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Monongalia County Schools board adopts crowdfunding policy after members seek clearer appeal steps
Summary
The board approved new policy 6605 governing crowdfunding by school groups and PTOs; members and public speakers pressed for an explicit appeals or feedback mechanism and alignment with existing student fundraising rules.
The Monongalia County Board of Education on Oct. 14 adopted policy 6605, a crowdfunding policy that permits online fundraising for specific classrooms or school activities but requires superintendent approval for campaigns that are not tied to required special‑education services.
The policy change follows sustained public input from parents and PTO members who sought explicit rules for when and how online fundraising may be used. “What is their recourse?” asked Rebecca (Becca) Aranda, who identified herself as a parent and PTO advocate, referring to a situation where a crowdfunding request might be denied. Aranda told the board she supports the policy but wants a clear, written appeals or feedback step so groups are not left without a path forward.
Board members discussed how the new policy aligns with existing student‑fundraising rules (policy 5830) and a standing public complaints/appeals process (policy 9130, “Public complaints”) that the superintendent and staff said applies to policy decisions. Several board members said the district’s current practice already provides written explanations when a fundraising request is denied, but others asked that the crowdfunding policy explicitly require a feedback/appeal step so that parents and school support organizations have a predictable path.
Superintendent Dr. Campbell and staff explained that every crowdfunding activity remains subject to financial controls and the district’s established collection and accounting procedures. One board member suggested adding a required field on the district’s fundraising request form to state the reason for any denial so applicants receive clear guidance on corrective steps.
After discussion the board voted to adopt policy 6605 as presented. Board members who raised alignment issues asked administration to return language or procedural instructions to ensure the new policy and policy 5830 are harmonized and that the district’s existing appeals/complaint policy is clearly linked to any superintendent denial.
Less critical details: discussion included concerns about caps on crowdfunding amounts and past misuse of school‑related fundraising; the board emphasized that accounting and oversight will remain with district finance staff.
