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Haywood County School board urges clearer language for athletics fundraising on social media
Summary
Board members discussed confusion over what counts as school solicitation versus non‑soliciting fundraisers, urging transparency and clearer guidance for coaches and groups using social media to raise money.
Haywood County Schools board members on Tuesday discussed recurring confusion about athletics fundraising and asked staff to clarify what fundraisers require formal solicitation approval and what kinds of non‑soliciting activities are allowed.
A board member identified in the record as David, board member, urged transparency and accuracy in fundraising messaging. He said teams should be allowed to raise money but that public communications need to be explicit about the purpose. "If we're doing it just for the program, just do it for the program. But if you're doing it for a specific reason, name that reason," David said.
Board members described two types of fundraising under district rules: open solicitation (email campaigns, door-to-door or wide solicitations) and non‑soliciting fundraisers (car washes, bake sales, yard sales). One board member noted the district limits open solicitation to one fundraiser per sport per year, while non‑soliciting activities remain allowable for additional fundraising.
Speakers said the distinction has been confusing for coaches and parents, particularly when social media campaigns are used. Multiple board members asked staff to provide clearer guidance: define the difference between "open solicitation" and "non‑soliciting" fundraisers, require precise language identifying the use of raised funds (program support, tournament travel, warm‑ups) and share the guidance directly with coaches and booster groups.
Board members emphasized that fundraising is an important revenue source for extracurricular programs and families, but that inaccurate or misleading language on social media can cause reputational problems for the district. They asked staff to return with suggested clarifications and examples so the district can publish consistent rules for teams, clubs and parents.
No formal policy vote occurred; the discussion was a request for staff guidance and clearer communication to athletic programs and parent booster groups.
