Tipton County board approves dozens of school support organizations and calls for clearer SSO guidance

The Tipton County Board of Education on Aug. 12 approved the paperwork for multiple school support organizations across the district and discussed steps to tighten oversight, increase training and clarify policy language about volunteer groups.

Board members voted to approve SSOs presented by principals from several schools, including five organizations for Mulford High School (Mumford Band Boosters, Mumford Touchdown Club, South Tipton Dugout Club, Mumford Home Run Club and Mumford FFA Alumni), four at Brighton High School (Brighton High Bridal Crew, Football Booster Club, Brighton Choir Boosters and Brighton Baseball Boosters), CHS Ace Volleyball and CHS Home Run Club, Charter Academy PTO and Arts (Arch/Arts) Booster, Mumford Middle School Motivators, and Brighton Elementary PTO. Each group submitted the paperwork required by state law and board policy, and principals said submissions had been reviewed and verified.

The approvals were routine motions followed by unanimous voice votes. For Mulford High’s packet, the board took a motion from Mr. Jenkins with a second from Ms. Reed; for other schools the motions were made and seconded on the floor and carried with the standard “all in favor” voice vote.

The meeting’s substantive discussion centered on compliance and operational risks associated with SSOs. Dr. Combs and district staff emphasized that SSOs must follow the state SSO rules and the board’s policy. As a reminder of potential liability, a district attorney’s summary cited in the meeting noted that while the board is not automatically liable for SSO misconduct, liability can arise where a board or school official “knowingly allows SSOs to violate the law or become aware of legal or fraudulent practices.”

Principal Courtney Fee of Mulford High described the organizations’ fundraising and volunteer contributions and said the groups provide “business, labor and money, about a million dollars” to support school programs in a low year. Brighton High principal Brian Croson and other principals described efforts to educate SSO officers, noting that leadership changes and turnover make repeated training necessary.

Board members and principals discussed several recurring issues that the district plans to address: clearer, locally specific guidance in board policy (Section 2), annual or periodic training for SSO officers, and specific handling of adult-oriented fundraisers that may include alcohol. Chairman (unnamed in the record) and Dr. Combs said the superintendent must be able to justify district actions to the Comptroller and that the district will enforce rules that reduce legal risk. Several board members urged adding targeted training for presidents and treasurers and emphasizing the required verification and sign-off forms included in the SSO packet.

The board directed staff to include a review of policy Section 2 at an upcoming policy meeting so the board can consider changes that are permissible under state law. District staff and principals said they would supply specific suggested changes for the board’s review.

The board’s approvals cleared the listed SSOs to operate for fiscal year 2026 under the current district procedures; principals said the groups will continue standard fundraising and volunteer activities while district staff follow up on the suggested policy clarifications and training schedule.

Ending

Board members said they expect to bring improvements to the SSO process to the policy committee in September and to continue outreach to SSO leaders so volunteers understand the legal and financial expectations for operating alongside district schools.