Somerset schools to be limited when fundraising online

Posted 10/17/22

WESTOVER — When it comes to encouraging donations and gifts the power of the internet and social media make it possible to solicit small contributions from large numbers of people to enjoy a …

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Somerset schools to be limited when fundraising online

Posted

WESTOVER — When it comes to encouraging donations and gifts the power of the internet and social media make it possible to solicit small contributions from large numbers of people to enjoy a big payoff.

Platforms like Go Fund Me which raised nearly $120,000 in response to the tornado that hit Smith Island can be used by anyone with unlimited possibilities for the right cause.

Somerset County Public Schools welcomes donations “that enhance the educational or extracurricular experiences of students” but Policy 200-15 also states “acceptance of donations must be subject to a review process “to ensure their safety and usability by the school system.”

Deputy Superintendent Tom Davis said crowdfunding platforms “are being used as a fundraising means” and over the summer he found 16 accounts that were active.

“We have questions when funds are raised and products are bought who is the owner of the product,” Mr. Davis said. And when those funds are provided, how they are used must align with the mission and school system’s goals.

On first reader changes to Policy 200-15 were accepted by the school board for review with one of the amendments requiring a requester of a crowdfunding project to “first complete a Crowdfunding Authorization Form” which limits use to three recognized platforms: DonorsChoose, Amazon Wishlist and Adopt-A-Classroom.

All donations become school property “unless a specific exception is granted.”

Donations less than $1,500 will require school principal approval, those over that amount must be approved by the superintendent.

Absent from the September meeting was Vice Chair Penny Nicholson. A final vote is expected at this month's meeting on Oct. 18.

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