While academics is the top priority at any school, there are other elements that play a critical role as well. Things like athletics and clubs are just a couple of examples that can create a well-rounded school experience. Activities that happen outside the classroom teach many of the qualities that make an adult successful. Qualities like teamwork, discipline, leadership.

Unfortunately, with cuts in funding, one of the only ways schools can continue to offer sports and other extracurriculars is by instituting pay to play. That’s where a family pays to let their children participate in an activity. This may be practical, even necessary, but it cuts out too many who could benefit from these programs, because they just don’t have the money.

An Ohio High School association conducted a survey a year ago showed that pay to play increased about 5 percent over 2013.

That’s unacceptable.

Secretary of State Jon Husted understands this and has gone to the Ohio High School Athletic Association and lawmakers to create a bill that would eliminate pay to play throughout the state

To counter that Husted and some legislators are forming a committee to look into a variety of issues that have cropped up after funding cuts.

Yes, schools are in a bind financially. But there are other ways to raise money besides expecting help from the state. There are old-fashioned ways like bake sales, cookie dough sales, concession stands and publications like programs and yearbook sales that can bring in significant amounts.

What it needs are adults willing to dig in and man these booths or help with sales.

A little ingenuity can go a long way to making sure our future leaders are adults we can all be proud of.