The district recognizes that it needs a balance of state, federal, local, and nongovernmental funds to achieve its goals.  The district further recognizes that dwindling state and federal funds present challenges for the district.  Increasingly, the district is seeking local and nongovernmental funding sources in order to preserve, establish and enhance important district programs and educational opportunities. The district’s ability to offer diverse, quality educational programs and experiences for our students depends in part on our ability to secure reliable alternative sources of funding.

To preserve and to establish district programs and educational opportunities the board authorizes fund-raising activities where such programs: (1) promote K-12 education; (2) provide educational experiences for students, and/or (3) address local funding obligations that support the educational mission of the district; (4) and/or promote the effective, efficient, or safe management and operation of the district. 

District fund-raising activities may include: (1) soliciting gifts and donations that are reasonably related to the pursuit of the district’s objectives; (2) entering into interlocal agreements with other governments which generate additional funds for school district activities; and/or (3) operating various revenue generating enterprises consisting of the sale of goods or services that are produced by, or that are linked to, the district’s educational program. Fund-raising programs, including enterprise activities, shall be in the best interests of the district and shall not interfere with the operation of the district’s programs and functions. District fund-raising programs shall not conflict with any applicable law and or state or federal constitutional provisions, including the separation of church and state.

This policy governs the establishment and administration of district fund raising for the general fund and for particular programs in the district.  It does not address fund-raising programs conducted by Parent Teacher Organizations, other non-profit or citizens’ organizations, or the Associated Student Body.  Fundraising by the Associated Student Body is addressed by RCW 28A. 325.030. and District Policy 3530.

The superintendent shall establish procedures for the administration of district fundraising programs to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.

Legal References: 
RCW 28A.320.015         School Boards of Directors – Powers Notice of adoption of policy
RCW 28A.320.030         Gifts, conveyances, etc., for scholarship and student aid purposes, receipt and administration
Attorney General’s Opinion         AGO 2003 No. 1

ADOPTED: 2/26/2004

Procedure No. 6102P District Fund-Raising Activities

The district fund-raising programs for students shall: (1) promote K-12 education; (2) provide educational experiences; and/or (3) address local funding obligations that support the educational mission of the district; (4) and/or promote the effective, efficient, or safe management and operation of the district.

District fund-raising activities may include: (1) soliciting gifts and donations that are reasonably related to the pursuit of the district’s objectives; (2) entering into interlocal agreements with other governments which generate additional funds for school district activities; and/or (3) operating various revenue generating enterprises consisting of the sale of goods or services that are produced by, or that are linked to, the district’s educational program. The purpose or use of such programs shall be consistent with the policies and programs of the district.

Proposals for district fundraising programs shall be reviewed and approved in advance by the superintendent (or designee) to ensure compliance with the following procedures. The superintendent (or designee) shall make all compliance determinations.

Any fund-raising program charging fees shall satisfy the following criteria:

1. Fees for persons attending or participating in such programs shall only be charged when attendance or participation is optional, not mandatory;
   
   
2. Students shall not be charged a fee to enroll in a curriculum-based activity that involves a district fund-raising program; and
   
   
3. A program shall not be created or continued that will require the allocation of district funds when program-specific resources are insufficient or exhausted.

Any fund-raising program characterized as a “business enterprise” activity shall satisfy the following criteria:

1. For these purposes, “business enterprise” shall be defined as any non-Associated Student Body activity that sells goods or services for district-related purposes on an ongoing basis;
   
   
2. Such “business enterprises” shall sell products or services that are appropriate for the program’s education purposes and/or promote the effective, efficient, or safe management and operation of the district;
   
   
3. Such enterprises shall not be created solely for commercial purposes;
   
   
4. Such enterprises shall purchase inventory in accordance with applicable district policy and/or practices; and
   
   
5. A business enterprise program shall not be created or continued that will require the allocation of district funds when program-specific resources are insufficient or exhausted.

Any fund-raising program using donated personal items or services for an auction, sale, and/or raffle shall satisfy the following criteria:

1. Donated items or services must be free from health and/or safety hazards;
   
   
2. Donated items or services must be given voluntarily by individuals or businesses; and
   
   
3. Appropriate solicitation on the part of students, parents or appropriate district personnel is permissible, but actions of students and parents cannot bind the district to any contractual obligations.
   
   
4. A Yelm Community Schools donation form must be submitted to the business office.

Any fund-raising program that requires contracting with a third-party vendor or promoter shall satisfy the following criteria:

1. The contract shall further K-12 education and/or promote the effective, efficient, or safe management and operation of the district; and
   
   
2. The district shall enter into contracts consistent with district policies and with appropriate authorization of the superintendent (or designee).

Any fund-raising program involving the production and/or sale of goods or services, such as a vocational education program, shall satisfy the following criteria:

1. The superintendent (or designee) must authorize the sales of any goods produced and/or any services provided by the education program;
   
   
2. The proceeds from the sale shall be used to enhance or to expand the education programs(s), as determined by the superintendent (or designee);
   
   
3. To the extent required, all goods produced or services provided from an educational program shall be assigned to or owned by the district; and
   
   
4. Individual compensation for the sale of goods produced and/or for the services provided shall not be permitted, except as authorized by the superintendent, in accordance with applicable laws, district procedures, and/or practice.

Any fund-raising program selling surplus school personal property shall satisfy the following criteria:

1. Such programs shall not violate applicable state law or school policy governing the sale, lease, or rental of surplus and obsolete school personal property;
   
   
2. Such programs are permitted only as provided in RCW 28A.335.180; and
   
   
3. Such programs follow the district’s policy for the disposal of surplus property, District Policy No. 6881. 

ADOPTED: 2/26/04