Littleton

Public

Schools

Policy

 

Policy Code    JQ

Policy Name    Student Fees, Fines, and Charges

Adoption            July 2, 1984

Revised              September 9, 1999

Was JN

This policy is included in the Student Code of Conduct (S11-008).

The District may require students to pay fees, fines, or charges in accordance with this policy. Students shall not be charged an instructional fee as a condition of enrollment in school or as a condition of attendance in any class that is considered part of the academic portion of the District’s educational program, except tuition when allowed by law.

A school may exact a fee, fine, or charge only upon Board approval. All student fees, fines, and charges collected in accordance with this policy shall be used for designated purposes and shall not be spent for any other purpose. The District may establish alternative payment methods, such as payment plans or school service, for students who are unable to pay.

Fees, Fines, and Charges That May Be Authorized by the Board

Fines for Book(s), Materials, and Equipment—Students shall be assessed fines for lost, damaged, or defaced book(s), materials, or equipment.

Fees for Expendable Materials—Students may be charged a fee for the cost of expendable materials used in coursework and for the cost of materials used in projects that will become the property of the student.

Miscellaneous Fees—Students may be charged a fee as a condition of participating in or attending a school-sponsored activity or program not within the academic portion of the educational program. Such fees will reflect the actual cost of the activity and may include, but not be limited to, locker fees, parking fees, admission fees, food costs, and transportation costs.

Sanctions for Failure to Pay Fees, Fines, or Charges

Fines for Books, Materials, and Equipment

If the District has made a reasonable effort to obtain payment of such fines to no avail, the District may then withhold the diploma, transcript, or grades of any student who fails to return or replace such book(s), materials, or equipment at the end of the semester or school year. If the student has completed graduation or continuation requirements, the District may deny the privilege of participation in the graduation or continuation ceremony if the student fails to return or replace the book(s), materials, or equipment by the date of the ceremony.

Fees for Expendable Materials

If the District has made a reasonable effort to obtain payment of such fees to no avail, the District may recover and deny the student further use of the expendable materials, and may withhold the completed project until the fee is paid.

Miscellaneous Fees

If the District has made a reasonable effort to obtain payment of such fees to no avail, the District may refuse to permit the student to participate in the activity until the fee is paid.

Waiver of Fees, Fines, or Charges

Students who are in financial need are exempt from paying miscellaneous fees and fees for expendable materials. Students in financial need, however, are not exempt from fines for book(s), materials, and equipment. For purposes of this policy, a student in financial need is defined as any child who is eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the federal poverty income guidelines.


Fee Schedule

All fees, fines, and charges will be listed and described annually in each school’s student handbook or in some other written form and distributed to each student. The notice will advise students which fees are optional and which are required, that fees are to be paid, and what penalties are assessed for failure to pay.

 

 

Legal Reference:    C.R.S. 22-32-117

                              C.R.S. 22-32-118

                              C.R.S. 22-45-104

 

Cross Reference:   IIAF, Replacement Fees

                              DG, Depository of Funds