Schools

Warren Schools Re-Examine Fundraiser Policies

Officials troubled by 'pay-to-play' events but want to move slowly.

Complaints about some students left out of fun events at a fundraiser at Woodland School because they did not contribute enough to the project has brought the issue of grade school fundraisers to the doorstep of the Warren Township Board of Education.

But the board's preliminary discussion on possible policy changes, which included Principals Kathy Bond (ALT), Janet Melita (Central), William Kimmick (Mt. Horeb) and Chris Huss (Woodland), discovered how quickly the many facets of fundraisers can tangle up even as simple a goal as ending any schemes that involve rewarding students for spending, raising or donating more money.

The issue stemmed from the June 13 "Earn 'n Burn" event at Woodland School, the school's final "Thankful Thursdays" project aimed at teaching students the value of charitable giving and supporting community organizations.

One aspect of the day included special rewards for students who donated $25, such as access to the Gamin' Rode mobile video game truck. Woodland School Principal Chris Huss said he realized the problems the program was creating that day, and told board members he wouldn't allow such a program again.

Board members were quick to agree with the sentiment—Tia Allocco said, "I don't think pay-to-play is appropriate, whether it's a nickel or a hundred dollars"—but board members had to acknowledge the picture wasn't quite as clear as they would like.

"You know, the PTO school lunches are pay-to-play," board member Roberta Monahan said.

Others pointed out the popular PTO Casino Nights benefitting many of the schools include games and programs which could be viewed as incorporating pay-to-play.

Members agreed on the need to tread carefully—especially given the many PTO programs which could be impacted—and only committed to considering the issue further. Monahan, as head of the board's Policy Committee reviewing the district rules, said the committee would refine its definitions in order to sort out the challenge of trying to prepare a suitable policy.


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