Monongalia board reopens crowdfunding policy debate; may allow PTOs to use online platforms

The Monongalia County Board of Education discussed reversing an earlier ban on crowdfunding for school fundraisers and agreed to return a revised policy for first reading, with a 30-day public comment period.

Board members and parents told the board that online fundraising platforms expand who can donate and help cover rising costs for field trips and student programs. Parents and PTO representatives described examples of out-of-state and international donors and said crowdfunding had funded transportation, field-trip admissions and school events.

Administrators and the board emphasized legal limits. District counsel and staff said crowdfunding would, if permitted, be governed under the district's existing fundraising rules, require superintendent approval for each request, and be subject to state guidance on related organizations. Board members asked for clearer public information about the relationship between PTOs and the district and for transparency in audits and reporting.

Several parents and PTO representatives described specific platforms and results. Kristen Camacho, speaking for Skyview Elementary PTO, said the Get Movin' FundHub program had allowed 53% of students to register online in the past school year, and that cash/check donations remained 100% with the district keeping most online proceeds. Megan McCullough said a Change.org petition to amend fundraising policy 6605 had gathered 668 signatures.

Superintendent Jennifer (last name not specified in transcript) and other administrators said crowdfunding requests would be routed through the superintendent for approval and, if allowed, would automatically fall under the district’s fundraising policy (policy 9211 / student fundraising rules). Board members indicated they would like to reverse the previous board's decision and asked staff to draft a revised crowdfunding policy for the next meeting for first reading; the board would then send the draft out for 30 days of public comment before a second reading and possible adoption.

The board did not take a formal vote to change policy during the meeting; members said the matter would return for formal first reading at the next meeting.