Unit 1 switches athletic training services, saves $11,000

Rezin Orthopedics and Sports Medicine will provide athletic training services to the Unit 1 School District under a new agreement approved last week by the Board of Education.
After a June 24 study session, board members agreed in July to exercise an out clause in the contract with ATI Physical Therapy’s Sports Medicine Department. A clause in the long standing contract allowed the district to terminate its service agreement as long as 30 days’ written notice was provided.
In terminating the agreement, the board then issued a request for proposals [RFP] from providers interested in assuming the duties for the district—namely the high school sports teams.
Superintendent Dr. Kent Bugg made it clear the board’s decision was not reflective of performance, rather a financial one.
“There comes a time when it’s right for the board to go out for requests for proposals,” Bugg said.
The request went out and two were returned∏—Rezin at a cost of $7,000 and ATI at $18,000—for the 2020-2021 school year.
“Rezin was the leas expensive proposal and after review by [athletic director] Dan Hutchings and [chief school business official] Jason Smith that is the one we are recommending moving forward,” the superintendent said, noting the cost savings of $11,000
Although the prior contracted price with ATI was not immediately available, board president Ken P. Miller indicated the recommendation would result in a significant cost savings to the district.
It was noted the new services could bring orthopedic doctors into the on-site services along with trainers.
“I think it will go well,” Bugg said.