Policy 3513 - Student Gifts, Awards and Incentives
Introduction
Associated Student Body (ASB) funds are designated as public funds of the school district per RCW 28A.325.020 and RCW 28A.325.030. As public funds, the District must control and account for student body money within the legal parameters governing pubic funds. This results in certain restrictions on the use of these funds.
ASB funds can only be used for legitimate activities of the ASB that are cultural, athletic, recreational, or social in nature. ASB funds can only be used for charitable donations, scholarship, or student exchange when made subject to Policy 3531 – Student Fund Raising for Charitable Purposes.
Gifts, Awards, and Incentives
While it is illegal to make a gift of public funds, it is legal for the ASB to give awards or incentives in recognition of achievement under certain conditions.
A. Gifts
A gift is an item given to an individual or group of individuals which has not been earned and is given for the personal use of the individual(s). A gift purchased as a reward for student activity cannot be of more than nominal value. The determination of nominal “value” is $50.00 per individual student, per activity and $100.00 per student for the year. Cash gifts and cash equivalents such as gift certificates are not allowed by RCW 28A.325.
B. Awards/Incentives
An award or incentive is an item given to a student or group of students in acknowledgement of attainting a specified level of achievement or in recognition for outstanding services. An award and/or incentive can be a small pin, a plaque or trophy, or a certificate of achievement. Cash awards and cash equivalents such as gift certificates are not allowed by RCW 28A.325.
Contracts with outside vendors to raise funds and who also supply awards or incentives for student sales must follow district policy. Gifts, awards, and incentives given by sources outside the District that are not vendors, are not governed by this policy.
PTO, PTA, Booster club organizations and other Volunteer Organizations (as defined by regulation 4115) are not subject to this policy.
Adoption: