LANSING - A plan by State Representative John Espinoza (D-Croswell) to allow school board members to be appointed as volunteer coaches or supervisors of student organizations was signed into law Thursday by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.
"Our schools are facing tough times, and we have to take advantage of every resource available in our communities," Espinoza said. "We want our students to become talented individuals who can compete for good-paying jobs and form a workforce that will attract top-notch employers. That means we need to give them every opportunity to develop all their talents. This change will help ensure that programs that prepare our students for the future can continue."
Under the plan:
- A school board member can volunteer as a coach or head of a student organization when no other qualified applicant is available.
- A board member serving as a volunteer coach or supervisor will receive no compensation for his or her service.
- During the period he or she serves as a volunteer, a school board member must abstain from voting on issues concerning that program that come before the board.
In addition, the law also requires that school board members undergo a criminal background check before working as volunteers with students.
"It's important that all our children have the opportunity to learn new skills, whether that involves playing a sport, producing the school newspaper or performing in the chorus," Espinoza said. "Many of our smaller schools would not be able to offer such programs were it not for the generosity of volunteers giving their time and talent. This new law expands the number of people who can contribute in our schools, which will benefit our kids and our communities."