Within the concept of free public education, whereby all children are required to attend school, the district shall provide an educational program for the students as free of costs as possible.

The superintendent may approve the use of certain supplementary curricular supplies or materials for which a charge is made to the student so long as the charge does not exceed the cost of the supplies or materials and students are free to purchase them elsewhere.  Each teacher and principal must keep a proper accounting of all moneys received by staff for supplies and materials.

The School Board delegates authority to the superintendent to establish appropriate fees and procedures governing the collection of fees and to make annual reports to the board regarding fee schedules. 

Fees for extracurricular activities and events shall be waived for students who are eligible to participate in the federal free or reduced-price meals program. Fees for extracurricular activities and events shall be reduced for students' family members who, by reason of their low income, would have difficulty in paying the entire amount of fees and fines. Students who have McKinney-Vento status or are in foster care shall be eligible for a waiver or reduction of fees.

A student shall be responsible for the cost of replacing materials or property in the student's care, custody, or control, which are lost or damaged due to the student's negligence.  A student's grades, transcripts, or diploma may be withheld until restitution is made by payment or the equivalency through voluntary work. 

The building principal or designee shall notify the student and his/her parent/guardians regarding the nature of the violation or damage, how restitution may be made, and how an appeal may be instituted. When the damages or fines do not exceed $100, the student or his/her parent/ guardians shall have the right to an informal conference with the principal.  As is the case for appealing a short-term suspension (Board Policy 3240), the principal's decision may be appealed to the superintendent and to the board of directors.  When damages are in excess of $100, the appeal process for long-term suspension (3240) shall apply.

If a student has transferred to another school district that has requested the student’s records, but that student has an outstanding fee or fine, only records pertaining to the student’s academic performance, special placement, immunization history, attendance, history of violent behavior, violent offenses, sex offenses, inhaling toxic fumes, drug offenses, liquor violations, assault, kidnapping, harassment, stalking or arson, and discipline actions will be sent to the enrolling school.  The content of those records will be communicated to the enrolling district within two school days and copies of the records will be sent as soon as possible.  The official transcript will not be sent until the outstanding fee or fine is discharged.  The enrolling school will be notified that the official transcript is being withheld due to an unpaid fee or fine.

Legal Reference:
Instructional materials-Instructional materials committee-RCW 28A.320.230
Additional powers of board-RCW 28A.330.100
Defacing or injuring school property-Liability of parent or guardian-RCW 28A.635.060
Fees for optional noncredit extracurricular events-RCW 28A.325.010                              

Management Resources:
Policy News-June 1999

Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: August 28, 1985
Revised by the Board: 9.14, 8.17, 12.20
Classification: Priority