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CHARLOTTE -- Changing bell schedules and eliminating the amount of extra resources given to high poverty schools are just a fraction of the cuts in front of the Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board. Wednesday, district leaders said middle school sports will likely be eliminated.

The popular program was on the chopping block last year, but was saved by last minute donations and the implementation of participation fees. School leaders say now that's not enough.

Athletic Director Vicki Hamilton says despite participation fees, ticket prices and donations from the community, the program is not paying for itself. Money raised from high school sports are supporting middle school sports and with additional cuts next year, that model is unsustainable.

"The high schools need to be able to keep their own $100 participation fee," said Hamilton. "As painful as it to say, they need to be able to keep that surcharge."

The only way to save middle school sports is if someone comes up with $1.25 million.