Windermere High dissolves 501(c)(3) athletic booster association, internalizes booster operations

In a letter penned by Windermere High Principal Andrew Leftakis, the school’s athletic booster association will be dissolved and booster operations will be internalized by the school, which aligns with Orange County School Board policy.

“Over the years, athletic boosters operated as a 501(c)(3) in an effort to support all athletic programs at Windermere,” wrote Leftakis. “The board also organized events, sought out corporate sponsors and sold the annual booster passes. We are forever grateful for the work done by current and past board members to support Windermere athletics. Recently, all booster raised funds were transferred to the WHS internal athletic fund. What does this mean? In the past, funds were housed in a separate bank account (non-WHS controlled) and distributed by an elected board of directors. With the closure of the booster account, any future fundraising will be deposited in the WHS internal athletic account. … I understand this change may be confusing for some, however, this brings us in line with OCPS Board Policy and allows the school to have oversight of funds.”

This change also means that there is no longer a need for a traditional, elected board of directors, however, the school is establishing a volunteer committee to continue important work such as obtaining corporate sponsorships, organizing booster passes and planning school-wide events.

Any questions regarding this change or if you would like to be involved with the new booster volunteer committee, contact Wolverines Athletic Director Jillian Sutton, [email protected].