The Board of Education recognizes that extracurricular support groups, or “booster” organizations, provide important support to district schools, and can be a valuable means of stimulating community interest in the aims and activities of district schools. Booster organizations may be defined in two ways:
1. an organization which is created to foster community support and raise funds for a specific extracurricular activity (e.g., athletics, speech and debate, and/or musical groups); or
2. an organization which is created to foster community support and raise funds for the school’s general extracurricular program.
Parents and other interested members of the community who wish to organize a booster club for the purpose of supporting a specific school program are encouraged to do so, as long as the activities of such organizations do not interfere unduly with the total educational program, or
disrupt district operations in any way. To this end, booster organizations must follow these guidelines:
1. membership in the organization must be voluntary;
2. submit an activity schedule in advance to the Superintendent of Schools or designee for prior approval (Any time the booster club uses the name of the school district, or any language suggesting that the district has endorsed, sponsored or otherwise approved of the club’s activities, there must be prior approval by the Superintendent or designee.);
3. seek advance approval for any use of school facilities and/or equipment, following the policy and procedures outlined in policy 1500, Public Use of School Facilities and its accompanying regulation;
4. avoid interference with the decision-making of any student group;
5. booster clubs are independent organizations and need to be run and operated separate from District employees, including the Coach or leader of the student organization;
6. understand and respect the authority of district employees in the administration of their duties; and
7. assume all financial responsibility for their organization, including but not limited to the provision of adequate insurance coverage, as appropriate.
Fundraising activities must be approved in advance by the Superintendent or designee by completing a Fundraising form. Groups wishing to use District facilities for fundraising activities need to present a certificate of insurance and follow the District’s facilities use policy 1500 and regulation.
If a booster organization wishes to make a contribution of money, service time, or tangible property (e.g., equipment or supplies), a representative of the organization should first meet with the Superintendent or designee. The Superintendent must identify the district’s terms and
conditions of accepting such gifts, and seek the Board’s official approval before accepting or publicly announcing any contribution.
REALTIONSHIP WITH BOOSTER ORGANIZATIONS 1210
Booster-proposed plans, projects and other activities must be evaluated and promoted in light of their stated contribution to the academic as well as the extra-curricular school programs. Careful consideration should be given to the total value of the contribution to all students, and not just to
specific student groups.
The Board retains final responsibility and authority on all activities which have an impact on students, the schools, school programs, and/or school-owned property.
Booster organizations must register with the School District and must operate in a manner consistent with Board Policy and New York State Education Law. The Booster Club Registration Form must be completed annually and submitted before the start of any booster club plans, projects, or activities.
Title IX
The District has a responsibility under Title IX to ensure that boys’ and girls’ programs are provided with equivalent benefits, treatment, services, and opportunities regardless of their source. When determining equivalency, therefore, benefits, services, and opportunities attained through private funds—including donations, fundraising, and booster clubs—must be considered
in combination with all benefits, services, and opportunities.
Cross-ref:
1500, Public Use of School Facilities
1511, Advertising and Solicitations
1520, Public Conduct on School Property
5312, Prohibited Conduct
Adoption date: November 14, 2022