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District lays out phased plan for fundraising equity and a voluntary centralized fund
Summary
After two years of listening sessions, Bend‑LaPine staff proposed a phased approach to improve fundraising equity: updated administrative processes, program baseline standards, improved transparency and an opt‑in centralized 'mushpot' to redistribute voluntary donor contributions; the board voted to table formal policy adoption for a future work session.
District staff presented two years of community engagement and analysis on fundraising and donations, and proposed a multi‑year, phased plan to increase equity and transparency in how school‑level and program fundraising is collected and distributed.
Key proposals: Staff described several options considered, including status quo, a threshold model where programs keep initial funds then contribute a percentage to a central fund, a flat percentage to a central fund on all donations, and an opt‑in voluntary contribution model. The staff recommended beginning with administrative updates, program standards, improved transparency and an opt‑in centralized fund ("mushpot") that would allow donors to add a contribution to a central pool at the time of donation. Capital projects were flagged as a potential exception for a small obligatory indirect contribution because of long‑term maintenance costs.
Why it matters: District and community leaders described inequities in access to fundraising across schools and programs, burnout among parent volunteers, and limited transparency for community donors. Staff argued that a central fund combined with clear program baselines and better accounting would reduce competition and improve equity for schools without strong booster organizations.
Board action: The board did not adopt a new policy at the meeting; directors voted to table the policy for further work and community feedback and asked staff to return with administrative regs and clearer allocation and governance details for any central fund.
Next steps: Staff will draft administrative regulations, forms and procedures and convene a community committee to advise on priority areas and a distribution process. The district anticipates a phased implementation with ongoing community engagement over the next 1–3 years.
