Mundelein High may consolidate booster clubs into one group

Mundelein High School officials are considering consolidating all of the campus’ booster clubs into one organization.

The groups, which typically consist of parents whose kids participate in sports or other activities, act individually now and are responsible for their own fundraising or other efforts. That’s how booster clubs at many schools operate.

However, administrators believe that approach has resulted “in a fragmented, uncoordinated individual activity approach to fundraising,” according to a District 120 memo.

“Potential donors should be contacted by only one booster organization whose efforts reflect the priorities established by the board of education on behalf of all students,” the memo reads.

A single booster club will ”serve all students equally,” Superintendent Jody Ware said. It also would help smaller, nonathletic groups, such as a robotic club, with fundraising, she said.

“We need to look at the benefits (for) all students, the school and the facilities,” Ware said.

More than 20 booster clubs currently represent Mundelein High athletic teams, include the football, basketball and baseball programs, Ware said. She said she didn’t know of any nonathletic booster clubs.

A group called the Mundelein High School Athletic Boosters Club is an established not-for-profit organization, the district memo said.

An effort to re-establish that group as the lone booster organization could get some resistance, officials said.

Groups that don’t join the coordinated effort won’t be allowed to solicit funds on behalf of the school or represent the school or its students, the memo said.

The Mundelein High board discussed the matter at a meeting this week. Following that talk, officials announced a committee would be created to study the matter.

Board members, administrators, booster-club members and coaches likely would serve on the committee, Ware said.

A timeline for a decision was not established.