Local Voices: Coaching Under a Microscope

As a result of the increased scrutiny over improper use of spending accounts with vendors, athletic coaches are being watched under a microscope.

District funds were converted into personal credits that could be used without district oversight by the coaches.  In effect, a slush fund was created that was spent as the coach saw fit.  Capistrano and Saddleback Unified School Districts are capturing the most attention.  But it appears this was a more widespread practice.

It is alleged that some of the money, at least in one of the cases involving Capo, was used to pay family members of one of the coaches for services.  More often the money was used to pay for coaching attire, program needs, supplement the pay of assistant coaches  and other miscellaneous costs.  Investigations are still underway.

So what is the takeaway?  From my perspective, athletic coaches are some of the most hardworking, underpaid members of the educational community.  Some are teachers in addition to coaches and others simply coach.  They put in countless hours of hard work for an additional stipend of roughly $3,000 a season. 

If the investigations prove that misappropriation of funds occurred then disciplinary action is warranted.  But don't lose sight of the school district's responsibility in this.

Capo has been notorious for lack of oversight and has allowed substantial autonomy on the part of athletic directors and the coaching staff.  I challenge anyone to go to edjoin.org and see the openings for coaches. Look for the job description, expected duties and compensation.  A school district invites manipulation of the system when it doesn't provide adequate resources to the coaching staff.

This is not intended to make excuses for poor judgment on the part of those coaches who improperly used funds.  Guilty parties need to be held accountable.  It is merely intended as an invitation to look at the big picture.  Reforms are needed.  Let's just be smart when putting them together.