Committee seeks objective formula for extra athletic compensation
May 18, 2025 | OAKES 41, School Districts, North Dakota
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During the May 8 OPS negotiations session, negotiators focused on contract language governing extra compensation for coaches and activity supervisors, urging a more objective method than discretionary awards.
The Chair noted the district's current draft allowed the activities director or superintendent discretion over extra compensation. "At the end ... extra compensation will be at the discretion of the activities director or superintendent," the Chair said, and invited negotiators to propose a formula.
Negotiators said discretion creates inequity across sports and seasons and asked for a concrete schedule based on measurable triggers such as participation counts, level of competition, or whether an assistant coach is assigned. One Committee member described interest in thresholds that differ by sport—for example, a lower threshold for volleyball and a higher one for football—so compensation reflects varying staffing needs and safety considerations.
The Chair acknowledged the concern and suggested the parties work to agree on a schedule (for instance, minimum participant counts by sport) that would govern when extra compensation or additional coach assignments apply. The Chair also said existing negotiated language that guarantees extra pay when a head coach is required to operate without an assistant would remain under consideration.
Why it matters: Clarity in athletic-pay language affects coach staffing, program safety and competitive equity across small and large sports in the district.
Next steps: Negotiators agreed to continue drafting concrete, sport-specific thresholds and to revisit the athletics section at a follow-up bargaining session.
The Chair noted the district's current draft allowed the activities director or superintendent discretion over extra compensation. "At the end ... extra compensation will be at the discretion of the activities director or superintendent," the Chair said, and invited negotiators to propose a formula.
Negotiators said discretion creates inequity across sports and seasons and asked for a concrete schedule based on measurable triggers such as participation counts, level of competition, or whether an assistant coach is assigned. One Committee member described interest in thresholds that differ by sport—for example, a lower threshold for volleyball and a higher one for football—so compensation reflects varying staffing needs and safety considerations.
The Chair acknowledged the concern and suggested the parties work to agree on a schedule (for instance, minimum participant counts by sport) that would govern when extra compensation or additional coach assignments apply. The Chair also said existing negotiated language that guarantees extra pay when a head coach is required to operate without an assistant would remain under consideration.
Why it matters: Clarity in athletic-pay language affects coach staffing, program safety and competitive equity across small and large sports in the district.
Next steps: Negotiators agreed to continue drafting concrete, sport-specific thresholds and to revisit the athletics section at a follow-up bargaining session.
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