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Gateway SD board debates role and limits of liaison to Gateway Education Foundation
Summary
Board members discussed whether to continue appointing a liaison to the Gateway Education Foundation, questioned the liaison’s authority under the foundation’s revised bylaws and recommended clarifying the role before assigning it to future board members.
Members of the Gateway School District Board of School Directors discussed whether the district should continue appointing a board liaison to the Gateway Education Foundation and what responsibilities that liaison should have.
Board members said the foundation’s bylaws (which the board reviewed) allow for a liaison but that the foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) and the liaison would not have voting power on the foundation’s board unless specifically appointed as a foundation board member. Board members reported the foundation’s bylaws no longer include school board members as voting foundation directors, a change from earlier practice.
Board members who attended a recent foundation meeting described the session they saw as informal and said expectations for the liaison’s duties were unclear. One board member said they would serve as a temporary liaison through the current year but recommended the board clarify the position’s duties, reporting expectations and whether it should be structured as a standing committee assignment before naming future liaisons.
Superintendent Dr. Rossi was identified as an existing, voting foundation member and as the district’s current conduit to the foundation. Several directors recommended the liaison role be defined strictly as an advisory, communication-focused position, with the liaison providing updates to the school board rather than exercising decision-making power on the foundation’s behalf.
Board members asked staff to gather the foundation’s current membership list and bylaws and to propose a clear description of the liaison’s duties for the incoming board to consider. The board did not adopt a new policy or change the district’s formal relationship with the foundation during the discussion.
The board also noted ongoing foundation activity, including a fundraising gala and online registration and pricing, and suggested clearer communications about ticketing and event logistics for district representatives.
The item will return to the board once staff and the foundation provide a written role description and any recommended committee assignment language for future liaisons.
