Elizabethton board approves athletic trainer grant, advances weight room and parking-lot work

The Elizabethton Board of Education voted to accept a three‑year Innovate grant totaling $180,000 with the University of Connecticut to fund athletic training services from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, and approved related equipment purchases and a parking‑lot sealcoat project.

Mr. Van Huss, director of schools, updated the board on progress at the Dave Rider Center for Athletic Performance, reporting that roofing and wall panels are in place, sprinkler and electrical contractors are working inside, and the district is targeting an August completion if weather cooperates. “Every day that we have without rain is a positive on that,” Van Huss said.

The board approved the Innovate (Corey Stringer Institute) grant through the University of Connecticut to reimburse a three‑year contract for an athletic trainer. Dr. Smith said the trainer — Amethyst Crawford — is hired and will start July 1. “Having Amethyst there is gonna have somebody there day in and day out,” Dr. Smith said, describing the benefit of on‑site care for practices, heat‑related monitoring, and same‑day follow‑up for injured students.

Board members discussed models for sustaining the position after the three‑year grant period, noting the grant pays a larger salary share in the first year and declines in later years. The administration said the trainer will initially be employed through a physical‑therapy provider and the district will evaluate whether to transition the role in‑house later.

The board also approved a purchase authorization not to exceed $151,000 for weight and strength equipment from Total Strength and Speed Inc. to outfit the new center’s weight room. The superintendent said donations and remaining construction contingencies could reduce the district’s out‑of‑pocket cost and that equipment will be purchased only as funding becomes available.

Separately, the board awarded bid ECS2024‑2025‑01 for sealing and restriping the Elizabethton High School student parking lot to Raptor Seal Coating in the amount of $78,474. Van Huss framed the work as a safety measure to restore faded lane markings and address cracking; he said full milling and repaving would be significantly more expensive and might be considered later.

Board members also approved the purchase of Chromebooks as part of the district replacement cycle and other items related to athletics and facilities during the meeting.