Alpine School District
2014-2015
High School Fee Schedule
10th, 11th, & 12th Grade
(Fees Not To Exceed Printed Amounts)
Fees For All Students
Activity Fee
Textbook Rental
Deposit (Refundable)
Locker Fee
Library Fee
$30.00
35.00
15.00
2.00
2.00
Class Fees (dependent upon the classes taken by the
individual student)
Art (per course)
$25.00
AP Art (per semester)
25.00
Technology Fee (per course)
15.00
Drafting
20.00
Drama
60.00
Drama Tech
10.00
Driver’s Education
11 0.00
Driv. Ed. – Summer & Before or After School 155.00
Family & Consumer Science Lab
10.00
Music Instrumental Rental
70.00
Photography
15.00
Pro-Start
20.00
General P.E. (Per Semester for P.E.)
5.00
Lifetime Activity P.E. Fee
45.00
Science (plus safety equipment or clothing)
15.00
Shop (plus safety equipment or clothing)
15.00
Participation Fees
Extracurricular Sports/Athletic Trainers
Performing Groups
Extra Curricular Activities
Club Dues & Uniforms
Debate
Performing Group Outfits
(inc. Cheer & Drill)
Personal Equipment & Apparel
Miscellaneous Fees
Schedule Change
Graphing Calculator Rental
Parking Sticker
Unified Studies
East Shore High School Online Fees
Digital Curriculum
Registration
Online Curricular Access (1/8 credit)
Out-of-District
Polaris High School
Flat Fee
$35.00
65.00
10.00
100.00
$150.00
* If a 9th grade student is involved in a high school
program, they will be charged the high school fee.
$100.00
50.00
$150.00
200.00
450.00
250.00
$5.00
20.00
5.00
203.00
Policy No. 5146(f)
Alpine School District
2014-2015
Junior High / Middle School Fee Schedule
7th & 8th Grade Fees
9th Grade Fees
(Fees Not To Exceed Printed Amounts)
(Fees Not To Exceed Printed Amounts)
Fees For All Students
Middle School/Junior High Activity Fee
Deposit (Refundable)
Locker Fee
Library Fee
Class Fees
(dependent upon the classes taken by the
individual student)
Art Lab Fee*
Business Lab Fee / CTE Intro
Technology Fee (Per Course)
Family & Consumer Science*
Consumer & Health Science / CTE Intro*
Industrial Tech Lab Fee / CTE Intro
Music Instrumental Rental
General P.E. (per semester for P.E.)
Science Lab (per semester)
Career & Technical Education /
Tech Education Lab* **
Participation Fees
Track
$25.00
Participation (extramural & intramural activities)
Miscellaneous Fees
Graphing Calculator Rental
Schedule Change
Other Fees
Clear Creek Summer Camp
Community Education (per hr of instruction)
Space Camp (over night)
Foreign Students I-20
Gifted & Talented Testing
$15.00
15.00
2.00
2.00
$10.00
4.00
15.00
5.00
5.00
4.00
70.00
3.00
5.00
6.00
5.00
$20.00
5.00
$175.00
3.50
40.00
20.00
20.00
Fees For All Students
Activity Fee
Textbook Rental
Deposit (Refundable)
Locker Fee
Library Fee
Class Fees
(dependent upon the classes taken by the
individual student)
Art Lab Fee *
Technology Fee (Per Course)
Family & Consumer Science Lab
Music Instrumental Rental
General P.E. (per semester for P.E.)
Science Lab
P.E. Skills
Career & Technical Education /
Tech Education Lab * **
$15.00
35.00
15.00
2.00
2.00
$15.00
15.00
10.00
70.00
3.00
10.00
20.00
10.00
Extra Curricular Activities
Performing Groups***per student
$100.00
Participation Fee (Basketball)
100.00
Participation Fee (Track)
25.00
Practice Uniforms
20.00
Participation (extramural & intramural activities)
5.00
Miscellaneous Fees
Schedule Change
Graphing Calculator Rental
$5.00
20.00
* Optional projects may incur additional costs
** Plus safety equipment per course
***If a 7th or 8th grade student is in a 9th grade
level performing group, they may be charged the
9th grade fee.
* Optional projects may incur additional costs
** Plus safety equipment per course
Policy No. 5146(f)
Rev. 5/12
OUT OF AREA
(No separate school choice forms are used...in District and out of District are the same)
Out of Area permits parents with certain restrictions, to determine where their children may attend
school. The window for changing schools for the 2012 - 2013 school year will be from Dec, 1, 2011
until February 17, 2012 Students who wish to attend a school other than their boundary school must
apply before the deadline and complete the following:
Prior to February 17, 2012, the student’s parents or guardian must fill out a “out of area form” online or at
the school.
The District Office and the principal of the respective school will review the Out of Area applications in
the order they are received.
Prior to March 15th, each request will be granted or denied on the basis of school capacity and the
availability of programs and staff. Specific schools may be closed by the Board of Education to student
transfer due to overcrowding.
Students who receive an Out of Area permit are obligated to remain at the Choice school for the full
school year and may not return to the boundary school before the next school year unless they do not
remain in good standing at the Choice school.
District bus service is not provided for students who transfer schools. Parents are responsible to see that
students get to and from school each day.
Once an Out of Area permit is granted, the student may continue to attend the specific school from year to
year without submitting additional forms. Changing from elementary to junior high or junior high to high
school each require a new permit if the Jr. High or High School is not the student’s boundary school.
Out of Area permits are reviewed annually. If overcrowding occurs or a student does not remain in good
standing, the permit may be withdrawn at the end of the school year. If a specific contract has been
developed for the student and that contract is violated, a student may be immediately returned to the
boundary school. The student would return to the boundary school the following year or make
application for another school using theOut of Area option.
Out of Area requests are granted on an individual basis. Each child in the family must submit a separate
request.
At the November Board Meeting, the Board of Education may declare some schools closed due to
enrollment.
Students seeking to participate in interscholastic competition will be subject to the policies established by
the Utah High School Activities Association. Transferring schools may create an eligibility problem for
students.
FEES
There are no fees charged for Out of Area requests.
