"At this time, there is no board policy defining student participation"
If there is no policy in place, it seems to me that your students are able to participate. Under insurance regulations, if it's not specifically excluded, then it's included.
Thanks, I was hoping for a more legally based answer. I do have a decent relationship with two of the five board members. However, I don't want to go over anyones head unless it is completely necessary. - Future needs and wants - If I can point out to a few individuals that this practice is not only acceptable, but very legal, I think I can not only solve the problem, but allow these people to appear as though they have taken the extra effort to clarify the issue. (Ahh... the politics of PTC)
Parli's mantra sounds pretty good, but I'd also caution that it sounds like yours is a very unique challenge to your district. Every district is different o these kind of regulations. the experience of one volunteer in one district is likely to be quite different from what you're experiencing.
When trying to change the position of a seemingly immovable object (i.e. district staff) you must push from a different direction (i.e. school board trustees).
We recently had a meeting with district staff. This meeting involved several PTA/PTO/PTC representatives and administators from several different schools. We were informed that "student generated funds" could only be deposited into accounts held by and subsequesntly issued through the Associated Student Body -ASB. When I challenged this,(having read otherwise), I was told "Several attorney opinions, including the districts counsel, share this opinion". After the meeting I reviewed the ASB FCMAT Manual,(referred to several times in the meeting as the source of all the info discussed and direction given), and it clearly states - Unless board policy or practice state otherwise, students can assist in nonstudent organization fundraisers. At this time, there is no board policy defining student participation. - Can anyone help me out on this?
- If I can point out to a few individuals that this practice is not only acceptable, but very legal, I think I can not only solve the problem, but allow these people to appear as though they have taken the extra effort to clarify the issue. (Ahh... the politics of PTC) 