Members of the Oxford School District Board discussed adopting a new policy that would impact how booster clubs raise funds.

During the Monday night meeting, the board said the policy would be written to protect the school for insurance purposes in case funds donated through an affiliated organization with the school experience theft or fraud on its end.

Oxford School District Superintendent Brian Harvey said although it has not happened within the school district, it has certainly happened to others.

Harvey encouraged the board to adopt a preemptive policy to have in place for future funds that will be raised in the school district’s name.

Board President Whitney Byars said parent teacher organizations and booster clubs have provided funding for large student opportunities and she did not want to discourage money from being raised.

While the board does not want to discourage parents, students, PTOs and booster clubs from providing opportunities to students, there is a lack of structure around how organizations handle those funds.

Currently, there is no fallback procedure in place if funding is stolen or mishandled.

“I don’t think it’s a good way to do business,” Harvey said.

Harvey said he wanted a policy in place to prevent a school from being liable for unnecessary litigation.

The school board will review the final policy over winter break. The policy language will be finalized in upcoming meetings.