Fee Waivers
StateOfficeofEducation
SCHOOL FEES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1.What is the definition of a fee?
Feescanbeintheformofmoneyorgoodsandareconsideredtobeanycharge,deposit,
rental,orothermandatorypayment.Paymentstothirdpartiessuchasadmissionfeesor
transportationexpensesmayalsobefees.
2.To whom do fee waivers apply?
Allstudentswhomeetcriteria.Feewaiversdo not applyto:
•pre‐Kstudents
•adultstudentsoutsideoftheK‐12program
•foreignexchangestudents
•nonresidentstudentswhoarespecificallyexempt
3.Who is eligible for fee waivers?
Inabilitytopayispresumedforthosewhoareinstatecustodyorfostercare,orreceiving
publicassistanceintheformofAidtoFamilieswithDependentChildren(AFDC),or
SupplementalSecurityIncome(appliesonlytothechildreceivingSSI),orareeligiblefor
freeschoollunch.
4.Can students in a K-6 school be required to provide their own supplies?
No.Thesupplies(paper,pencils)thatareneededintheregularclassroom,mustbe
providedbytheschools.
5.Are charges related to the school lunch program considered fees?
No.UnderthedefinitionintheUtahBoardofEducationAdministrativerules,schoollunch
chargesarenotconsideredfees.But,milkorsnacksforelementarystudentsfurnishedto
allstudentscannotbesold.Norcanstudentsbechargedforthesnacks.
6.Can elementary students be charged for lost or damaged supplies?
Yes.IftheyarelostordamagedunderSection53A‐11‐806(2).
7.Can elementary students be charged a computer usage fee?
No,notforprogramsofferedduringtheregularschoolday.Theschoolcanaskfor
voluntarydonations,butschoolscannotrequireacomputerfeeforelementaryprograms.
8.Can teachers sell notebooks, pencils, etc., and use the money to re-buy supplies without
reporting the money or sales to the school secretary?
Teacherscouldsellextrasupplies,subjecttoschool/districtrules.Ifstudentsneedsupplies
tocompletecourseworkthataretypicallyfurnishedbytheschool,theycannotbewithheld
orsoldtoelementarystudents.Feewaiversapplyforstudentsingrades7‐12.
9.Can 6th graders attending a middle school with 7th and 8th graders be charged textbook
fees?
No.Textbookfeesorotherboard‐approvedfeesmayonlybechargedtostudents
ingrades7‐12.
10.Can fees be charged for activities outside of the regular school day?
Feesmaybechargedinconnectionwithschool‐sponsoredactivitiesthatdonottakeplace
duringtheregularschoolday,regardlessoftheageorgradelevelofthestudent.Fee
waiversalwaysapply,evenforthese“optional”activities.
11.What about fees for a driver education program offered over the summer or after
school?
Afterschoolorsummerdrivereducationprogramswhichareschool‐sponsoredarefee
waivereligible.FeespaidtotheDepartmentofMotorVehicleareNOTeligibleforwaiver,
butanyfeesrequiredaspartofthecoursemustbewaivedforeligiblestudents.Feesfor
programsthatareprovidedbyacommunityeducationprogrammaynotbesubjectto
waiver.
12.Is there a limit to the cost of fees that may be charged for students to participate in
schoolsponsored activities, clubs, or programs?
Yes.Thelimitsareoutlinedineachindividualdistrict’sfeespolicyorschedulewhichhasto
beapprovedeachyearbythelocalboardofeducation.Individualdistrictfeepoliciesmay
differ.
13.Why are local school boards required to provide a waiver of fees to qualifying students?
Toensurethatnostudentisdeniedtheopportunitytoparticipateinprograms,coursesor
activitiesbecauseofaninabilitytopaytherequiredfee,deposit,orchargefollowinga
courtcasein1994.
14.Can a local school board establish policies for partial fee waivers or other alternatives
for those students who cannot pay the entire fee?
Yes,buttheycannotbeofferedtofeewaviereligiblestudentsinlieuoffeewaivers.
15.Can students be denied walking through promotion if they have school fines or fees
owed?
Yes,buttheycannotbedeniedadiplomaorcreditforcourseworkcompleted.Also,aschool
shouldgiveadvancenoticetoparentsthatadministrativepenaltiesmaybeimposedfor
failuretopayfees,includingdenialofgraduationactivities.Thesekindsofpenaltiesshould
beusedsparinglyandreluctantlyasalastresortbecausecourtsseegraduationexercises
andactivitiesasintegraltothepubliceducationexperience.
16.Is the rental cost of cap and gown for graduation a fee waiver eligible expense?
Yes.Thegraduationexercise,includingthepublicacknowledgment,isconsideredintegral
tothepubliceducationexperience.Therefore,thecostofcapandgownshouldbeborneby
theschool.Schoolscannegotiatewithrentalcompaniesforreducedratesorwaiverof
rentalfeesforfeewaivereligiblestudents.
17.Are refunds of fees given for a student who transfers schools?
Thereisnoentitlementtoarefund.Refundscouldbegovernedbyschool/districtpolicy.
18.Can a high school adopt a pay to play policy for athletes?
Yes.Theremustbeapolicyinplacethatallowsforafeewaiver,butstudentscanbe
assessedfeesforathletics.Thelimitofthosefeesisdeterminedbythelocalboard.There
alsomaybelimitationssetbytheUtahHighSchoolActivitiesAssociation.
19.Can a choir student be required to pay a fee to go to Disneyland to perform?
Yes,iftheschoolsponsorsthetriporisinvolvedwithplanningandschedulingand/or
providesresources(e.g.buses,chaperones,director,etc).Ifastudentisfeewaivereligible,
costsessentialtothetrip/experiencemustbewaived.
20.Are students in a Utah history class (eligible for free lunch) entitled to a fee waiver to
attend a voluntary overnight trip to the state capitol?
Yes.Similartoquestion17,iftheschoolsponsorsandplansthetripandassistswith
resourcesandchaperones,feesmustbewaivedforeligiblestudents.
21.What if school fees are not published and specific amounts are not set?
Thestudentorotherpayeemaynothavetopaythefeesifalocalboardhasnotcomplied
withthelawinsettingandpublishingfees.
