Parents in Douglas County School District are concerned about a plan that asks booster clubs to move their finances through the schools or the district’s foundation.
Earlier this year, the district told its booster groups that they should move financial transactions through the Foundation for Douglas County Schools, the individual school or a school-wide booster account. Parents say the district has lacked transparency around the guidance.
“There’s too many unanswered questions to feel comfortable with it,” said Tony Brannen, with the Chaparral High School boys baseball booster club.
Booster clubs are nonprofit organizations run by volunteers to support various student activities, such as band and sports. The money raised by boosters help pay for things like transportation, equipment, competition fees and meals.
Multiple district booster clubs are concerned that moving their finances will cause disruptions to their access to their funds. They also say the district has not provided enough information about the change.
The school district did not respond to specific questions from the Douglas County News-Press, but shared the email it recently sent to booster clubs.
The district’s email said the transition is meant to improve financial accountability and protect against misuse.
“Having booster clubs exist under a common structure with financial transparency, including checks and balances, helps prevent inadvertent errors,” the email said. “Further, it helps ensure any dollars raised by students and families via booster clubs are used as intended.”
In an interview with CBS News Colorado, Superintendent Erin Kane said the district would not use booster club money for school needs.
“These funds are for our kids and our sports programs,” Kane said.
Still, booster volunteers say they worry the proposed change will hurt students instead of help.
Amy Valentine, with the Rock Canyon boys basketball booster club, said the boosters are in the best position to direct the funding where it’s needed for their teams. If their funds are controlled by a third party, the boosters worry about issues with reimbursements and delayed purchases.
“The options don’t allow us to be nimble and support the growing programs,” Valentine said.
For instance, the Legend High School Band Booster Group has a bingo-raffle license to hold its annual fundraiser and owns vehicles to help transport students. It’s illegal for the school district to hold the license, according to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office.
Sean Smith, with the Douglas County High School boys baseball booster, said his team travels for tournaments, which often requires the flexibility to purchase plane tickets.
When it comes to financial accountability, the groups said they have guardrails in place. As nonprofits, their finances are governed by the federal Internal Revenue Service and the groups can prosecute for financial crimes.
“We’re independent organizations and people who steal will face criminal changes as a result,” Smith said.
Without more answers from the district, the boosters are unwilling to give up oversight of their finances. While they wait for information, the volunteers plan to continue supporting their students and each other.
“What we’ve been doing works,” Brannen said. “If we can’t do our part to ensure the money is there to work with, how many kids miss out?”