Just before kids head back to school, Broward parents are learning their kids can’t raise money for trips and activities like they used to.
Broward County school district is cracking down on a little-known rule designed to keep teachers’ and administrators’ hands off the money.
They say it affects everything from sports teams to band camp to debate club to charities, and everything in between.
The rule in question is school board fundraising policy 3.1:
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“Principals, teachers, supervisors and administrative personnel shall not, in the name of the Board or for and in behalf of the Board, or in their capacity as principals, teachers, supervisors or administrative personnel, take custody of any funds, dues or collections made by any Parent-Teachers' Association, any band parents' association, or by any similar association, club or group connected directly or indirectly with schools.”
If the school can’t help collect the money, Amy Leschhorn wonders what parent volunteers like her will do next. She pulls double duty as PTSA treasurer at West Broward High and Silver Trails Middle school, where her sons attend.
“How are we gonna support these activities?” she asked. “How are we gonna collect the money?”
The hands-off policy has parent volunteers looking for solutions – like a drop off box or using mailers, so school personnel don’t have to handle the money.
Leschhorn warns that would be a hassle and “too expensive” to spend thousands on stamps, she says.
Superintendent Donnie Carter said he plans to come out with a temporary policy on Wednesday and work with auditors as well as PTA members on a more permanet policy.
