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Board hears proposal to contract two athletic trainers; district weighing cost and funding options
Summary
Board member Mr. Graham presented a hospital partnership to provide two athletic trainers for middle- and high-school events at an estimated initial cost near $55,000; board discussed booster-fund and donor alternatives and asked staff to negotiate.
Board member Mr. Graham presented a proposal for a hospital partnership to return athletic trainers to the district on a near full-time basis, saying the plan would put two trainers on site daily and cover high-school and middle-school events.
"It would provide athletic training to all our events high school and middle school," Mr. Graham said, adding the hospital would supply tape, pre-wrap and concussion tracking at no additional charge to the district. He told the board the hospital's draft estimate was about $55,000 annually and said some of that figure could be negotiated.
Why it matters: Board members said having athletic trainers routinely available reduces risk and speeds return-to-play decisions, particularly for concussions and acute injuries. Mr. Graham described situations earlier in the year when trainers were available for some events but not others and said athletic training coverage has been inconsistent.
Board discussion focused on cost and timing. Members suggested booster clubs and local donors as possible partial funders and asked staff to pursue negotiated pricing with the hospital. One board member said booster bylaws might limit fundraising for district responsibilities and asked staff to check feasibility.
Next steps: The board agreed there is a clear safety benefit and directed staff to gather firm cost proposals, negotiated terms and options for alternative funding, and return with a recommendation to allow hiring or contracting in time for the fall season.
