Board approves athletic trainer sponsorship with El Paso Children’s Hospital covering about one-third of trainer cost

The FABENS ISD board voted May 20 to approve a sponsorship and support agreement with El Paso Children’s Hospital to bolster athletic‑trainer services in the district.

Representatives from El Paso Children’s Hospital described the partnership as providing monthly virtual in‑service training for athletic trainers, coaches and nurses, quarterly in‑person sessions that may include students and parents, and subject matter such as cardiovascular health, concussion identification and sports nutrition. The hospital representative said the district was offered either a three‑ or five‑year term and that the sponsorship would pay approximately one‑third of the cost of an athletic trainer while including partnership and marketing elements at school events.

Board members asked whether the program included student training; the hospital representative said the proposal includes quarterly opportunities to meet with student athletes and parents and that training topics could include traumatic brain injury recognition, sports nutrition and sports physical processes. A board member also asked whether the arrangement is a grant or sponsorship; administration said it is a sponsorship opportunity tied to a grant application and that districts are being asked to provide co‑marketing support at school events.

Administration recommended approval of the agreement as presented. A motion to approve, seconded by a trustee, passed by voice vote.

The board did not record a roll‑call tally in the minutes for this item; the motion passed by voice vote.