South Whidbey athletics fees will increase this year to cover the district’s budget cuts and rising transportation costs. Football fees cost $90 — all sports previously cost $50 — and all other sports fees are $75. Associated Student Body cards, which admit students into games and reduce the cost of dance tickets, among other student life events, will remain at $25. Athletics fees are due Sept. 4.

The district’s leadership, including the board, superintendent and principals, debated the formula for increasing athletics fees. Early in the process, a general $100 cost was proposed until the superintendent chose the current rates.