Board approves multiple policy directions: crowdfunding safeguards, higher settlement authority, and an auditor RFP committee

The Marion County School Board accepted a string of staff recommendations and set next steps on several policy and operational matters during its April 27 work session.

Crowdfunding safeguards: Attorney Powers presented Policy 6605, a NEOLA‑recommended update to require crowdfunding activities to align with the district's educational mission, protect student privacy, and favor secure, low‑fee fundraising platforms. Board members asked about booster‑club fundraising that uses separate booster accounts; staff said booster clubs may operate under different rules but agreed to coordinate guidance. Powers noted the district contracts with Vertical Raise and that contract limits platform fees to no more than 15%.

Settlement authority: The board discussed Policy 8710 to increase settlement authority. Attorney Powers said the recommendation would authorize the superintendent, together with the school board attorney, to settle claims up to $150,000 and to place settlement documents on the next board agenda. Board members indicated support for combining superintendent authority with close review by the school board attorney.

External auditor RFP: The board agreed to launch the process to select a new external auditor (current provider Pervis Gray has served about 13 years). The board chair recommended board member Thrower serve as the board member on the RFP committee and chair that committee; Thrower accepted. Staff (procurement and legal) will draft the RFP, solicit community members for the committee and run interviews for final selection.

What happens next: Staff will update crowdfunding guidance and booster‑club outreach, formalize the settlement‑authority language with the school board attorney, and begin the RFP process for the external auditor with the committee chaired by board member Thrower.