Lucy:

There is a museum board, which formed out of the obvious need to manage the
museum in a more professional way. They do not make decisions about the
collection, just oversee the day to day operations and pay the part time
director and admin asst.

The group is set up as a non-profit 501(c)(3) and operate as such. They also
secured a provisional charter from the New York State Board of Regents, the
umbrella under which museums in New York are governed.

There is no formal relationship or agreement between the museum and the
school district, which is obviously part of the problem.

I think the central question is whether or not a public school in New York
State can own a collection and operate a museum--definitely a question for
their legal counsel.

I posted in the hopes that someone else would have dealt with a similar
situation, and based on the response, my hunch has been affirmed that the
situation is indeed unique (and unenviable, no?).

Thanks for your reply.
Joann

Joann Lindstrom
Museum Consultant
380 Back West Creek Road
Berkshire, NY  13736
607-642-5078 phone
607-642-5494 fax

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