Aiken County, September 2, 2025
News Summary
The Aiken County School Board has approved funding for three full-time athletic trainers at Aiken, Silver Bluff, and Wagener-Salley High Schools. This initiative, with an allocation of nearly $300,000, aims to enhance the safety and health of student-athletes by providing permanent medical support on-site. The program intends to foster strong relationships between trainers and the school communities while planning for additional positions in the future.
Aiken County School Board Approves Funding for Full-Time Athletic Trainers at Three High Schools
The Aiken County School Board has officially approved funding for three full-time athletic trainers to be stationed at Aiken, Silver Bluff, and Wagener-Salley High Schools. This decision is aimed at improving the safety and health of student-athletes across the district and comes with an allocation of nearly $300,000 for the hiring of these positions.
With this initiative, Aiken, Silver Bluff, and Wagener-Salley will each have a permanent athletic trainer on-site for the first time, addressing a significant gap they faced in past years when trainers were more commonly sourced on an as-needed basis from contractor apps. Phillip Strother, the athletic director for Silver Bluff, highlighted the difficulties associated with the prior system which occasionally left schools without necessary medical support during critical times.
Benefits of Permanent Athletic Trainers
The presence of a full-time athletic trainer is expected to foster stronger relationships with students, coaches, and staff, enabling them to provide consistent care throughout the sports season. Each trainer will be responsible for covering all sports offered at their respective schools, enhancing both the quality and continuity of athletic care.
Dr. Tim Yarborough, chief of operations and student services in the district, has indicated that the addition of permanent trainers is a priority for ensuring the well-being of student-athletes. The ongoing discussions about improving safety protocols at sports events and practices have received support from local medical professionals, emphasizing the importance of having qualified personnel available for immediate care.
Current Status and Future Plans
Aiken County School leaders are currently accepting applications for the athletic trainer positions with the goal of filling them by the end of the upcoming football season. They encourage applications from both recent graduates and seasoned professionals who meet the necessary qualifications. The school board’s commitment to improving athletic training resources is evident, as they have also started plans for adding additional full-time trainers at the remaining four high schools starting from the 2026-27 school year.
Previously, the district had budgeted around $80,000 per school for contracted trainer services. However, the full-time positions are projected to require about $100,000 per school, highlighting the investment being made towards the health and safety of student-athletes.
Recent Infrastructure Improvements
This new initiative aligns with recent improvements within the district, as both Aiken and Silver Bluff High Schools have just completed construction on state-of-the-art artificial turf fields, enhancing the facilities available for student-athletes. The provision of high-quality care and experiences is part of Aiken County Schools’ broader commitment to supporting the athletic programs within the community.
The establishment of permanent athletic trainers at these schools addresses longstanding concerns about reliable on-site medical care during athletic events and practices, alleviating worries for students, parents, and coaches alike. As this initiative unfolds, the Aiken County School Board remains dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive athletic environment for all its students.
FAQs
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What schools will have full-time athletic trainers?
Aiken, Silver Bluff, and Wagener-Salley High Schools will have full-time athletic trainers starting this school year.
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How much funding has been allocated for the hiring of these trainers?
Nearly $300,000 has been allocated for the hiring of three full-time athletic trainers.
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What is the purpose of hiring full-time athletic trainers?
The initiative aims to enhance the safety and health of student-athletes by providing consistent medical care during practices and events.
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When will these positions be filled?
The Aiken County School leaders aim to fill these positions by the end of the upcoming football season.
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What are the broader plans for athletic trainers in the district?
Starting from the 2026-27 school year, additional full-time athletic trainer positions will be created in the remaining four high schools.
Key Features of the Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Schools Involved | Aiken, Silver Bluff, and Wagener-Salley High Schools |
| Funding Amount | Nearly $300,000 |
| Primary Aim | Enhance safety and health of student-athletes |
| Number of Trainers | Three full-time athletic trainers |
| Expected Hiring Timeline | By the end of the football season |
| Future Expansion | Additional full-time trainers at remaining four high schools by 2026-27 |
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