Student urges board to reconsider denying stipend for mock trial club

Roman Ola, a student, told the Board of Education the mock trial club adviser requested a stipend of about $3,900 and that the board denied the stipend earlier this year, a decision he said will end the club. He urged the board to reconsider, reallocate funds or find other ways to support the club so students can continue the experiential learning opportunity.
Ola said mock trial had roughly 30 people at its first meeting but attrition left about 12 active participants, and he described the club as important for speaking and legal‑reasoning skills. He contrasted the denied stipend with the board’s approval of a multimillion‑dollar stadium project, saying the difference in priorities was “devastating” to students in the club. He asked the board to consider alternatives such as reallocating funds or finding a sponsor so the program can continue.