6114 - Gifts

Policy: 6114

Section: 6000 - Management Support

Title: Gifts

Status: Active

Adopted: May 25, 1995

Gifts

The board recognizes that individuals and organizations in the community may wish to contribute additional supplies or equipment to enhance or extend the instructional program.

Any gift to the district of real property can be accepted only by board approval. Any gift to the district or to an individual school or department of money, materials or equipment having a value of $5,000 or greater will be subject to board approval.

The board may decline to  authorize acceptance of any gift that, in the District’s judgment, is inappropriate, inconsistent with District policies or educational objectives, subject to conditions the District determines are unsuitable, likely to require future District expenditures, or likely to create cost, obligations, risks, or administrative burdens that outweigh the value or benefit of the gift. Upon acceptance, all gifts will become District property and may be used, retained, transferred, or disposed of at the District’s sole discretion.

The superintendent will establish criteria to be met in the acceptance of all gifts or donations to the district, regardless of whether they are solicited or unsolicited.

Unsolicited Gifts or Donations to the District

Money or additional supplies and equipment donated by booster clubs or other groups or patrons to support specific teams or extra-curricular activities are not to result in unacceptable levels of disparity of allocation favoring one team or gender. In determining whether a disparity is unacceptable, the District will consider equitable access and opportunity, the reasonable needs and costs of individual programs, and applicable law.

Solicited Gifts or Donations to the District

Certificated staff seeking donations for their classroom must obtain prior approval from the building principal.  Other staff or administrators seeking donations to benefit an entire school or the district as a whole must obtain prior approval from the Superintendent or designee. In no event will any commitment be made by a staff member or other individuals in return for any gift to the district or to a school or department without the board's authorization.

Gifts to Staff

The board recognizes that students and/or parents may wish to express their appreciation to school staff by giving gifts.  In recognition of the fact that not all families can afford to show their appreciation with gifts, the board encourages the giving of letters of appreciation instead.

Management Resources:

Policy News  December 2012 ‘Tis the Season For Gift Giving

2015 – June Policy Issue

Adoption Date: 05.25.95

Ferndale School District

Revised: 09.30.14; 10.27.2026