Policy 5290 - Alternatively Funded Positions

The Richland School District’s Board of Directors acknowledges that there are a variety of supplementary services and support provided to students and student activities that are paid for by sources outside of the District. The purpose of this policy is to define an alternatively funded position and to set expectations for these positions including supervision to assure student safety. These alternatively funded positions are not eligible for benefits. Also alternatively funded position must not conflict with or violate any collective bargaining agreements. 

The Board recognizes the opportunities to enrich current student programs through the use of alternatively funded positions. Almost all of these activities will take place outside of the regular school day. Student participation in any program using an alternatively funded staff member will be entirely voluntary and shall not be required for school credit. 

As per Policy 5223, staff members shall not take advantage of their professional relationship to further their private business interest. Staff member’s personal enterprises must not be conducted on school property. 

Additionally, a staff member providing services to a student as an individual for personal gain while using District facilities or grounds must follow the process and procedures set out in Policy 4330 – Community Use of School Facilities. Employees must follow the priority of use and charges for use of District facilities in Regulation 4330. 

Definition 

An “alternatively funded position” is a position that is not paid for by the District, and instead is paid for by a parent booster group, parent group, parent-teacher association, special interest organization, or directly from registration fees, etc. Elements of an alternatively funded position include: not funded directly from the District and provides instruction or services to students or student activity on school grounds or relating to a school sponsored activity. A person, who meets the six requirements of an independent contractor, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, is excluded from this policy. 

Criteria 

  • Rates for work performed will not exceed current market driven rates. 
  • Employees must not be charging for services they already perform for the District. 
  • Positions and duties must be distinct from the positions funded by the District. 

Requirements 

Because of the potential for conflicts with current collective bargaining agreements, all alternatively funded positions must be reviewed by the District Human Resources Office prior to employment. Due to the need for district oversight and uniformity, alternatively funded positions must meet the following minimum requirements: 

  • Have a current application on file with the District 
  • Complete a background check and fingerprint 
  • Position approval by the District’s Human Resources Department including: 
    • Budget/funding source, 
    • Written justification supporting position as critical to the program, and 
    • Identification of supervisor responsible for supervision and student safety. 

Legal References:

RCW 28A.320.155 Criminal history record information — School volunteers 
RCW 28A.400.303 Record checks for employees 
RCW 28A. 405.210 Conditions and contracts of employment — Determination of probable cause for non-renewal of contracts — Notice — Opportunity for hearing 
RCW 28A.410.010 Certification — Background check 
RCW 9.96A.020 Employment, occupational licensing by public entity — Prior felony conviction no disqualification — Exceptions 
RCW 43.43.830-40 Washington State Criminal Code Records 
RCW 50.44.050 Benefits Payable, Terms and Conditions 
WAC 162-12 Preemployment Inquiry Guide (Human Rights Commission) 
WAC 180-16-220 Supplemental Program Requirements 
WAC 392-300-050 Access to record check data base 
WAC 392-300-055 Prohibition of redissemination of fingerprint record information by education service districts or school districts 
WAC 392-300-060 Protection of fingerprint record information by education service district and school districts 
WAC 446-20-280 Employment — Conviction Records 
 

Adoption:

Adopted:  November 24, 2009