the funds are PRIVATELY raised, there may be criticism (see "Highlands purchases turf for field using private funds" as the precedent). On the other hand, once the solicitation for funds is sent out, you get something like "the sorry state of the Covington School System".

 

I think I could find reasons to praise, or criticize, every school system in the state. A decision by a school system to not only not use taxpayer funds, but to invite participation by alumni and fans, is not a decision I would ever think merits criticism.

 

Having said that, I am 100 percent certain that the funds will be privately raised to pay for the rings. I also think that with a few well placed phone calls this could have been done without any publicity or fanfare.

I'm down with donating, these boys deserve it. Come on people lets get these boys the hardware they deserve to keep with them forever.

Checks should be made payable to the "Tom Ellis Foundation" and sent to the attention of Sherry Boone at the Covington Independent Schools, 25 E. 7th Street, Covington, Kentucky 41011

 

I will throw a few shekels into the fund in honor of the Bulldogs and in honor of how many times Mr. Ellis put me in the penalty box at Bluegrass Swim Club.

This issue is a political minefield. If the public Board of Education expends funds like this, it will almost certainly be criticized - heck, even if the funds are PRIVATELY raised, there may be criticism (see "Highlands purchases turf for field using private funds" as the precedent). On the other hand, once the solicitation for funds is sent out, you get something like "the sorry state of the Covington School System".

 

I think I could find reasons to praise, or criticize, every school system in the state. A decision by a school system to not only not use taxpayer funds, but to invite participation by alumni and fans, is not a decision I would ever think merits criticism.

 

Having said that, I am 100 percent certain that the funds will be privately raised to pay for the rings. I also think that with a few well placed phone calls this could have been done without any publicity or fanfare.

 

Our check is in the mail. It's not huge - but hopefully it will count. I'm so proud of this team.

100 bucks say's that if (and that's a big if) Elliott Co. had won. Elliott County schools probably would have bought them rings and new cars....

Well I guarantee they would have gotten new rings at least.

I thought all players had to buy their own rings? No matter what team they played for..

I was surprised to learn that most schools require the parents/kids to buy their own championship rings. I can certainly understand how this would be true in Covington with the financial challenges the system is having. It would be poor form to spend $5k or so on rings.

 

So, the community needs to step up.

What the heck does this have to do with the state of Covington schools? I had to pay for my sons state ring and heard nothing about the state of our schools. Do I support a private fund being created to help with the expense? Sure do. But I don't see how that has anything to do with the state of the schools. Do any schools provide state rings?

What the heck does this have to do with the state of Covington schools? I had to pay for my sons state ring and heard nothing about the state of our schools. Do I support a private fund being created to help with the expense? Sure do. But I don't see how that has anything to do with the state of the schools. Do any schools provide state rings?

 

Exactly the point I was trying to make with my posts in this thread. :thumb:

I don't think EZ Living meant the post to sound as it did. School's used to be able to provide uniforms, shoes, etc without a cost to the parents. ( I do know of one private school that also got uniforms/warm ups donated in the late 90's at no charge). Many school districts cannot afford to pay for this anymore. Championship ring's are either paid for by the parent's or private donation's.

Didn't the players get State Finalist rings last year? I seem to remember seeing several of the players wearing a ring at the banquet they had two weeks ago at Covcath.

I don't know if the team who was runner-up get's at ring. I also do not know who paid for it if they did. The only thing I know is I made a donation this year to the Tom Ellis Foundation for the 2009 Varsity Bulldog's.

Do any schools provide state rings?

 

Its my understanding that the CCH boosters paid for the 06 rings.

Its my understanding that the CCH boosters paid for the 06 rings.

 

That still didn't come out of school funds.