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Fairfield-Suisun School District Under Fire For Cutting Sports Programs

FAIRFIELD (CBS13) - School Board members in the Fairfield-Suisun School District dodged a meeting Wednesday night, but concerned families were back at it again Thursday, demanding an explanation.

Parents, coaches, and students all talked for more than two hours, venting their frustrations and making it clear they do not want their sports programs to go away.

"It's humiliating and embarrassing for me and my city," said a meeting attendee. "I just know, personally, that sports are my life."

The fears have become a reality as sports programs for the school district are nonexistent for the next school year.

Many are frustrated and angry, saying they had no idea their board members had cut the sports programs in February.

"After reading hundreds of pages of agendas and notes I still can't figure out when a vote happened," said another meeting attendee.

With a $6.5 million deficit, cutting athletics has saved $240,000. But, most of the people are worried about the long lasting affects this decision will have on their children in the game of life.

"You aren't just taking away sports; you're taking away mentors, counselors, father figures, motivation to get good grades," said an attendee.

But students hope district leaders will find a way to save athletics and demonstrate there's a lesson in sportsmanship.

So for the time being, the district says they're expecting even worse numbers in the years to come, saying its only going to get worse before it gets better.

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