Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District trustees examine booster club, security cameras policies; superintendent 'disappointed' with delay in discussion of 'safe and environment'

 

Policies dealing with parent-led booster clubs and campus security cameras were two notable items examined by Placentia-Yorba Linda school district trustees at their most recent meeting.

First reading of a new policy that addresses school-connected organizations won a 4-0 vote of support by trustees, with a final second reading scheduled at the board's April 11 meeting.

The policy specifically applies to booster clubs supporting educational and extracurricular programs and doesn't impact the district's foundation or PTA groups at individual schools.

District officials will be meeting with the parent leaders of the clubs, as well as the coaches, teachers and other personnel who are involved in the organizations, for further input on the details of the policy before the April session.

One reason for the new policy is to formalize the district's interest in ensuring that a club's request for donations from parents is reasonable and does not prevent a student from participating in a class, team or any after-school activity.

Requirements included in the policy: a list of fundraising projects, an explanation of donations to be requested from the families of each participant and a draft of the donation request letter.

And as noted in the state education code, “Any participation in fundraising activities by students and their parents/guardians and/or any donation of funds or property shall be voluntary.”

In addition, teachers and coaches may have advisory roles in the clubs, but neither they nor family members may hold offices, and the district has the right to audit club financial records.

The security camera policy calls for camera placement in “appropriate locations” and not “in areas where students, staff or community members have a reasonable expectation of privacy.”

Also, sounds will not be recorded, school entrance signs will inform of video monitoring and “matters captured by the cameras may be referred to local law enforcement, as appropriate.”

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Interim Superintendent Michael Matthews told trustees he was “disappointed” by a decision to delay discussion regarding the board focus area entitled “Safe and Respectful Environment.”

The focus area reads: “A safe and respectful environment is essential to student success. We foster a culture that promotes the emotional health, safety and well-being of students, staff and parents.”

At a January meeting, Matthews noted recent challenges with student behavior that is non-inclusive, and he said he would bring the matter back to the board for additional discussion.

The board tabled the discussion until April 11 on a 3-1 vote (Leandra Blades, Todd Frazier and Shawn Youngblood in favor and Marilyn Anderson opposed; Carrie Buck was absent).

Youngblood said the time was not right because of the superintendent search, and Blades called the matter “divisive politics” and said the topics have been addressed by resolutions.