Board approves compensation adjustments, adds campus athletic leadership stipends for girls’ programs

The Spring ISD Board of Trustees approved two related personnel items Oct. 7: an amendment to the district’s compensation plan and a separate approval to add campus athletic leadership stipends to strengthen support and career pathways for girls’ athletic programs.

The board first approved a broad set of compensation and position changes that reflect an administrative reorganization. The administration said many changes repurpose existing positions; some new positions require additional funding, and staff are working to offset costs by closing vacancies where possible. Trustee Adams moved the compensation‑plan motion; Trustee Correa seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Administrators and athletic staff then outlined a proposal to provide more targeted campus‑level athletic leadership for girls’ sports. At the middle‑school level the recommendation is to have two athletic coordinators per campus—one for boys programs and one for girls programs—by reallocating part of the current head‑football stipend (proposed $2,000 each). At the high‑school level the administration recommended an $8,000 stipend to create a designated lead for girls’ programs where a full‑time position cannot be funded now. Presenters said surrounding districts have similar stipends ranging from $6,000 to $9,500; the proposed $8,000 stipend is intended to be competitive.

Board members asked why the “athletic coordinator” role is traditionally filled by the head football coach. Athletic director Daryl Oliver explained the role’s history: in most districts the most visible coach (historically football) has served as coordinator. Trustees discussed whether the role should be decoupled from football and emphasized that qualifications and equitable support for girls’ programs should guide future hiring. Trustee Jessica Gaines (assistant director of athletics) described how a separate assistant or coordinator focused on girls’ programs supports coaches with compliance, eligibility tracking and mentorship.

Trustee Adams moved the separate motion to authorize the additional campus athletic leadership positions and stipends; Trustee McDaniel seconded. The second motion also passed unanimously. Trustees asked staff to return with final cost estimates and vacancy offsets for the compensation adjustments.

Details: Motion to approve compensation plan modifications moved by Trustee Adams, seconded by Trustee Correa; motion passed unanimously. Separate motion to approve campus athletic leadership stipends moved by Trustee Adams, seconded by Trustee McDaniel; motion passed unanimously. Administration will provide detailed cost estimates and vacancy‑offset plan.