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Speakers warn Lincoln County to require board approval and insurance for volunteers and booster projects
Summary
At the March 6 session presenters told the board that booster groups and volunteers using district facilities must meet policy requirements and show liability insurance; minutes must reflect board approval for volunteers to ensure BRIM coverage.
Lincoln County presenters at a March 6 work session urged the Board of Education to enforce its policies for school support organizations, volunteers and external groups that use district facilities, stressing insurance and board approval.
Jim Brown and Howard Souffer told members that booster clubs and community organizations that raise funds or use facilities "must meet certain requirements" in state guidance and local policy, including bylaws, officers, financial reporting and retained records. Souffer said volunteers who will perform work on district property should be formally approved and that the district's insurance carrier (BRIM) expects the minutes to show a board's approval for volunteers to be covered.
Presenters cautioned against informal volunteer construction or maintenance projects and gave examples — a press box lowered by volunteers, volunteer work on a playing field without locating buried utilities — to illustrate safety and liability risks. Souffer said volunteers doing construction can create liabilities for the board if the work is on district property and not handled through proper contracting, insurance and oversight.
Speakers also described the limits on for-profit businesses using school property: a profit-making business generally cannot use public premises for private gain without an appropriate agreement and legal review. The presenters recommended that the superintendent and central office maintain institutional control over facility requests and require proof of liability insurance, indemnification agreements, and compliance with board policies before approving use or volunteer projects.
Board members acknowledged frequent reliance on volunteers and boosters and asked for clearer procedures; presenters suggested using existing policies (including administrative guidelines) to prioritize facility use, require insurance, and ensure annual financial reports from booster organizations.
