ORLANDO -- At a budget committee meeting Wednesday night, the Orange County School District said it could save around $7.3 million next year if it completely cuts funding to elementary, middle school, and high school athletics.

Discussion was postponed because the meeting ran long.

However, a committee member told News 13 she plans to stick up for the need for athletics when the group meets again.

"Personally, I feel that athletics is very important for all children in Orange County,” said Stacey Rodriguez, a member of the budget committee. “And I want you all to remember that we are here. This is going to affect the entire district. And so I want to make sure that people understand that by cutting this athletic department budget, the proposed amount, the $7 million, it will eliminate all the elementary, all the middle school, and it will have a huge impact on the high schools. But thankfully high schools are large enough so they are supported by the community."

A recommendation will be made on Jan. 7. The school board will make the final decision.

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