Procedure No. 3520P

Section: 3000 - Students

Procedure - Student Fees, Fines, Charges

In establishing fees for classes, the following guidelines will be used:

1. Class registration literature will describe fees for each class or activity and the process for obtaining a waiver or fee reduction;
2. 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 will 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;
3. 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;
4. 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;
5. Students may be required to furnish personal or consumable items including pencils, paper, erasers and notebooks;
6. Security deposits for the return of materials or equipment may be collected. Provisions will be made to return the deposit when the student returns the item at the conclusion of the school term; and
7. 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 will not be levied for:

1. Field trips required as part of a basic educational program or course;
2. Textbooks (non-consumable) that are designated as basic instructional material for a course of study; or
3. 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 6700, and Procedure 6700P.

Fines or damage charges may be levied for lost textbooks, library books or equipment. In the event the student does not make proper restitution, the student’s diploma may be withheld. If a student is unable to pay the fine or charge, the student may make restitution through community service.
A charge for lost or damaged materials or equipment may be appealed to the superintendent or designee. Care will 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.

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

Initially Adopted: November 13, 1962

Adopted: February 22, 2010

Amended: May 8, 2023