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Fargo school board approves three-year Sanford Health contract for strength and conditioning coaching
Summary
The Fargo Board of Education voted 9-0 to approve a three-year contract with Sanford Health for strength and conditioning coaching services after questioning from board members about contracting during planned staff reductions and how the program is funded.
The Fargo Board of Education voted unanimously to accept a three-year proposal from Sanford Health to provide strength and conditioning coaching services across district high schools.
Board member Greg moved the contract and said the board should discuss its expansion while the district also plans staffing reductions. "I move that we accept the proposal from Sanford Health for a three-year contract to provide strength and conditioning coaching services and issue a contract accordingly," Greg said before the roll call.
Superintendent Dr. Steiner and other administrators told the board the district already uses certified trainers to supplement PE staff in two buildings and that the proposal would expand those services. Administrators said contracted trainers provide technical expertise for weight-training and cardio regimens, permit larger class sizes in limited weight-room space, and support summer programming. Dr. Steiner explained budget figures, saying the district currently pays just under $34,000 for existing services and that the proposed expansion would add about $17,000, bringing the total to a little over $50,000.
"It's a $50,000 investment for a person at each site and we use 65,000 kind of as the base for our teacher," Dr. Steiner said, describing the district's calculation for the cost of an equivalent full-time staff member.
Board member Jason (Jason Nelson) emphasized the educational value of community experts. "When you bring in some of those experts and they're training alongside, there's that really relevant experience," he said, arguing the arrangement benefits students beyond athletics.
Administrators also described planned funding sources for the program beginning in 2027, including modest increases to summer camp fees and revenue from advertising on the district's streaming platform. The contracting model was presented as a way to expand access without immediately hiring additional full-time staff.
After brief discussion, Kristen Nelson seconded Greg's motion. Ann Marie called the roll and the motion passed 9-0.
The board did not amend the contract at the meeting; administrators said details and contract execution would be handled by staff.
What happens next: The administration will issue the contract and implement the expanded services as budgeted; board work sessions will continue to discuss broader budget reductions and staffing impacts.
