Procedure for 3520 Student Fees, Fines and Charges

A.    Student fee schedules for individual buildings must be approved on an annual basis. Each building shall submit an annual report which includes a report indicating the fees collected by each department. In establishing fees for classes, the following guidelines shall be used: 

B.     Class registration literature shall describe fees for each class or activity and the process for obtaining a waiver or fee reduction.

C.    A fee may be collected for any program in which the resultant product is in excess of minimum requirements and, at the student's option, becomes the personal property of the student. Fees may not exceed the cost of the materials. The district shall furnish materials for those introductory units of instruction where a student is acquiring the fundamental skills for the course. A student must be able to obtain the highest grade offered for the course without being required to purchase extra materials.

D.    A fee may be collected for personal physical education and athletic equipment, apparel and towels or towel service. However, any student may provide his/her own if it meets reasonable requirements and standards relating to health and safety.

E.     A reasonable fee, not to exceed the actual annual maintenance cost, for the use of musical instruments and uniforms owned or rented by the district may be collected.

F.     Students may be required to furnish personal or consumable items including pencils, paper, erasers, notebooks.

G.    Security deposits for the return of materials or equipment may be collected. Provisions shall be made to return the deposit when the student returns the item at the conclusion of the school term.

H.    A fee may be collected for a unit of instruction where the activity necessitates the use of facilities not available on the school premises, and participation in the course is optional on the part of the student. A waiver or fee reduction need not be offered for such activities.

Fees shall not be levied for:

A.    Field trips required as part of a basic educational program or course.

B.     Textbooks (nonconsumable) which are designated as basic instructional material for a course of study.

C.    Instructional costs for necessary staff employed in any course or educational program.

Fee waivers and reductions shall be granted to students whose families would have difficulty paying by reason of their low income. The USDA Child Nutrition Program guidelines shall be used to determine qualification for a fee waiver or reduction.

Fines or damage charges may be levied for lost textbooks, library books or equipment. In the event the student does not make proper restitution, grades, transcripts and/or diplomas will be withheld. A student may make restitution through a voluntary work program. If a student has transferred to another school that has requested the student's records without paying an outstanding fine or fee, only records pertaining to the student's academic performance, special placement, immunization history and discipline actions shall be sent to the enrolling school. This information shall be communicated to the enrolling district within two school days and the confirming records shall be sent as soon as possible. The official transcript will not be sent until the outstanding fee or fine is discharged. The enrolling school shall be notified that the official transcript is being withheld due to an unpaid fee or fine.

A charge for lost or damaged materials or equipment may be appealed to the superintendent. The superintendent's decision may be appealed to the board. Care shall be exercised by advising students and their parents, in writing, regarding the nature of the damages, how restitution may be made, and how a student or his/her parents may request a hearing. When damages are $100 or less, a parent and/or student has a right to appeal the imposition of a fine in a manner similar to that specified for a short-term suspension (Policy #3300). When damages exceed $100, the parent and/or student may request a hearing in the manner provided for in a long-term suspension (Policy #3300).

All fees shall be deposited with the business office on a regular basis. The respective departments and schools shall be credited by the amount of their deposit.

 

First enacted:  06.17.03

Stanwood-Camano School District