22.What kind of work activities are available for grade 9-12 students in lieu of fee waivers,
that are not demeaning and enhance self esteem?
Janitorialworkshouldnotbetheonlyoptionforstudentsworkingtopayforfees.Office
responsibilities,activityhelp,teacheraideassistance,charitablecausesfortheschool,help
withathleticclinicsshouldbeconsidered.
23.What if a student is granted a fee waiver with work in exchange and he/she or the
parent refuses to do the work. Or what if a student accepts the waiver and does not
complete the agreed upon work?
Schoolscouldusealllegitimatemethodstocollectthefees–seeanswer#23.Schools
shouldbeverycarefulindenyingfurtheractivitiesoropportunities.
24.Can a teacher attach a fee to a class on a high school level without school board
approval if in mid year it is determined that the approved fee was not adequate?
Tobeincompliancewiththelaw,thelocalboardcouldapprovethefeeandthelocalboard
orschoolshouldprovidenoticeofthefeetostudentsandparents,includingfeewaiver
information.
25.Can a student be denied enrollment because of outstanding fees from a school attended
previously?
No.Studentscannotbedeniedenrollmentbecauseofoutstandingfees.Theprevious
school/districtcouldpursuereasonablemeanstocollectfees,e.g.smallclaimscourt,
collectionagency,butmaynotdenyenrollmentduetofeesowed.
26.If a student refused to pay for materials in a shop class, what recourse does the school
have?
Thecourseshouldhaveaproject(s)thatisrelativelyinexpensiveandstillteachesthebasic
skills.Iffeeshavebeenapproved,theteachermustprovidethemostbasicprojectand
materialstoacquiretheintendedskills.Iftheteacherdoesnotreceivepaymentforthe
mostbasicproject,theschoolcouldpursuereasonablemeansoffeecollection,seeanswers
#21and#23.
27.If students are injured while working to pay for fees, what is the school’s liability?
Studentswouldbeprotectedasemployeesorstudentsofthedistrictforanyactivity
reasonablywithinthescopeofthestudent’sassignment.Inassigningworktostudents,
schools/districtsshouldconsiderage‐appropriatenessandstudentability.
28.Can yearbooks be held at the end of the school year until all fees are paid?
Yearbookdeposits maybedivertedtopayforoutstandingfees.Ifastudentpurchasesa
yearbookoutright,theschoolwouldhavetoprovideit.Probably,ifholdingayearbookis
designatedasapossibleadministrativeconsequencefornon‐paymentoffees,theyearbook
couldbeheldbecausethecostisgreatlysubsidizedbytheschool.
29.If school lets out early for a state football game, and a bus is provided for students who
want to attend the game for a fee, should the fee be waived for those who qualify for
waivers?
Yes.Evenarguablyifthegameisafterschoolhours,especiallyifothertransportationisnot
readilyavailabletostudentsorthedistanceissignificant.
30.A drill team has the chance to go to a national competition in California. No school
funds are available and the majority of the team pays out of pocket for the trip. Would
a team member on fee waivers be allowed to go if the trip is voluntary and not a part of
the grade?
Feewaiversapplytoanycourseoractivitysponsored“byorthroughthepublicschools.”
Certainlythistypeofatrip,howeverpaidforbymostparticipants,issubjecttofeewaivers.
Iftheteamdecidestoraisemoneyforthetripbyfundraising,allparticipantscanbe
required/expectedtoparticipateequallyandshareequallyinwhatevermoneyisraised.If
additionalmoneyisneededforfeewaivereligiblestudents,thatmoneymustbeprovided.
31.Can students be kept from participating in other extracurricular activities if they have
not paid past fees?
ThisisnotagoodideabecausesomeextracurricularactivitiesaresointegraltotheCore
Curriculume.g.choirclasses,debateprograms.Everyothermethodtocollectfeesshould
betried–collectionagencies,smallclaims,opportunitiestoworkforthewaivers.Ifall
othermethodsofcollectionhavebeenexhausted,administratorshavedocumentedefforts
tocollectandparent(s)havebeengivennoticeofconsequencesfornon‐payment,certain
activitiescouldbewithheld.
32.Who is required to set a fee schedule for the school districts and how often is the fee
schedule approved and by whom?
Thefeeschedulemustbebothsetandapprovedbythelocalschoolboardonanannual
basisandcopiesofthefeescheduleshallbedistributedtoalltheparentsinthedistrictalso
annually.
33.Should early college classes fees be waived for high school students on fee waivers?
Theearlycollegeclassfeesneednotbewaived.Theyarepostsecondaryexpenses.
34.If a student is required to have tools that are necessary to complete class assignments,
should the cost of the tools be waived for students on fee waivers?
Yes.Ifthestudentmusthavethemtocompletehisassignmentsandiftheteacher/school
doesnothaveadequatetoolstoloan.
35.Can students on a waiver go bowling with their gym class and have the bowling costs
waived?
Yes,ifthebowlingispartoftheschoolexperience.
36.A teacher in a physical education class requires the following items: a plain white Tshirt, navy blue or black shorts, and gym shoes (which can be worn by the student after
completion of the class), do waivers apply?
No,iftheitemsarecommonclothingitemsthatastudentwouldmostlikelyown.
37.Should the names and other information about those who qualify for fee waivers be
kept confidential?
Yes.Thatinformationshouldbeusedanddiscussedonlybythosewhohaveaneedanda
righttoknow,suchasthepersonnelwhoprocesspaperwork,etc.Otherstudentsshould
neverbeinvolvedinprocessingfeewaiverinformation.
38.Can a school or district ask for verification or documentation of fee waiver eligibility?
Studentsmayqualifyforfeewaiversunderoneorseveraleligibilitycriteria:studentis
eligiblebasedonincomeverification,studentreceives(SSI)*SupplementalSecurity
Income(ONLYFORBLINDORDISABLEDCHILDREN),familyreceivesAFDC(currently
qualifiedforfinancialassistanceorfoodstamps),studentisinFosterCare(underUtahor
localgovernmentalsupervision),orstudentisinStateCustody.Schooldistricts/schools
mayalsograntpartialorcompletefeewaiversforextraordinaryemergenciesor
circumstances.Parentsorguardiansmustprovideincomeverification,asrequestedbythe
schooldistrict/school,verifyingeligibilityforfeewaiverorextenuatingcircumstances
whichwouldjustifythewaiverofschoolfees.Alocalboardshallhaveapolicythatspecifies
theacceptableformsofdocumentationwhichshallincludeverificationbasedonincome
taxreturnsorcurrentpaystubs.
