Saying it was misleading the community, an Osceola County School Board member called out a new nonprofit organization a fellow policy-maker spearheads because the name makes it appear that it's a School District-operated program for children.

Board member Jay Wheeler, during the School Board meeting Feb. 16, said he had received several calls from the community asking about the group called Osceola School District-Children Inc. It was established by fellow board member Cindy Hartig, who registered the nonprofit corporation, and is made up of 10 other members, including teachers and community members, she said. The group was committed to create recreational opportunities for less-fortunate children to keep them off the streets, she added.

While he said he could appreciate wanting to help such children, Wheeler blasted the name, saying it appeared as if the organization was tied to the district, and that clarification was needed.

“I think it's a little misleading whether it's intentional or not,” Wheeler said. “It is not part of the School District.”

Wheeler asked that Hartig explain the disclaimer that would be attached to the group to differentiate it from the district. She didn't have to, she said. The group was a corporation and there were other businesses that were using the district's name.

Wheeler said it was sending the wrong message.

“Mr. Wheeler, I'm not going to get into anything with you right now,” Hartig shot back. “I'll quote you: If I'm guilty of anything, it's helping our children and I'll leave it at that.”

The group, which was created last month, would help provide activities, such as cheerleading camp or karate lessons at a facility that is being donated to the group for six months, Hartig said, while it works to raise funds. It would help children whose families can't afford to send them to places such as the Kissimmee Civic Center, Hartig said. Or, it would provide vouchers to take such lessons at the center.

“A lot of the teachers around the district have said one of the problems we have is that the children have nowhere to go,” Hartig said. “Our needs are very great right now for our children and their families. We'll have less students hanging around doing nothing.”

Board Chairman John McKay jumped in, saying the conflict should be addressed at an upcoming workshop because he's been quizzed on the matter himself.

“I've gotten calls also from other organizations in the community wanting to know if the School District has started another nonprofit. So it's a legitimate question from Mr. Wheeler.”

Hartig should be applauded for her efforts in wanting to help the community but the issue has to be resolved, McKay said.

“I think there has to be a clarification on how we go forward,” McKay said.

The board was in agreement, but Wheeler took one last shot.

“I know right from wrong. This is wrong to try to be deceptive and try to make people think it’s from the School District when it's not,” Wheeler said. “I think we need to be straight forward with people and let people know up front when it is from the School District, when it is not from the School District. That's just a function of leadership."