[galewind]

I'm going to probably sound a bit rash here, but if you've been coaching a team for a few years, and are beginning to generate results by inspiring students to actively pursue a field that they may not have without your team, then I believe it's time to approach your board in support of the program. If they're not offering you parts, tools, a place to work, and/or an adviser stipend, then they're not supporting a program that clearly is positively impacting students in the district.

Even if it's only peanuts (because compared to the hours we all put in, it will be), your board of education needs to invest in educational programs that go beyond core curriculum content standards. Like Wayne C, I get a stipend on-par with the soccer coach, and I work all-year round (as I'm sure most fo you do). The board has continued to increase support of our program, but largely because we consistently keep them informed of our progress and results. They like to see when students get inspired and get something out of a program offered within their schools.

I can't stress enough the need to have your board of education support your program beyond just allowing you to have one. Presentations and testimonies can help sway a board in your favor, but it must be noted that you need their support in order to function, be it through a dedicated place to work, parts/tools, general funding, and/or adviser stipends.