Boys’ Volleyball Coaches Still in Limbo Over Pay

The Ventura Unified School District held discussion Tuesday night on a motion to pay stipends for boys’ volleyball coaches at Buena and Ventura highs, but a decision won’t be finalized until the next board meeting on Nov. 22.

The school board currently pays all coaches in all sports except for walk-on assistants and boys’ volleyball coaches at Buena and Ventura.

Parents and players representing the two teams hoped for a resolution, but must meet with the superintendent to clarify questions before the next meeting.

“There was a little confusion about which budget the money needs to come out of--they thought it was (for) next year, but we want it for the spring.” said Christine Coil, president of the Buena boys’ volleyball booster club.

Parents originally asked the school district to begin paying stipends in late September.

When the boys’ volleyball teams were formed in 1989, the district, citing funding shortages, placed the burden of paying the coaches on the parents and the players.

Parents and players raise approximately $5,000 each season for the varsity and junior varsity coaches through fund raising.

“We’re going to go ahead and proceed like we’ve got to raise the funds ourselves,” Buena Coach Steve Berk said.