Butte School District

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

3520

Student Fees, Fines, and Charges

Within the concept of free public education, the District shall provide an educational program for the students as free of costs as possible.

A student may be charged a reasonable fee for any course or activity not reasonably related to a recognized academic and educational goal of the District or any course or activity held outside normal school functions.

The Board may waive the fee in cases of financial hardship. The Board delegates authority to the Superintendent to establish appropriate fees and procedures governing the collection of fees and to make appropriate reports to the Board regarding fee schedules. Fees may be required for the actual cost of breakage and of excessive supplies used in courses such as commercial, industrial arts, music, domestic science, science, or agriculture.

When a student participates in the School Nutrition Service Meal Program the Student and Parent(s) or Guardian(s) are responsible for any charges made to their meal account. The student is responsible for following all School Nutrition Services Procedures and Rules (see attached Procedures 3520P).

A student shall be responsible for the cost of replacing materials or property which are lost or damaged due to negligence. The student and parent shall be notified regarding the nature of the violation or damage, how restitution may be made, and how an appeal may be instituted. A student’s grades or diploma may be withheld until restitution is made by payment. The student or parent may appeal the imposition of a charge for damages, to the Superintendent and the Board.

Legal reference:    
§ 20-5-201, MCA Duties and sanctions
§ 20-7-601, MCA Free textbook provisions
§ 20-9-214, MCA Fees Granger, et al. v. Cascade Co. Sch. Dist., 159 Mont. 516, 499 P.2d 780 (1972)

Policy History:
Adopted on: 10/18/04
Revised on: 3/16/09