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Board approves athletic‑training contract with Encore; members express concern over rising costs
Summary
The Cullman County Schools board approved an RFP awarding athletic‑training services to Encore, which will charge $20,000 per athletic trainer on campuses. Board members voiced concern about the cost trend and noted Encore also holds contracts for physical and occupational therapy.
The Cullman County Schools Board of Education approved an RFP awarding athletic‑training services to Encore Rehabilitation at its Sept. 11 meeting, despite board members expressing concern about rising fees.
Dr. Barnett, the superintendent, described the change in the contractor’s pricing and recommended approval. He told the board, “This year, we're having to pay $20,000 per athletic trainer that we have on our campuses. And that's what this contract is about.”
Board discussion noted that Encore has provided athletic training services to the district for several years and had previously not charged in the same way. In presenting the item, Dr. Barnett said Encore approached the district “just before school started” to notify the system that it would need to recover part of its costs. He added, “If we're gonna continue to do this, we're gonna have to, you know, you're gonna have to pay a portion of it.”
Dr. Barnett also reminded the board that Encore holds other service contracts with the district for student physical therapy and occupational therapy. “This past year, I checked and we paid them over a quarter of a million dollars on those contracts,” he said, noting the district’s interest in maintaining the vendor relationship while monitoring costs.
Board members asked whether other vendors had bid; the presenter said two other companies had expressed interest but did not submit bids. One board member raised the prospect of seeking alternatives if costs continue to increase.
Action and implementation The board approved the contract by voice vote; a mover and a second were recorded and the motion passed. The contract will begin soon after the board’s signature and is intended to cover services for the current school year. The superintendent indicated the contract term would cover the school year and referenced July 31 as an endpoint in a discussion of dates.
