Finance committee forwards proposed booster-and-parent-organization policy to full board

At its June 15 finance committee meeting, the Frederick County School Board finance committee voted to forward proposed amendments to FCPS Policy 610 (parent/support organizations) and an accompanying regulation to the full board with a recommendation of approval.

Ms. Anderson, a presenter for the school division, told the committee the changes are intended to ‘‘provide some structure and parameters’’ around booster clubs and parent support organizations and to codify best practices the division has promoted for years. Ms. Jordan, a presenting colleague, said the regulation adds an annual certification that will require organizations to confirm they follow financial-management best practices and to provide a copy of their bylaws to the principal.

The proposed regulation would require recognized school-affiliated support organizations to submit an annual certification by July 31 that they are following financial-management best practices, and to make bylaws and other governance documentation available to school principals. Presenters said support organizations remain independent legal entities and retain responsibility for their finances and filings, but that principals and central staff would serve as liaisons and may request documentation or deny acceptance of a gift if it imposes an unacceptable recurring cost on the school.

Presenters also described a new fundraising-approval form. Under the proposal, support organizations must seek principal approval before holding fundraising events so school leaders can ensure proposed activities and purchases align with school needs and federal and state requirements (presenters cited Title IX as a compliance example). The regulation would allow the superintendent, principal or school board to revoke an organization’s approval status and branding privileges if the group fails to comply, though presenters emphasized the policy is intended to be collaborative rather than punitive.

Committee member S2 moved to forward the proposed amendments to the full board with a recommendation of approval; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Presenters said that if the full board approves the changes at its meeting tomorrow night, the regulation would take effect the following day and existing support organizations would be expected to begin complying with the new processes, with July 31 set as the certification deadline.

The full board is scheduled to consider the amendments at its next meeting.