3520P - Student Fees, Fines, Charges Procedure
Student fee schedules for individual buildings must be approved by the Superintendent/designee 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:
A. Class registration literature shall describe any fees for each class or activity and the process for obtaining a waiver or fee reduction.
B. 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.
C. A fee may be collected for personal physical education and athletic equipment, apparel and towels or towel service. However, any student may provide their own if it meets reasonable requirements and standards relating to health and safety.
D. 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.
E. Students may be required to furnish personal or consumable items including pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks.
F. 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 term.
G. 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 (non-consumable) 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 will be granted to students whose families would have difficulty paying by reason of their low income. For students and families participating in the national school lunch program, the school breakfast program, or both, the USDA Child Nutrition Program guidelines will be used to determine qualification for a fee waiver or reduction. The District will annually distribute and collect information and an application for all households of children in kindergarten through grade twelve to determine student eligibility for free or reduce-price meals in compliance with chapter 28A.235 RCW, Policy 6701, and procedure 6701P.
Students and their parents or guardians shall be advised in writing regarding the nature of the fines or charges, how restitution may be made and how to appeal the fine. Fines or charges under $500 may be appealed to the building principal or designee. Fines or charges exceeding $500 may be appealed to the superintendent or designee. All appeals must be received in writing. A final decision on all appeals shall be communicated to the student and his or her parents or guardians in writing within fifteen (15) school business days.
All fees shall be deposited with the District business office.