The number of planned fundraisers once again drew some questions during Monday’s Knox School Board meeting. When the list of this year’s fundraisers was presented for the board’s approval, Board Member Gary Dulin said he had some questions about where the money is going.
“At the high school, the student council has 14 different fundraisers,” he noted, “and it’s just like, you know, why? Why are there so many fundraisers? And then [Principal] Dr. [Elizabeth] Ratliff has, like, eight.”
The principal wasn’t at Monday’s meeting, but Board Member Wendy McIntire said the student council fundraisers help support the academic banquet and jackets, among other expenses. She also noted that progress has been made in limiting the number of sports fundraisers.
Dulin pointed out that Knox is considered one of the poorest communities in the state, but Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart said that in spite of that, it’s extremely supportive of its school system. “I think we have to be conscious of our community,” Reichhart acknowledged. “And the same merchants do a great job of helping our school district and all the things, but if I’m in their shoes, it gets a little bit old, too. Every group comes in and they try and do what they can to help, but there’s times when it’s just too much, too many at once.”
Despite Dulin’s concerns, the list of fundraisers was unanimously approved by the board members in attendance. They also approved this year’s list of out-of-state and overnight field trips. Reichhart said those are all at the high school level. Other trips no longer require the board’s approval.
