[M. Mellott]

When 3193 was formed 2 years ago, we were informed that the school board would not fund an extra-curricular robotics program with money from the district, but myself and the other lead mentor were to be given a $1000 stipend by the school board for our work. However, when we went to collect, we found out that the stipend actually was to come from the money that we raised on our own for team expenses through grants and other fundraisers and would therefore affect our overall team budget (Hey, $2000 is a lot of money to most teams). We balked at the idea of taking away money from the team so as not to take money away from the team and did not accept the "stipend". We had to sign a paper that we "donated" the money back to the team.

The positions were changed the next year to be volunteer positions receiving a $50 stipend (so that we would still be considered "paid school employees" and have access to the school during off-hours). And yes, the money was to come from the team budget. We took the money this time, but then turned around and used it on team expenses (at least I think we took the money--can't remember).

The lack of formal stipends from the school board has kept all of our industrial arts teachers away from working with the robotics program, opting to take other paid positions such as Assistant Baseball Coach or Drama Club Advisor...really annoying!