Board approves athletic trainer hire and multiple staffing and curriculum work‑group payments

At its April 6 meeting the Hazel Park Board of Education approved several personnel and curriculum items, including a direct‑hire, full‑time athletic trainer position and certified staffing recommendations for the 2026–27 school year.

Administrators said the athletic trainer would be a 40‑hour‑per‑week, flexible position reporting to the athletic director and would provide coverage for practices, varsity events, band camp and summertime activities. The board voted to approve the position after members asked about hours, duties outside competition, and funding sources.

Trustees also approved the certified staffing slate for 2026–27 as presented, noting that some grant‑funded positions could be removed later in May or June if grant funding does not materialize. Board members raised a concern about administrative coverage at the Advantage program and asked staff to explore options and possible placements for affected employees before implementing reductions.

Separately, the board approved the Jardine extended school‑year staffing request and district special‑education extended‑school‑year services, and authorized compensation for several work groups: $5,940 for the K–12 math work group, $7,695 for the elementary ELA work group, and $7,086 for the secondary ELA work group.

All personnel and compensation motions were approved by roll call during the meeting.