The Culver Community School Board discussed the athletic trainer contract in depth during their meeting Monday Night.
The proposed contract with Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center to provide an athletic trainer for all events increased $19,000 this year which precipitated the conversation.
Superintendent Karen Shuman said the idea of hiring an athletic trainer to keep on staff was discussed outside of the hospital contract, but this contract would guarantee a trainer rather than attempting to find one outside of the hospital. Also, liability would be backed with the hospital which is preferred.
The trainer would also go to events away from the campus to assist Culver student athletes.
Treasurer/Business Manager Casey Howard said it would be more expensive to hire a trainer outside of the hospital contract as salary and benefits would be provided instead of just Culver’s portion of the funding with the hospital.
Middle/High School Principal Brett Berndt noted that there is a contract, but no trainer has filled the position as the hospital is struggling to find athletic trainers. He commented that several other school corporations are experiencing the same issue. Howard mentioned that Athletic Director Mike Zehner has been continuously working on getting a trainer.
The school board did unanimously vote to approve the contract with the hopes of the hospital finding a trainer for the school.
The school will not be charged if a trainer is not found.
