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District proposes standardized MOU with site foundations; donors would face up to 10% administrative fee
Summary
Board staff presented a draft memorandum of understanding for the district’s site foundations that would cap administrative processing fees at 10%, add donor opt-outs, require quarterly financial reports and clarify facility-use authority. Foundations and parents asked for more details and transition time.
Board staff presented a preliminary draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Nov. 20 that aims to standardize how district-connected foundations handle donations, facility reservations and financial reporting.
The draft would: cap an administrative processing fee at up to 10% (the draft language uses a not-to-exceed model), require quarterly (and annual) financial reporting, allow donors to opt out of any automatic side-allocation of a portion of their gifts, and clarify that the district — not foundations — holds authority to impose facility rental fees for district property.
Foundations and community members offered mixed responses during public comment. Some foundation representatives and supporters praised the transparency and urged rapid adoption to restore donor trust; other commenters raised concerns that a uniform fee and the proposed handling of facility rentals could reduce funds available to smaller teams and clubs and risk Title IX equity implications.
Janice Aloqua and other public speakers said the proposal is overdue and highlighted that student reporters had helped surface financial inconsistencies; speakers urged the district to finalize an equitable, consistent system rather than allow years of ad hoc practice to continue.
Board members and staff discussed operational details, including whether foundations could charge a lower internal rate for school‑affiliated camps, clinics and fundraisers and whether some student-benefit activities should pay no facility fee. Staff said the proposal includes a potential 50% discount for in‑district 501(c)(3) foundations for certain school‑affiliated activities and that they will return with revised language after additional meetings with foundation partners.
What’s next: Staff plans follow‑up meetings with foundations and a revised draft in a subsequent meeting (target December or January), with an anticipated effective date and transition period around July 1, 2026.
