Ours pays for TMEA (membership and convention) since directors have to be a member in order for students to audition. Plus, it is during the school year. The do not pay for TBA as there is no student auditions associated with it and it is during the summer. The reasoning for not paying during the summer is completely understandable when you think about it. What is to to stop a director for getting a district to shell out $175 (which is way overpriced) in April or May and then changing schools? I can promise you purchasing isn't keeping up with this when someone resigns. It may not be a big amount when it comes to the entire budget of the school, but it also isn't being a good steward of the district finances.