CarolB.LearandJeanWelchHill
LawandLegislation
UtahStateOfficeofEducation
May28,2010
Alpine School District
Fee Waiver Information
Questions and Answers
1. As a principal, what requirements do I now have to follow?
Answer: You will have to sign that you have met all of the requirements in the “certificate of
compliance”. Please take the time to understand, and fulfill all of your responsibilities promptly
the beginning of the school year.
2. Must we provide income verification every year from parents requesting fee waivers?
Answer: No. State law indicates that Utah school districts are only required to verify income
one time during a student’s membership. The state form Grade 7 through 12 School Fees
Notice states: “Fee waiver eligibility documentation is NOT required annually but may be
required at any time by the school or parent may ask for review for good cause.
Alpine School District has elected to verify income each year.
Carol Lear indicated districts may choose to verify income one time during a student’s
membership but also may choose to verify income annually.
3. Must parents apply for fee waiver for each school their children attend?
Answer: Yes. If a family has children at both the secondary level and the elementary level, they
must apply at each level to have their fees waived. Parents who have children at multiple levels
should make a copy of the fee waiver application for each school their children attend.
4. Are we required to have both the verification of income in the form of current pay stubs
of income and the most recent tax forms for all students applying for a fee waiver?
Answer: Pay stubs give the most current information, and the tax return helps to verify that all
income is included. Use gross income for current check stub information. If it appears from the
tax return that all current information is not included, you should request the additional current
check stub information or deny the waiver if you determine the applicant is submitting a
fraudulent application. This process requires a judgment call. Use the most current information
if it appears to be complete. Use total income on the tax return for self employed applicants or if
current information appears incomplete. Those who supply the documentation that they qualify
for fee waiver based on SSI (Blind or Disabled student), Family received AFDC (may be on free
lunch direct certification program), foster care or are on state custody have already met the
income criteria for fee waivers and do not have to supply additional income verification data.
5.
Page 2 of 2 of the FEE WAIVER APPLICATION as posed on the Web of the State
Office of Education states the following: “The last income tax return or the last three
pay stubs, or both, if available, of each household member are required to be attached
to this form.”
Answer: Carol Lear of the State Office of Education was not opposed to our District to require
both the tax return and pay stubs for Alpine School District when both are available. There are
some patrons who do not file tax returns or due to unemployment do not have check stubs. Carol
indicated that even though families may not have filed a tax return, they still have the right to
have education for their families. An Administrator must take the information that is available to
make the determination if the household would qualify.
6. What process do we use to deny a fee waiver and what table do I use to determine if an
applicant is qualified for a fee waiver?
Answer: If the family’s income is above the table amounts on the fee waiver application, use the
appropriate denial forms. Also, remember that the law requires documentation of fee waiver
eligibility even if students are within the table amounts on the fee waiver application. The
documentation required to establish fee waiver eligibility must include verification based on the
last income tax return and last three pay stubs.
Make sure that you do not use the guidelines in the Free and Reduced Lunch Application that
are given to the parents in the summer mailer. Those amounts in the application are for reduced
lunch and fee waivers are only required to be given to those who qualify for free lunch. The free
lunch table is included in the fee waiver application.
7. Where do I go to get answers to my fee waiver questions?
Answer: Go directly to the following URL on the Internet:
http://www.schools.utah.gov/law/DOCS/PAPERS/School_Fees_Q_-_A-5-28-10.aspx
8. How do I organize my staff to handle the impact of answering questions with this issue?
Answer: Any verbal communications with parents regarding denials or other conflicts must be
handled by a school administrator. Staff may assist with clerical functions. An administrator
must be available during registration for problem resolution with applicants.
10. What is the suggested time line should we follow in the application process.
 September 1. Send notice to those with incomplete applications stating that complete
information is required by September 30 to qualify for fee waiver. Also provide on the
notice that those who complete their applications after September 30 will be prorated
forward only from the point when the application for fee waiver is complete.
 No later than January 1. Send notice to parents from TES that if they have not turned in
their required information that they will go to collections of February 15. This
notification may be done on the TES program.
 February 15. Send to collections any incomplete applications.
Schools are given discretion when to turn over outstanding accounts to the District
collection agency. Certain schools prefer to wait until after the delay in distributing
yearbooks to turn those with outstanding balances to collection.
Please use caution before you sign the C2 from our collection agency. If the student
qualified for fee waiver but did not apply, the school runs the risk of having to pay the
court costs and attorney fees. Lost book, fines, uniforms, yearbooks, those thinks that fall
outside of the fee waiver area may still be turned over to a collection agency.
11. How do we handle a change of fee waiver status during the school year?
Answer: If the applicant has been approved based on income guidelines at the time of
registration, (based on the table in the fee waiver application) fees are waived. If the status is
changed and the applicant no longer qualifies for fee waiver, it will be necessary to charge
families fees on a pro-rata basis from the date they no longer qualified.
If during the year the income of the applicant drops to level that now qualifies a student for a fee
waiver, do not refund the full year but refund waived fees from the date they apply and qualify.
12. What are the schools responsibilities to protect the confidential fee waiver
information?
Answer: School staff should receive instructions on keeping fee waiver student’s information
confidential. Student aids should not be allowed to help with the fee waiver process. School staff
must not discriminate in any way against those on waivers. After the applicants have been
approved and the required data summarized for the Utah State Office of Education certification
forms are complete the fee waiver application must be destroyed. However, administratively we
must keep a list of those who qualified until the end of the school year to resolve any disputes
that may occur. It is suggested that administrators keep a log/record of the fee waiver process by
student. Not only does this provide an excellent paper trail but it also provides quick access to
the information. This time frame allows for follow up on any issues relating to and issues
related to reporting to the State Office of Education.
