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NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 13, 2026San Diego

Grossmont Union High School Board approves $3.9 million increase for athletics budget

The Grossmont Union High School District board voted to increase athletics funding by approximately $3.9 million, despite warnings from the superintendent that the move will worsen the district's budget deficit. The new funds are designated for increased pay for coaches and athletic directors, the addition of athletic trainers, and 20 new coaching stipends at each of the district's nine schools.

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Why It Matters

The board is prioritizing athletic spending while the district faces an ongoing budget shortfall that previously led to the elimination of teacher-librarian positions.

Key Facts

  • The board approved a $3.9 million increase for the athletics budget in two separate votes (June and July 2025).
  • The funding will provide pay increases for head coaches and athletic directors.
  • The funding will add up to 20 additional athletic coaching stipends at each of the district's nine schools.
  • The funding will ensure all schools have athletic trainers.
  • Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte stated the expenditure will increase the district's budget deficit.
  • The board majority claims the spending is necessary to stem student enrollment declines.
  • The votes passed 3-2, with trustees Chris Fite and Robert Shield dissenting.
  • The district previously cut teacher-librarian positions in early 2025 due to budget shortfalls.
  • Trustee Jim Kelly made controversial comments regarding minority students and athletics during the June meeting.
  • The district did not provide specific enrollment data to support the claim that athletics spending increases retention.

Who's Mentioned

personJim Kelly“Board trustee and member of the majority”personScott Eckert“Board trustee and member of the majority”personDonnie Carroll“President of the Grossmont Athletic Conference”personChris Fite“Board trustee who voted against the measure”personKirsten Vital Brulte“Superintendent of the district”personGreg Ottinger“Executive director of the National Center for Urban School Transformation”organizationGrossmont Union High School District“The school district governing body”personLawrence Picus“Professor of education policy and finance”personGary Woods“Board trustee and member of the majority”personJeneé Littrell“Former educator and candidate for trustee”personJason Balistreri“Teacher and former librarian”personRobert Shield“Board trustee who voted against the measure”personNoah Green“Recent graduate”