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Annandale plans to relaunch robotics with VEX after coach resignation; fundraising and donor restrictions under review
Summary
After the robotics head coach resigned, district staff outlined a plan to restart an Annandale‑run robotics program using the lower‑cost, student‑centered VEX system and said they would confirm donor intent before redirecting prior fundraising dollars toward the new model.
Jared told the board that the district lost its head robotics coach last summer, which left the program without leadership and with only two students expressing interest; those students joined a Saint Michael’s community program. Jared said the district explored co‑op options but wants to keep a program in Annandale and is proposing a VEX robotics model as a cost‑effective, student‑centered alternative.
“VEX is very student centered. They really focus on students being hands on,” Jared said, and described VEX as more entry‑level, with smaller kits and fewer fabrication demands than FIRST‑style programs. He outlined costs: kits roughly $1,800–$2,000 each, $200 to register a team, and per‑competition fees commonly in the $100–$200 range, and said competitions are more local with less overnight travel.
Jared said the district plans spring recruiting and a fall startup next year because VEX kit registration often closes in December and available inventory can be limited.
Speaker 7 and other board members thanked Jared for due diligence and noted Cardinal Rising fundraising last year specifically targeted robotics. Rick cautioned that donated funds can only be used for the donor’s intended purpose and said staff will contact donors (including some anonymous donors) to determine whether gifts can be used for the proposed VEX program or should be returned.
Board members expressed support for pursuing a sustainable, lower‑cost program aimed at middle‑ and early‑high‑school students; no formal board action was required beyond direction to follow up with donors and continue planning.
