Cannon County school board tables proposal for booster-funded coaching supplements amid Title IX concerns

The Cannon County Board of Education voted 3–1 Thursday to table action on allowing booster-club funds to pay additional coaching supplements until its July meeting.

Board discussion centered on whether donations from the Touchdown Club earmarked for particular coaches would become district funds that the board must manage. Director of Schools Julie Vincent said she had discussed the issue with district staff (Ben) and relayed their advice: “Once it comes into our hands and it's our responsibility, it falls into us,” Vincent said, explaining that the district could be responsible for how donations are distributed.

A board member who raised questions about fairness said the proposed list appeared to give increases to many positions but not to the band, and asked why band coaches were excluded. The member argued for parity across extracurricular positions and fairness to staff who already receive stipends. “I just feel like in all fairness, if you don't give everybody else something… I just want to be fair about it,” the board member said.

Another board participant, citing a conversation with district staff, warned that even if funds were designated by a booster club, once the district accepted and disbursed the money it could open the door to additional requests and complicate the board’s obligations. “It would open up a lot of others that were getting supplements… could then come and ask,” that participant said.

Faced with remaining questions about legal exposure and equity, a motion to table the proposal until the July meeting passed. The roll call recorded three yes votes and one no; the transcript indicates Missus Trammell cast the lone no vote. The motion was made by Missus Curtis and seconded by Mister Mullins, and the clerk recorded the vote as 3–1 in favor of tabling.

Next steps: the matter is scheduled for reconsideration at the board’s July meeting; the director indicated staff (Ben) would be consulted further and additional information would be provided to answer board members’ questions.