Adoption Date: 06/22/2021

History: 3/22/22 (updated), 2/14/23 (updated), 2/13/24 (reviewed)

The board recognizes that while certain fees charged to students are appropriate and authorized, certain students and their families are not financially able to pay the fees. The school district will grant either full waivers, partial waivers or temporary waivers depending upon the circumstances and the student or student's parent or guardian's ability to meet the financial criteria.

Waivers

1. Full Waivers - a student will be granted a full waiver of fees charged by the school district if the student or student's parent or guardian have applied for benefits and meet the financial eligibility criteria for free meals under the Child Nutrition program, or have qualified for benefits through a qualifying method, such as foster care of homelessness. 
2. Partial Waivers - a student will be granted a partial waiver of fees charged by the school district if the student or the student's parent or guardian meet the financial eligibility criteria for reduced price meals offered under the Child Nutrition program. A partial waiver is based on the same percentage as the reduced price meals.

Application

Fee waivers are part of the registration process as a parent permission and must be renewed annually.

Confidentiality

The school district will treat the application and application process as any other student record and student confidentiality and access provisions will be followed.

The waiver allows confidential information provided on the Iowa Eligibility Application to be shared only with district staff who need that information to apply benefits.

Fines or Charges

Fines or charges assessed for damage or loss to school property are not fees and will not be waived.

Notice

The school district will annually notify parent or guardian and students of the waiver. The following information will be included in registration materials.

Students whose families have applied for free and reduced price lunch benefits and meet the income guidelines or have qualified for benefits through a qualifying method and meet the income guidelines for free and reduced price lunch are eligible to have their student fees waived or partially waived. Students whose families are experiencing a temporary financial difficulty may be eligible for a temporary waiver of student fees. This waiver does not carry over from year to year and must be completed annually.