Critics Come With New H.S. Booster Policy

The Watchung Hills Regional Board of Education approved a new policy aimed at eliminating pay-to-play fundraising requirements for students, as well as shed light on the fundraising and spending plans of outside boster clubs.

But the new policy comes with criticism from the parent-run groups, which say its one-size-fits-all wording may stifle the groups' ability to help students.

"The Touchdown Club is completely behind the board's effort to bring forward a policy," Glenn Mastrobattista, president of football booster club, said. "We just want to work with them to get something that works for everybody."

The policy will require clubs and support organizations conducting fundraising to help support any school team or club present its fundraising and spending plans to Principal George Alexis and the athletic director.

The policy also includes provisions barring students from being required to participate in fundraising, or for parents being required to pay fees, for their children to participate. 

The after concerns about some groups' accumulations of substantial amounts of money came to light, as well as parents' complaints their kids had to "donate" hundreds of dollars to a booster club for their children to play on teams.

Several groups have complained to the board that the policy as worded will end any fundraising acitivties for the booster clubs—Mastrobattista noted the provisions barring mandatory student participation or parental contributions effectively blocks any real fundraising for teams and clubs.

"It's a tough Catch-22," he said. "It would put the Touchdown Club out of business if it goes into effect immediately."

Before the policy was voted on at Monday's board meeting, board Vice-President Harold Grossnickle urged the board to table the vote in order for further discussions with the groups but a majority of the board felt a policy was needed to be in place ahead of the upcoming school year.

When it was clear the majority of the board would move to pass the policy Monday, Grossnickle said he wanted it known the policy was "a work in progress," and that it is likely to be altered as soon as his Policy Committee can act on it.

Other concerns the parent groups have include requirements for the clubs to obtain 501(c)3 tax status, a potentially costly requirement for smaller groups, and determinations over who pays what—a subject that also came up in .

For example, band parent Christine Griffin said the school district pays to replace marching band uniforms after 13 years, but doesn't provide for the such equipment as drum harnesses, or additional uniforms if those on hand don't match the students' sizes.

In those cases, the Band Parents Association pays for the items.

"I think the first issue that needs to be addressed with each and every booster club is who is responsible for paying for what?" Griffin said. "Who pays for equipment needs and who will determine need?"

Those questions, and many others, are sure to be sorted out in the coming weeks. 

This article was edited to correct an error in the position of athletic director named in the original post.