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Athletic department urges full-time trainer after per-diem hiring struggles
Summary
Athletics staff told the board that part-time, per-diem hiring has failed to produce consistent coverage; they recommended creating a full-time, civil-service athletic trainer position modeled on the nurses' contract to provide consistent care, AED management and training.
Athletic department staff told the Board the district is struggling to fill part-time per-diem athletic trainer shifts and urged hiring a full-time position to provide consistent medical coverage and reduce liability.
Mr. Agostino and Mr. Neggengast, speaking for the athletics department, described several recent candidates who declined per-diem or part-time offers and a shallow applicant pool. The presenters said many candidates seek full-time roles with retirement benefits; a civil-service, full-time athletic trainer would be more competitive and provide continuity for student-athletes.
Presenters listed benefits that would follow a full-time hire: consistent, high-quality on-site care; immediate emergency response at practices and games; in-school rehabilitation that can reduce outside physical therapy needs; management of automated external defibrillators (AEDs); oversight of sports physicals and coordination with nurses; and routine coach training in safety and emergency response. The department said the position could also host student trainer placements through local universities and help expand coaching clearances and re-certifications.
Board members asked about scheduling, overtime and the proposed work calendar. Athletic staff said the role would usually be 40 hours per week with flexible scheduling for heavy competition weeks (playoffs, weekend events) and that the district would model compensation and leave provisions on the nurses' contract. The presenters said the district had identified substitute/training candidates and could rely on outside providers for ad hoc coverage but that dependence on ad hoc per-diem coverage was unsustainable.
The athletics presenters signaled a preference for hiring through civil service and recommended an 11-month appointment to allow an August start for pre-season organization. The board did not vote on creating the full-time position at the work session; the discussion served to define preferred hiring models and the operational responsibilities the position would hold.
If the board later authorizes a full-time hire, athletic staff said the trainer would take on AED custodianship, coordinate sports physicals, provide coach training and oversee student-trainer placements from university programs.
