School District Discusses Challenges in Retaining Athletic Trainers Amid Salary Concerns

The July 15, 2025, Board meeting in Kentucky focused on critical discussions regarding the hiring and retention of athletic trainers in local schools. The meeting began with a review of the current salary structure for athletic trainers, highlighting concerns about competitiveness in pay.

One board member noted that they had reached out to surrounding districts to gather information on their hiring practices and compensation for athletic trainers. However, responses were limited, with Pulaski County yet to reply. It was revealed that some districts are struggling to find athletic trainers, with some opting to offer stipends to local medical professionals to cover sports events. Another district mentioned they must contract services through a clinic, raising questions about the availability of trainers in the area.

The discussion also touched on the educational landscape for athletic trainers in Kentucky. It was noted that only one college in the state currently offers a program for training athletic trainers, following the recent closure of a program at Union College. This scarcity of training programs contributes to the difficulty in recruiting qualified professionals.

Board members expressed strong support for the current athletic trainer, Mr. Tyler, emphasizing his high quality of service and the positive feedback from parents and students. Concerns were raised about the potential challenges of losing him, given the current shortage of trainers.

The meeting concluded with a call for a proposal to address salary adjustments to ensure competitive pay for athletic trainers, recognizing that without attractive compensation, retaining skilled professionals would be increasingly difficult. The board agreed to prioritize this issue in future discussions, aiming to enhance the support for athletic programs in the district.