If a parent was upset because they had not received a fee waiver, a quick look at the log would
determine the status of the form. Also, if the actual form becomes lost, record would still be on
file with basic information.
The log should include the following:

Date and to whom fee waiver form was given (the is given in the summer mailer, but those who register late must be given the fee waiver application forms. 
Date the form was returned to school

Valid date of the waived fees

Date status was changed, if any
13. How should we handle “extenuating circumstances” for approving families who are just
above the free lunch table amounts?
Answer: Caution should be used in approving any application that does not meet the income
levels listed on the table amounts. It is difficult to justify anything other this, and it is costly for
the school. However, the principal may make the final decision to grant a partial waiver to an
applicant who does not strictly qualify based on table amounts.
14. If one student of a household qualifies for fee waiver, may I assume that all other
students in the household would also qualify?
Answer: No. We have several situations where a single student of a household may qualify for
fee waiver when other students in the same household would not. Always check the reason code
for the approval. For example, the student on SSI (blind or disabled) may be the only student in
the family that would qualify. The SSI income of this student must be included in household
income, and may push the household income above the free lunch level to disqualify other
students in the same household. Also, foster care students may live in a household where only
the foster care student qualifies for waiver.
15. The old program “Aid to families with Dependent Children” AFDC is now simply
referred to as public assistance. What types of public assistance qualify for fee waiver
without income verification?
Answer: Only those on public assistance who receive financial assistance or food stamps qualify.
Fee waivers are based on income levels associated with free lunch (approximately 130 % of the
poverty level). The income of those on public assistance who receive financial assistance or food
stamps are below the 130% level.
15. Why don’t we grant fee waivers without income verification to other types of public
assistance such as Medicaid, WIC or child care?
Answer: Medicaid has various programs that range from 50% of poverty level to 180%. WIC
and Child care also has a wide range that exceeds 130% of poverty. Those who receive these
types of assistance are required to provide income verification.
16. We have fee waiver students that refuse to participate in a group fund raiser, such as a
car wash, where all students are participating. May we tell students they are required
help to same extent that paying students are helping?
Answer: The State poster from the Utah State Office of education now states the following: If
fee waivers are sought for activities where students are required to participate in fund-raisers,
all students will be expected to participate in group fund-raisers to the same extent for fees to be
waived.
17. What do we tell parents who ask why they have to fill out both a fee waiver application
and an application for free lunch?
Answer: School lunch is a Federal program with no connection to the fee waiver process as
outlined by Utah State law.
Do I include the total number in the household if they are not included as a dependent
on the tax return?
Answer: Households claim the number in the household regardless if they get the tax deduction
for the personal exemption as a dependent. However they must claim the child support as
income.
19.
If a parent presents their Horizon card may I assume they automatically qualify?
Answer: Just because an individual has a horizon card does not mean that they are on
assistance. They issue them the card when they apply and only put monies on it when they
qualify for the assistance.
20.
Those who qualify for food stamps automatically qualify for fee waiver. Those who have a
horizon card are not necessarily currently eligible for food stamps. Those who have the card
have applied but may have been denied. Or those having the card may have been approved at
one time but now are not currently eligible.
What line do I use on the tax return to determine eligibility?
Fee waivers are based on free lunch for the child nutrition program. The child nutrition
program uses line 22, total income, for self employed applicants with the exception that if a
person has a business that has a loss and other income, they cannot net the loss with other
income.
21.
Even though some of the adjustments from total income line 22 to come to line 37 adjusted gross
income appear to be valid business deductions, many of the adjustments are not, and the
guidance is clear from child nutrition that the adjustments from line 23 to line 35 do not reduce
income for purposes of qualification for free lunch.
OTHER FEE WAIVER INFORMATION:
It is important that notices are posted in the school.
Lost books, fines, uniform and yearbooks are examples of items that are allowed to be charged to fee
waiver students.
If a student has a fee waiver for a portion of the year, the rest of those charges (un-waived fees) may be
turned over for collection.
See District Forms for Fee Waiver Application-Elementary Form
See District Form Fee Waiver Application-Secondary Form
See District Form Fee Waiver charge Form
See District Form Fee Waiver Decision Form
Sample
Fee Waiver
Notification
Letters
STUDENT REFUNDS
a.
Refunds to Students
There are times when students will receive a refund from school. In the elementary schools
an example might be that the 6th grade class had a Christmas store with participating
students to receive some type of a reimbursement at the end of the event. The secondary
schools make various kinds of refunds during the year. The major amount of money being
refunded is the textbook deposit refund at the end of the year. During the year, checks
should be issued to refund students their deposit.
b.
Reimbursement to students for other school fees
When students check out of school before the completion of the school year, they are
eligible for a refund of unused fees. This is done on a prorated basis. Before a refund is
made, the school has the right to make sure that all books and school property are returned
and the condition of said items is agreed upon. Good public relations are made if a check
can be printed as soon as everything has been turned in. However, if that is not possible a
check should be cut in the next check run following the student’s withdrawal from the
school. The refund proration during the year is as follows:
Annual Fees
Sept. 100%
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
89%
78%
67%
56%
44%
33%
22%
-0-%
Semester Fees
1 month 100%
2 months 75%
3 months 50%
4 months -0
ALPINE SCHOOL DISTRICT
STUDENTS
1.0
Policy No. 5146
(Ref:) Rules & Regulations no. 5146
SCHOOL FEES
1.1
The purpose of this policy is to permit the orderly establishment of a reasonable system of fees,
while prohibiting practices that would exclude those unable to pay from participation in schoolsponsored activities.
1.2
Philosophy: Many expenses in the operation of schools are beyond
the ordinary costs of education. Added conveniences such as, but not limited to, lockers, towels,
yearbooks, clubs, travel, extracurricular activities, and tangible products are items of cost which may
properly be borne by most of the parents and students.
1.2.1 The Alpine School District policy is intended to be in full compliance with state law, with
rulings by the courts, and with administrative rules set by the Utah State Office of Education.
1.2.2 All fees charged or assessed in connection with any class or school-sponsored or supported
activity, including extracurricular activities, shall be set and approved by the local board of
education in a duly publicized public meeting.
