Principal Brian Wiskur announced March 31 that seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA can pay a fee of $750 to finish their senior year before spring break.

The announcement came in response to a significant budget deficit.

Wiskur said the power outage March 31 was an unfortunate example of the school’s lack of funding.

“We were short on funds to pay for the electricity bill, so we got an extension from Consumers last Monday,” Wiskur said.  “I guess when they say an extension of a week, they really mean a week.”

The revenue raised through the program will go into the school’s general fund, so it can be used for whatever needs arise.

Assistant Principal Matt Moore said that this plan has several positive consequences.

“First and foremost, this will bring in the money that we need to operate the school,” Moore said.  “But it will also aide in instruction as well.  These seniors are pretty much checked out as it is, so it will reduce the stress on faculty.”

One benefit of this plan that Wiskur highlighted is its ability to shrink the student to teacher ratio for an extra month.

“My underclassmen will get an extra month of smaller classes,” Wiskur said.  “I anticipate that I will see a rise in final exam grades because of it.”

Students are overwhelmingly in favor of this plan.

Senior Kyle Alburtus said an early end to the year is a great idea.

“By this point in the senior year, we (seniors) do not put effort into our schoolwork,” Alburtus said.  “We are just here counting down the days.  If we can raise money for the school and get out early, I am all for it.”

Several teachers seem to support this plan as well.

Ms. Kari Shaw, English teacher, said this idea leaves her with a lighter load toward the end of the year.

“With the majority of my classes being Senior English, I will be left with a lot less work toward the end of the year,” Shaw said.  “I think it is a great way to get ready for summer vacation.”

Mr. Michael Whalen, economics teacher, said this plan is a great idea and a great economics lesson.

“It all comes back to supply and demand,” Whalen said.  “When benefits outweigh costs and incentives align, the market produces an efficient result.”

Moore said applications to participate in the program are available in the counseling office and are due no later than April 2.

“Pick up applications to graduate early with a fee from Mrs. Fikes in the counseling office,” Moore said.  “They are due back Thursday to secure a spot.”

This program puts a whole new spin on Pay-to-Play.  Now seniors can actually pay to stay home and play.

If you are considering taking advantage of this opportunity, remember that it is already April 1.  Happy April Fools’ Day Eclipse readers!

Disclaimer — Everything in this story was made up and is completely fictitious. Don’t believe a word of it.

Featured image courtesy of imgkid.com and 401kcalculator.org