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Parent urges board to support debate coach and competition funding after student-led program grows
Summary
A parent told the board that E.O. Smith’s debate program has been sustained by a 16-year-old student for three years and asked the district to fund a paid, experienced coach, cover competition registration fees and factor in transportation costs; administrators said a stipend exists and offered fundraising and van options.
A parent asked the Regional School District 19 board on Tuesday to provide a funded, experienced advisor and budget support for the E.O. Smith debate program after a student restarted and sustained the club without faculty support for three years.
Parent concerns: Laura Kravitz told the board her son Oliver organized and ran the debate club, recruited volunteers, coordinated judges and developed outreach without a consistent staff advisor. "A school like E.O.'s debate program is on the back of a 16-year-old," Kravitz said in remarks the board entered into the record. She urged the district to recruit and pay a coach at a level comparable to athletic coaches, budget competition registration fees (she estimated about $600 for next year) and factor transportation costs into planning.
Administrative response: The superintendent’s office (via a written reply from Lou included in the meeting record) acknowledged the student's work, said a stipend for the debate club will be continued, and outlined common supports: student-activity fundraising, advisor stipends negotiated in the teachers contract, use of 14-passenger vans for travel (with required licensing) and help from the E.O. Smith Foundation to create a donation option. The reply said staff will post an advisor position and that administration will sign the district up for the Connecticut Debate League.
Next steps: District officials said they will continue to seek a consistent faculty advisor, support club fundraising, and post the club stipend and any advisor openings; parent advocates asked the board to ensure compensation and travel support are addressed during budget and program planning.
