No. 3280

BUSINESS

Series 3000

public donations to schools

Policy

It is the policy of the Region 15 Board of Education that donations which may serve to enhance and extend the work of the schools may be received by the Board of Education.

It shall be the general policy of the Board to accept contributions of equipment, supplies, and services that are not likely to be acquired from public fund expenditures.  It is the responsibility of the Board of Education to spend money raised through school taxes to purchase necessary and needed equipment for the schools.  Gifts of cash, monetary value, or titles to property may also be accepted by the Board of Education.

1.

Equipment contributed to the schools becomes the property of the Board of Education and is subject to the same controls and regulations that govern the use of any school-owned property.  The donor may specify the purpose for which the donation is intended.  It is the intention of this policy to honor the request that a particular donation be utilized at a particular school.  It is understood that such donations shall not be used to influence the Board’s control of change in the educational program or to detract in any way from the Board’s responsibility to determine that program.

2.

In cases where the donation includes a clear advertisement of a commercial interest as name of a company on a sports scoreboard or an athletic field fence, a banner or sign in a school building, etc., such donation shall be presented by the Superintendent of Schools to the Board of Education for their consideration prior to receipt of the donation. 

Goods and/or services provided to the Region at substantially below market value that requires Region 15 to advertise a commercial interest also fall under this stipulation.

All agreements for advertisement in exchange for funds , goods, or services are subject to review by the Board of Education Finance Committee.

The appropriations and aesthetics of all advertisements are subject to the review of the Superintendent of Schools, or designee, with final approval subject to Board of Education consideration.

3.

In cases where the contribution of equipment or services may involve major costs for installation or maintenance, or initial or continuing financial commitments from school funds, such costs shall be presented by the Superintendent’s office for Board consideration prior to acceptance of the contribution.

4.

A summary list of donations contributed for school use shall be reported to the Board of Education by the Superintendent’s office at least annually.

5.

Donations shall be fittingly recognized by the Board.  Such recognition shall, in no case, be considered as a testimonial or endorsement by the school system of a product, service, or other business enterprise.

6.

The Superintendent of Schools shall develop administrative guidelines to implement this policy.

7.

After three years all prior agreements are null and void.  Existing contracts whose term go beyond three years will be null and void at the end of the contract.

Adopted:

28

January

1985

Revision Approved:

11

January

1999

Revision Approved:

20

August

2001