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Board adopts revised gifts policy to recognize donors giving $100 or more; implementation set for 2025‑26 school year
Summary
After discussion about tracking and anonymous donors, the board unanimously approved revisions to Policy 8.40 to list donations valued at $100 or more on the board agenda beginning the 2025‑26 school year, with administrative regulations to guide implementation.
The Beloit School District Board of Education voted unanimously May 6 to approve a revision to Policy 8.40 (Public Gifts to Schools) that lowers the reporting threshold so donations valued at $100 or more — including in‑kind gifts — are formally listed on the board agenda, unless a donor requests anonymity.
Board member Amy Levy proposed language that added “valued at $100 or more (including in‑kind donations)” and specified that acceptance of the gift or bequest be included on the board agenda “excluding donors that wish to remain anonymous.” Levy and other board members also asked administration to write administrative regulations explaining how the district will track donations and how community fundraising requests should be handled so donated funds are used as donors intend.
Superintendent Dr. John Garrison said lowering the threshold would require new tracking procedures and training at buildings and the district office; administration asked for time to implement. The board agreed the policy should be implemented at the start of the 2025‑26 school year to give staff time to prepare.
Why it matters: Board members said the change increases transparency and recognizes a broader range of community contributors. Administration raised practical concerns about tracking frequent smaller donations and recommended an implementation start at the beginning of the next school year to allow procedures to be put in place.
Vote: Amy Levy moved approval of Policy 8.40 as amended with an implementation date at the start of the 2025‑26 school year; Joanne Ruh seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Clarifying points: Board members asked administration to create admin regs clarifying whether in‑kind gifts will be valued and published, to provide an anonymous donor option, and to coordinate donor reporting with existing fundraising and booster club policies so funds are not misdirected.
Ending: Administration will prepare implementation procedures and return to the board as needed; the policy takes effect with the 2025‑26 school year unless administration requests additional time.
