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Board approves stipends for high‑school esports coaches as activity grows
Summary
Trustees voted to create stipends for varsity esports coaches at all five high schools after staff described the VHSL‑governed activity’s seasons, scholarship pathways and modest travel; board members asked staff to monitor equipment equity and share viewing links for matches.
The board approved stipends for high‑school esports coaches following a staff presentation describing the program’s expansion.
Esports is offered in fall and spring seasons through the Virginia High School League structure; activities cited in the presentation include League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart. All five high schools currently field teams, staff said, and several students have earned collegiate scholarships tied to esports programs.
The activity had been coached by volunteers; trustees agreed compensated stipends formalize the role and reduce reliance on unpaid staff. "We shouldn't be constantly asking our educators to do things for free," one trustee said in support of the stipend motion.
Board members asked staff to ensure equitable access to equipment and to publicize match schedules and viewing links so trustees and families can watch events. Staff acknowledged that some schools use student‑ or school‑owned equipment and said they will explore funding options to standardize access.
The motion to approve esports stipends passed unanimously (5–0).
