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Elma board approves several booster fundraisers but bars student-run shoot‑a‑thon pending ASB review
Summary
After staff warned that student-run fundraising could be classified as ASB activity, the board approved a slate of booster fundraisers while excluding certain events (shoot‑a‑thon, free-throw pledges). Trustees emphasized routing events through ASB when students do the work and noted rules about 50/50 raffles and insurance.
The Elma School District board approved multiple booster fundraisers for athletics, performing arts, and class groups but excluded events that staff said would require ASB processing if students are the primary workers.
Discussion focused on a girls’ basketball "shoot-a-thon" and similar activities. Staff and trustees cautioned that when students perform the fundraising work, state ASB rules typically treat the proceeds as student ASB funds; that requires the money to be kept in student accounts and for students to vote on how to spend it. A staff member told the board there is roughly $255,000 sitting in student ASB accounts that students have not spent because they "don't know how to spend their money," and the district has begun standing meetings and student training so students can vote on expenditures.
Board members and booster representatives also discussed practical requirements: outside booster-run events need separate insurance, boosters must follow state raffle limits (board members said 50/50 raffles are limited and cautioned about licensing), and an ASB fundraiser request is recommended when students are running the activity. After that guidance, the board approved girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball, performing arts (excluding a junior drill clinic), class boosters (Class of 2027 and 2029), and Elma Wrestling booster events. The board specified that the shoot-a-thon and free-throw pledge events be processed through ASB or otherwise excluded from booster approval.
Board members encouraged boosters to work closely with ASB advisors to prepare formal fundraiser requests and to provide students with printouts and training on ASB account balances. Trustees emphasized protecting student-controlled funds while helping boosters supplement reduced athletic and activity budgets.
The board did not overturn the policy framework; rather, members used the approvals to reinforce procedures that preserve student ownership of funds and to minimize audit risk. The approvals passed by voice votes during the meeting; where speakers noted specific conditions (insurance, raffle limits), the board included those as practical directions for boosters moving forward.
The board will continue outreach and training for student ASB account management and recommended that boosters coordinate event details and insurance requirements with district staff and the ASB advisor before holding booster-run events.
