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Board reviews $175,000 athletic budget increase amid questions on coaching additions and travel costs
Summary
Finance proposed $89,000 in coaching supplement changes and $85,000 in increased athletic supplies and equipment — a combined $175,000 year-over-year increase. Board members raised concerns about adding coaching positions while travel costs and region changes increase expenses.
Finance staff presented an athletics budget breakout showing a combined year-over-year increase of about $175,000: $89,000 proposed for supplement-schedule increases (new assistant stipends and adjustments) and $85,000 for supply, equipment and travel costs.
Mr. Pettit explained the supplement changes include new assistant stipends for tennis and swimming and adjustments (for example, playoff bonuses and wrestling supplements). He said the supply-and-equipment increase covers uniforms, tournament fees, officials and safety-graded helmets; he noted the district reconditions helmets annually and replaces them on a multi-year cycle to meet safety standards.
The presentation separated athletics into two program totals (Gaffney feed and Blacksburg feed) to clarify cost responsibility and cited a combined district athletic budget near $2.0 million with the stated year-over-year increase of $175,000.
Several board members questioned adding coaching positions amid rising travel costs tied to region changes and longer trips. Board members asked for a breakdown of supplements and requested a per-athlete cost analysis to judge whether increases are driven by program growth or by adding staff.
Staff committed to providing a full list of last year’s and proposed coaching supplements and a per-athlete comparison so the board can review the rationale before the first reading.