1.2.2.1 The fee schedule must be approved by the board of education and distributed to all
parents and guardians each year.
1.2.2.2 No school or employee may impose a fee or charge upon any student, unless it has
been authorized by the Board Education.
1.3 Definitions
1.3.1 Fee: Any charge, deposit, rental, or other mandatory payment from a school or teacher,
however designated, whether in the form of money or goods. For purposes of this policy,
charges related to the National School Lunch Program are not fees.
1.3.2 Waiver: Release from the requirement of payment of a fee and from any provision in lieu of
fee payment. (Students who have been granted waivers or provisions in lieu of fee waivers
shall not be treated differently from other students or identified to persons who do not need
such information.
1.3.3 Provision in Lieu of Fee Waiver: An alternative to fee payment and waiver of fee payment.
1.3.4 Textbook: Book, workbook, and materials similar in function which are required for
participation in any instructional course.
1.3.5 Optional Project: A project chosen, produced, and retained by a student which would require
only school-supplied materials. Such a project would be in lieu of a project that would cost the
student and his family money, but it would let the student gain the knowledge and/or skills that
would be learned in the costly project. It would typically be assigned in a vocational or other
class where projects are part of the curriculum.
1.4 Fee Waivers
1.4.1 Fee waivers - or other provisions in lieu of fee waivers - are available to the following students:
1.4.1.1 Students eligible for free school lunch. (It is not necessary for a student to actually
accept free school lunch; it is enough that the student’s family qualifies for it, based on
the income guidelines.)
1.4.1.2 Students who are in state custody or foster care.
1.4.1.3 Students receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)
1.4.1.4 Students whose families are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
1.4.1.5 Students whose parents or guardians are financially unable to pay because of
exceptional financial burdens beyond the family’s control. Examples of these would
be loss or substantial reduction of income or extraordinary medical expenses. This
will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
1.4.2 All fees must be waived for eligible students for any class, program, or activity provided,
sponsored, or supported by or through Alpine School District.
1.4.3 Parents and guardians may be required to present reasonable evidence supporting their claims
for fee waiver but a student may not be required to
re-verify eligibility or apply separately for each fee waiver. If eligibility
for free school lunch has been determined, then the parent may give permission to release the
records for fee waiver purposes by signing a release.
1.4.4 If a family’s financial circumstances improve enough during the year that they are no longer
eligible for fee waivers, then they will be charged for a proportional share of the fees for the
remainder of the school year.
1.4.5 If the granting of waivers and alternatives to waivers produces significant inequities through
unequal impact on individual schools, balancing of those inequities will take place.
1.4.6 No present or former student may be denied receipt of transcripts or a diploma for failure to
pay school fees other than a reasonable charge made to cover the cost of duplicating or
mailing. No charge may be made for duplicating or mailing copies of school records to an
elementary or secondary school in which the student is enrolled or intends to enroll.
1.5 Process for collecting fees and verifying eligibility for waivers;
1.5.1 The process of applying for fee waivers should be handled confidentially and without
discrimination. Student aides should never assist in the fee waiver process.
1.5.2 The parent/guardian must sing a release form to allow the school to use their student’s
application for free lunch eligibility information to help determine fee waiver eligibility.
1.5.3 All fee payments will be suspended for an applicant until the school has determined eligibility
for fee waivers.
1.5.4 If a student’s family qualified for waivers, the student will be eligible to receive the waiver of
fees, unless he/she prefers some alternative to the waivers.
1.6 Alternative methods of paying fees:
1.6.1
If the parent or guardian of an eligible student asks to pay fees in installments instead of having
all or part of the fees waived, an alternative method of payment can be arranged for everything
but textbook fees. They (textbook fees) must be waived-in-full for an eligible student.
Installment payments may be:
1.6.1.1 Payment-in-full in installments.
1.6.1.2 Payment-in-part in installments.
1.7 Payment-in-kind
1.7.1 School principals may require waiver eligible students to perform a work assignment or public
service as payment-in-kind in lieu of a fee. Work or service alternatives must be administered
according to the following guidelines.
1.7.1.1 The work program must be administered fairly, is not demeaning and is not
discriminatory.
1.7.1.4 The work does not place an unreasonable
burden on the student or the student’s family.
1.7.1.5 The work listed is not in a current employee’s job description.
1.7.1.6 All work si in accordance with the Department of Labor guidelines.
1.7.2 At the parent’s/guardian/s voluntary request, they and their student can discuss the preceding
alternatives with the school representative, and agree upon which course to take.
1.7.3 If a student rejects a work alternative that appears to meet all the criteria, then the school must
evaluate his/her reasons for doing so. A good-faith effort should be made to resolve any
differences of opinion. If that does not work, the standard written decision and appeal form
contains procedures for an appeals process. It should be used for the following situations:
1.7.3.1 If the applicant and the school differ over the outcome of the application.
1.7.3.2 If the student rejects or does not finish a work alternative even after good-faith effort
to resolve the differences.
1.8 Procedures in case of disagreements between the school and the parents. If the waiver is denied and
the parents/guardians disagree with the decision, the following procedure should be used.
1.8.1 The school representative will then explain the appeal process.
1.8.2 The parents/guardians fill out the appeal form and submit it to the principal.
1.8.3 The principal shall respond within one week (5 working days).
1.8.4 If the party is not satisfied with the decision or the principal has not responded within one week
(5 working days), the appellant may file the appeal with the superintendent.
1.8.5 The superintendent shall respond within two weeks (10 working days).
1.8.6 If the party is not satisfied with the decision of the superintendent or the superintendent has not
responded within two weeks (10 working days), the appellant may file the appeal with the
school board.
1.8.7 The school board shall respond within 30 days.
1.9 Alternatives to fees that schools may use.
1.9.1 Schools may use fund-raisers under the following stipulations:
1.9.1.1 All students should be given an opportunity to participate, and all participants should
share in the earned benefits.
1.9.1.2 Participating in the fund-raiser should never result in a stigma or overburden or
demean any student.
1.9.1.3 Good-faith effort should be used to qualify a student; not the achievement of a sales
quota. (Many students on waivers live in lower income areas, and would therefore
attempt to sell a fund-raising product there. People who live in low income areas have
less money to spend on typical fund-raising products, so the students would have less
success than those who live in higher income areas.)
