Board debates changes to booster‑club rules; trustees seek clearer language to avoid discouraging volunteers
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Summary
District staff proposed updates requiring parent support organizations to submit bylaws and officer lists annually and prohibiting district employees from serving as account signers (they may serve as president but not treasurer). Trustees raised concerns the wording could discourage employee participation and asked staff to consult volunteers and revise transactional language.
Mr. Turner presented a recommended update to policy that renames "booster clubs" as "parent support organizations" and standardizes oversight practices. Changes would require annual submission of constitutions/bylaws and officer lists, require two signers on accounts, and prohibit district employees from being signers (they could serve as president but not as treasurer or second signer). The policy also clarifies when booster funds are held by the district (funds deposited in district accounts are subject to district procurement rules) and requires fundraiser forms for both internal and external groups.
Trustee Crumley and others expressed concern the language as written could discourage employees from participating in volunteer leadership roles, because many board decisions involve transactions and employees might fear being considered to have made transactional decisions. Crumley said the policy felt "discouraging" and urged more clarity so employees would not be deterred from serving. Trustee comments and staff response centered on balancing checks and balances with encouraging participation.
Board members suggested convening current volunteers and booster representatives for input and asked staff to refine the language around what constitutes a transactional decision and how employee roles are defined so volunteers are not inadvertently excluded. Staff agreed to work with Mr. Adcock and return a clearer draft before a second reading and possible approval.