CASE 3.1: CHOCOLATE BAR FUNDRAISER

1. What are the equity implications of fundraisers that require students to sell items such as chocolate bars? Do you agree with Ms. Alexander’s concerns about how these fundraisers an alienate low-income students?

I think the reason PTAs put together fundraisers that require students to sell items such as chocolate bars because they require very little work of the school, and the profits are high. Yes, schools can do carnivals and other events to raise money, but it costs a lot of money and requires much planning. By having students sell chocolate bars, for instance, the responsibility falls on the parents and students. The schools often offer incentive to the students who sell the most, which causes competition between students. Of course , there will always be some students who sell less than other. I can sympathize with Ms. Alexander’s concerns about low-income students feelings alienated. However, instead of doing away with a fundraiser that it clearly lucrative, I think the PTA should find better ways to motivate the students to sell more candy that don’t publicize the students’ individual sales.

4. How would you respond to Ms. Plumlee’s request for a vote if you were Ms. Terry?

I do think the PTA should vote. To an extent, I agree that families who care should be in attendance, in order to have a voice in this matter. However, I do know that in low-income families, both parents are often working or have only one car so it is difficult to attend. Prior to voting, they should send out communications to parents about the matter at hand, and allow the parents sufficient time to make arrangements to either attend or even provide some type of written response. If Ms. Alexander is still outvoted, then the decision should go to the majority who voted for the chocolate bar fundraiser, but with some incentive modifications. I think it might be important to keep the fundraising, but make the incentives inclusive of all students, and encourage the students to view each other as team players as opposed to opponents.