1.9.1.4 If the student has made a good-faith effort to do his/her share of the fund-raising, yet
insufficient money is raised by the group to cover the cost of the activity, the school
must waive the difference between the fee-waiver eligible student’s share of the
proceeds and the actual amount of the fee.
1.9.2 Donations are permissible in both elementary and secondary schools, but all such requests
must clearly state that donations are voluntary.
1.9.2.1 A donation is a fee if a student must make a donation to participate.
1.9.2.2 No student may be excluded from an activity or program because he/she did not make
a donation.
ALPINE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Rules & Regulations No. 5146
(Ref.) Policy No. 5146
STUDENTS
1.
SCHOOL FEES
1.1 No school or school employee may establish any student fee or fine that has not been set or
approved by the local board of education.
1.2
Guidelines for Elementary School Fees (grades K-6):
1.2.1 Elementary Classes and Activities during the Regular School Day:
1.2.1.1
No fee may be charged for any class or school-day activity in
kindergarten through sixth grade, including assemblies and field trips.
1.2.1.2 Student supplies shall be provided for elementary students.
1.2.1.3 A student may be required to replace supplies provided by the school
which are lost, wasted, or damaged by the student due to careless or
irresponsible behavior.
1.2.2 Elementary School Activities Outside of the Regular School Day. Fees may be
charged in connection with any school-sponsored activity, regardless of the age
or grade level of the student, if participation is voluntary and does not affect a
student’s grade or ability to participate fully in any course taught during the
regular school day. Examples of school activities outside of the regular school
day include summer school, Clear Creek, inter-sessional classes, and classes
taught before or after school, such as music or foreign language. Fees for these
must be approved, listed, and subject to waiver.
1.3
Guidelines for Secondary School Fees (grades 7-12):
1.3.1 Secondary Classes and Activities during the Regular School Day. Students shall be able
to enroll and participate in any class, and have the opportunity to acquire all skills and
knowledge required for full credit and highest grades, regardless of whether or not they
qualify for fee waivers.
1.3.1.1 School-wide fees
1.3.1.1.1 Book sales (subject to waiver). Fee assessments for textbooks and
workbooks students purchase cannot be higher than the book’s cost
including shipping and handling costs.
1.3.1.1.2 Textbook rental fees (subject to waiver). (Students who apply for and are found eligible for - fee waivers must have the full textbook
fees waived, regardless of whether or not they pay for part or all of the
other fees through some sort of alternative plan.)
1.3.1.1.3 Deposit fee (subject to waiver). A deposit fee will be required
of all students. This deposit is refundable.
1.3.1.1.4 Activity fee (subject to waiver). A fee provides the student
with a high school activity card, and/or a picture I.D. card. The
I.D. card allows the student to attend all home regular season
athletic contests free of charge, region and state athletic events
at a reduced rate, and other school activities that charge
admission - like dances and drama productions - at a reduced
rate.
1.3.1.1.5 Locker fee (subject to waiver). A locker fee allows a student
the use of a locker at the school. The student is responsible to
keep the locker clean and in good condition. Lockers as rentals
1.3.1.1.6
1.3.1.1.7
are school property and as such are subject to search by proper
school authority.
Class schedule changes (subject to waiver). Non-essential
class schedule changes will cost a student $5.00. No charge
will be made if the change is a result of a school error, is
necessary to keep a student on schedule to graduate, is initiated
so that the student is properly placed in classes geared to
his/her ability, is recommended by a counselor, or is initiated
by an administrator to place the student in a special program.
Graduation expenses (subject to waiver). Students wishing to
participate in graduation exercises will be required to rent or
purchase the approved cap and gown at a price bid by the
district.
1.3.1.2 Class fees
1.3.1.2.1 Lab fee (subject to waiver). Lab fees cover costs associated
with special needs in certain classes.
1.3.1.2.2 Advanced Placement (AP) courses (subject to waiver). AP
course fees must be approved and listed. Fees for AP
examinations need not be approved, listed, or subject to waiver
unless the student is required to take the test, or the test impacts
the class grade.
1.3.1.2.3 Class projects that cost money (subject to waiver). All projectrelated courses must be based on projects and experiences that
are free to all students. If the general practice of a class is to
retain a large number of projects whether the students who
produced them are fee waiver eligible or not, it is permissible
to do so. It is not permissible for the school to retain just those
projects produced by students who have had the project fee
waived.
1.3.1.2.4 Less expensive or free projects (subject to waiver). Schools
may offer students a choice from among expensive, less
expensive, and free projects so long as the choice of the free
project does not stigmatize waiver eligible students.
1.3.1.2.4.1 Students may not be required to select an optional
project that requires fees as a condition for enrolling in
or completing a course.
1.3.1.2.4.2 Schools and teachers should remember that many
students who are not eligible for waivers still suffer from
financial hardship, and the fees and peer pressure create
enormous burdens for them, too. Therefore, costly
optional projects should be avoided.
1.3.1.2.5 Travel expenses during regular school day (no fees charged).
Travel expenses for school groups performing or participating
during the regular school day in approved activities which are
the natural outgrowth of participation in a class in the regular
school day, and affect the grade of the class held in the regular
school day will be paid for by the school. Students will be
required to travel in district approved conveyance. Donations
are permitted if they are voluntary, and if no student is
excluded from an activity or program because he/she did not
make a donation.
1.3.1.3 Items not considered fees, and therefore not subject to waiver:
1.3.1.3.1 Student supplies (not subject to waiver). Student supplies
include items used in the instructional process which are the
personal property of a student. They are also commonly
purchased and used by persons not enrolled in the class or
activity in question, and they have a high probability of regular
use in other than school-sponsored activities. Examples of
student supplies are pencils, papers, notebooks, crayons,
scissors, basic clothing for healthy lifestyle classes,
undergarments for athletics, and similar personal or
consumable items over which a student retains ownership.
1.3.1.3.2 Lost or damaged school property (not subject to waiver). The
requirements of fee waiver do not apply to charges assessed
pursuant to a student’s damaging or losing school property.
