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Auburn committee hears athletics budget uptick driven by stipends, equipment and officials’ fees
Summary
Committee heard March 11 that athletics and co-curricular costs rose largely because of newly budgeted stipends from bargaining committee work, equipment and officials’ fee increases; the district plans a new athletic trainer position to replace contracted services.
Auburn School Committee members were briefed March 11 on increases in the athletics and co-curricular cost center tied primarily to newly budgeted stipends, equipment and mandated officials’ fees.
Todd Samson and business manager Amanda Coocher outlined the drivers: stipends added after a district stipend-committee review account for roughly half of the center’s increase (about $75,000), co-curricular lines show a higher percentage jump (roughly 37%), and athletics stipends and fees rose about 13–14% overall. Samson explained officials’ fees are set by the Maine Principals Association (which uses a consumer-price-index adjustment), contributing to per-game increases.
Nut graf: Committee members questioned anomalous per-pupil spikes (female hockey, girls lacrosse) and Samson explained those spikes are a function of low participant counts and co-op arrangements that affect per-pupil math; one chart error on lacrosse was noted and corrected. Samson also described community partnerships and boostergroup contributions that reduce district budgetary needs.
To address reliability and turnover, Samson said the district plans to budget a full-time athletic trainer position — shifting from a $60,000–$65,000 contracted model to an in-house hire — and will reduce purchase-services spending accordingly. Samson cited recruitment challenges among certified athletic trainers and the benefits of consistent on-site coverage for multiple events.
On safety, committee members and staff discussed guardian caps for football helmets; Samson said parents can purchase them but suppliers warn they may void warranties and the research on concussion reduction is not conclusive.
Samson highlighted that the new high-school complex creates both operating savings (less mowing, painting) and revenue opportunities (hosting tournaments) that have generated concession and event income; the grandstand donated $7,500 for a safety net at the outdoor track.
The presenters summarized that no sports are being added or removed and that the principal budget change for FY27 is the stipend adjustments. No formal vote was taken at the workshop.
Sources: Todd Samson and Amanda Coocher, Auburn School Committee special meeting, March 11, 2026.
