6152.01 - WAIVER OF SCHOOL FEES FOR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Madison Local School District

Bylaws & Policies

6152.01 - WAIVER OF SCHOOL FEES FOR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The Madison Local School District shall waive fees assessed by the District for instructional materials only for students whose parent(s) or guardian(s) are unable to afford them. The Superintendent may, as deemed necessary, establish additional procedures to supplement the procedures established in this policy regarding the requests for the waiver of fees. This waiver does not include District fees associated with extra-curricular activities or student enrichment programs that are not part of a course of instruction.

Additionally, the District may charge fees for tools, equipment, and materials, as specified, that are necessary for workforce-readiness training that may be retained by the students after completion of the course.

Nondiscrimination

The Board expects all staff members to exercise the utmost care to see that, as a result of their actions or comments, students cannot differentiate between those students whose parents are unable to purchase required instructional materials or pay required fees and those whose parents can.

Eligibility Standards

Students eligible for a waiver of school fees include, but are not limited to, the following:

	A.	Students who receive aid under R.C. 5107, Ohio Works First (formerly Aid to Dependent Children), or R.C. 5115, Disability Assistance.

	B.	Students who qualify for free lunch under the National School Lunch Act.

	C.	Students whose families have suffered very significant losses of income due to severe illness or injury in the family or unusual expenses including, but not limited to, fire, flood, or storm damage.

	D.	Other good and just reasons.

Notification to Parents

A.	Annually the substances of this policy shall be communicated in writing to the parent(s) or guardian(s) of all students in the District.

B.	The first bill or notice to parent(s) or guardian(s) who owe fees shall state:

	1.	The District will waive fees for persons unable to afford them in accordance with its policy.

	2.	The procedure for applying for a fee waiver, and the name, address and telephone number of the person to contact for information concerning a fee waiver.

Procedures for Resolution of Disputes

A.	A parent(s) or guardian(s) who cannot pay school fees may write a letter requesting a waiver of fees to the principal. The letter must contain the following:

	1.	name(s) of student(s)

	2.	name of parent(s) or guardian(s)

	3.	address of parent(s) or guardian(s)

	4.	phone number of parent(s) or guardian(s)

	5.	school where child(ren) attend(s)

	6.	reason for request for waiver of fees

	The Principal shall have the authority to review the waiver request and request such further information, if any, as s/he deems necessary in order to make a decision on that request.

	B.	No fee shall be collected from any parent(s) or guardian(s) who is seeking a fee waiver in accordance with the District’s policy until the District has acted on the initial request or appeal (if any is made), and the parent(s) or guardian(s) have been notified of the decision.

	C.	If the Principal denies a request for fee waiver, then a copy of the decision shall be mailed to the parent(s) or guardian(s) within fifteen (15) school days of receipt of the request. The decision shall state the reason for the denial and shall inform the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the right to appeal, including the process and timelines for that action. The denial notice shall also include a statement informing the parent(s) or guardian(s) that reapplication may be made for a waiver any time during the school year, if circumstances change.

	D.	An appeal of the Principal’s decision must be made to the Superintendent within seven (7) calendar days after receipt of the decision. An appeal shall be decided within thirty (30) calendar days of the receipt of the parent(s) or guardian(s) request for an appeal. The parent(s) or guardian(s) shall have the right to meet with the Superintendent in order to explain why the fee waiver should be granted. The decision of the Superintendent is final.

R.C. 3313.642

Adopted 5/20/02
Revised 6/14/04
Revised 6/16/08
Revised 3/15/10
Revised 3/5/12