Schools may pursue reasonable methods for obtaining payment
for such charges, but may not exclude students from school or
withhold transcripts or diplomas to obtain payment for those
charges.
1.3.1.3.3 Gym clothing (not subject to waiver). Gym clothing, if
students are permitted to furnish their own, with no specificity
of color, style, fabric, imprints, etc.
1.3.1.3.4 Unnecessary items (not subject to waiver). Charges for class
rings, letter jackets, yearbooks, school pictures, and similar
articles not required for participation in a class or activity, are
not fees, and are not subject to the waiver requirement of this
policy.
1.3.1.3.5 Insurance policies (subject to waiver). Insurance offered
through the school is not a fee, unless it is required for a
student to participate in a class or activity, in which case the
insurance charge is a fee and must be approved, listed, and
subject to waiver.
1.3.2 Secondary School Activities Outside of the Regular School Day
1.3.2.1
1.3.2.2.
1.3.2.3
Special programs (subject to waiver). Charges for ClearCreek,
other summer camps, coaching clinics, and travel to other states are
fees. They must be approved, listed, and are subject to waiver
if there is school involvement (i.e. a teacher or school promotes or
is directly involved in the program).
If a school employee uses his or her position or special access to
information about students, including their names and addresses,
to recruit. Students to camps or trips. Even outside school hours –
without school authorization, the employee may be violating the
Utah Public Officers and Employees Ethic Act and be subject to
dismissal and criminal penalties.
Community school classes (usually subject to waiver). Fees for a
community school class must be approved, listed, and subject to
waiver if the class is part of the participating students’ regular class
loads, if school credit is received for the class, if the class was
specifically designed for school-age students, or if waiver is
required by federal law.
1.3.2.4
Area Technology Center (ATC) classes (usually subject to waiver).
Fees for classes taught at ATC’s must be approved, listed, as
subject to waiver if the class is part of the participating students’
regular class loads if school credit is received for the class, if the
class was specifically designed for school-age students, or if waiver
is required by federal law. The public school and the ATC may
negotiate to determine who actually waives the fees, but it cannot
delay the student’s participation.
1.3.2.5
Concurrent enrollment (usually subject to waiver). If the class is
part of the high school curriculum and high school credit is offered,
fees are subject to waiver.
1.3.2.6
Special classes (usually subject to waiver). Summer school, intersession classes have fees, and are subject to fee waivers. However,
if a student must repeat a course or requires remediation to advance
or graduate and a fee is associated with the course or the
remediation program, it is presumed that the student will pay the
fee.
1.3.2.6.1 If the student or the student’s parent or guardian is financially
unable to pay the fee, the board shall provide for alternatives to
waiving the fee, which may include installment payments and
school or community service or work projects for the student.
1.3.2.6.2 In cases of extreme financial hardship or where the student has
suffered a long-term illness or death in the family or other
emergency, and where installment payments and the imposition
of a service or work requirement would not be reasonable, the
student may receive partial or full waiver of the fee
1.3.2.7
Uniforms and costumes (usually subject to waiver). Uniforms
And costumes purchased by the student become the property of the
student. Uniforms and costumes purchased by the school usually
remain the property of the school. Where a uniform cost is
specified, the cost is the total money which may be spent for
uniforms, whether from contributions, fund-raising activities, or
donations.
1.3.2.7.1
UHSAA uniforms (usually not subject to waiver). The Utah
High School Activities Association (UHSAA) sponsored
activity participants usually adopt a standard uniform which
stays in the school to be used by other students. Where that is
the case, the school will purchase the uniforms; the student will
pay for a uniform only if he/she is given the option to keep the
uniform and elects to accept the option.
1.3.2.7.2 Drill team uniforms (subject to waiver). Drill teams are
sponsored by the UHSAA and fall under the UHSAA
guidelines which state that “Drill teams shall be limited to one
new complete costume per year.” Uniform costs (including
day uniforms, foot apparel, performing costumes, etc.) will not
exceed the amount established in the current fee schedule per
student per year.
1.3.2.7.3 Cheerleader uniforms (subject to waiver). Varsity cheerleader
and songleader uniform expenses (including day uniforms, foot
apparel, etc.) per student will not exceed $450 per year.
Cheerleader uniforms other than varsity will not exceed the
amount established in the current fee schedule per student per
year.
1.3.2.7.4 Pep club uniforms (subject to waiver). Where a school has a
pep club, if the school elects to keep the uniforms, the school
will pay for the uniforms; otherwise pep club members will be
expected to furnish their own uniforms. Uniform costs will not
exceed the amount established in the current fee schedule per
student per year.
1.3.2.7.5 Dance costumes (subject to waiver). A school may subsidize
the purchase of costumes for the dance company. Costume
costs will not exceed the amount established in the current fee
schedule per student per year.
1.3.2.2.11 Music uniforms (subject to waiver). Performing music groups
other than the marching bands (jazz band, orchestra, choirs)
will purchase their own uniforms at a cost not to exceed the
amount established in the current fee schedule per student per
year.
1.3.2.7.5 Club uniforms (usually not subject to waiver). Club uniforms,
if required by a club, will be purchased by the club from club
finances, and will remain in the school. A student will pay for
a uniform only if he/she is given the option to keep the school
uniform or provide his/her own, and elects to accept that
option. Cost for such uniforms will not exceed the amount
established in the current fee schedule per student per year.
Examples of these are club sweaters and letter jackets.
1.3.2.8 Miscellaneous activities outside of the regular school day.
1.3.2.8.1 UHSAA activities (subject to waiver). Fees related to
extracurricular activities sponsored by the Utah High School
Activities Association may not exceed limits established by the
Association.
1.3.2.8.2 Travel expenses (subject to waiver). If the activities are held
outside of the normal school day, students may be charged a
participation fee to offset the cost of school-provided
transportation, or may be required to provide their own
transportation.
1.3.2.8.3 Club expenses (not subject to waiver). Costs for the activities
of clubs must be borne by the members of the clubs, since
belonging to a club is not necessary in order to obtain a full
education. Dues will be kept at a minimum. Disclosure
statements must be approved by the principal or his assistant
and kept on file at the school
6/11 Board rev.