Executive Summary
The Fundraising Task Force (FTF) was convened by Superintendent Noss with the charge to develop a fundraising policy and administrative regulation for the superintendent that:
- Provided a recommendation as to whether non-public school funds should be used to pay for staff costs and, if so, how it would be implemented.
- Acknowledged and encouraged the enhancement of school programs, activities and facilities through financial and in-kind donations.
- Supported the work of the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation and identified areas of common interest.
- Provided guidance for fundraising across the district.
- Aligned with Board Policy JBB – Educational Equity.
An executive summary of the task force’s work was shared at the September 14, 2017, school board meeting, and the facilitator of the task force was on hand to respond to questions. The task force had recommended revisions to the existing administrative regulation, DEDA-AR – Fundraising for Programs, Activities or Projects. Working from those recommendations, Superintendent Noss submitted a revised version of the AR for the board’s information. To read the revised AR, click here: (DEDA-AR) No changes were recommended to Board Policy DEDA – Fundraising for Programs, Activities, or Projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the fundraising policy change?
No. The board policy is unchanged. The rationale for maintaining the policy as written included a desire to keep the policy broad and at a high level and to provide the detailed guidelines in the administrative regulation (AR).
What is going to be functionally different about fundraising?
The AR provides a greater focus on equity in the approval of fundraising activities for staffing; an Educational Equity Fund will be created; and, co-fundraising activities between sister schools will be encouraged.
Are parent organizations required to contribute to the district Educational Equity Fund?
No; however, all parent fundraising groups are encouraged to contribute 10-25% of fundraised moneys annually (or fundraise an equivalent amount) to the Fund. The purpose of the fund is to equalize enrichment opportunities for students and to address inequity in schools.
Who will manage the Educational Equity Fund?
The Corvallis Public Schools Foundation will manage this fund for the advancement of equity in our district. District administration and representation from building principals will meet twice annually with leadership from each parent organization and the Foundation to establish priority purposes and goals for district-wide fundraising.
Can parents continue to fundraise to pay for staff (FTE)?
Yes; however, any funds for FTE raised at the building level must be approved by the superintendent or designee with any decision guided by policy JBB – Educational Equity.
Can fundraisers be used to pay for curriculum?
No. Money raised through fundraising at the building level will not be used to provide resources necessary for the delivery of state-assessed core curriculum, or for a safe learning environment (e.g., structural repair, sanitation, emergency repair).
Is approval needed for fundraising?
Yes. Depending on the level of fundraising goals, approvals are required at the following levels:
- Less than $10,000 must be approved by the principal.
- $10,000-$75,000 must be approved by the principal and superintendent or designee.
- Greater than $75,000 must be approved by the principal, superintendent, and School Board.
How can parent organizations from different schools work together?
“Sister schools”, including their parent organizations, are encouraged to collaborate on selected fundraising activities, joint learning enrichment activities, activities promoting cultural awareness, and generally collaborate and leverage resources for the benefit of the students and families of both schools.
When will changes go into effect?
The AR will go into effect July 1, 2018. At the end of the 2018-19 school year, a review of the AR will take place.
If you have additional questions about fundraising at your child’s school, please contact your school’s principal.