KCD - REVENUE ENHANCEMENT/GIFTS TO SCHOOLS

KCD - REVENUE ENHANCEMENT/GIFTS TO SCHOOLS

The Board recognizes that the development of alternative sources of funding for the district’s educational programs and facilities is desirable. Opportunities are available to enhance or supplement traditional sources of school district revenue through the pursuit of fundraising activities, sponsorships, marketing activities, grants, and other similar activities. The Board encourages the Superintendent/designees to pursue federal, state, foundation, corporate and other grants for the support of the schools and the enhancement of educational opportunities.  The Superintendent is expected to be alert to potential sources of grant funding.  The Board also recognizes that individuals within the community may wish to contribute additional funds, books, supplies, or equipment to enhance or extend the district’s programs or facilities. These revenue enhancement opportunities are subject to certain limitations and restrictions as approved by the Board and all such gifts and revenue enhancement activities must be consistent with the educational mission of the district and Board policy. 

It is the objective of this policy to establish parameters for the acceptance of gifts, donations, and grants and for the pursuit of revenue enhancement opportunities. Gifts to schools and revenue derived from revenue enhancement activities shall be used to: 

1. Enhance student education and achievement.

2. Assist in the maintenance of existing educational and athletic programs and facilities.

3. Assist in the development and funding of new educational and athletic programs and facilities.

4. Provide scholarships for students participating in academic, athletic, or activity programs who demonstrate merit or financial need. 

Gifts to the District

The Board has the authority to accept such gifts and donations as may be made to the district or any school within the district, provided that conditional gifts must first be approved by the voters of the district. The Board reserves the right to decline to accept any gift that does not contribute toward the achievement of the goals of the district or that would tend to adversely affect the district. Any gift accepted by the district shall become the property of the district, may not be returned without the approval of the Board, and is subject to the same controls and regulations as are other properties of the district.

The district shall be responsible for the maintenance of any gift it accepts, unless otherwise stipulated. The district will make every effort to honor the intent of the donor in its use of the gift, but reserves the right to utilize any gift it accepts in the best interest of the educational program of the district. In no case shall acceptance of a gift be considered to be an endorsement by the district of a commercial product or business enterprise or institution of learning. The district accepts monetary contributions designated for specific purposes and donations of equipment or materials if acceptable to the district. As instructional equipment becomes more complicated and diverse, it is imperative that attention be given to technical and curricular compatibility. Before supplies, books, equipment, or other items are purchased or donated, approval must be obtained from the Board or its designee. 

Revenue Enhancement 

The district will consider opportunities for revenue enhancement such as sponsorships, grants, advertising, and fundraising. Any revenue enhancement opportunity pursued by the district must be consistent with the values and educational mission of the district. It is the policy of the Board to comply with all Federal and State requirements that may be a condition of receipt of grant funds.The Board has the exclusive discretion to determine whether to accept or decline any revenue enhancement opportunity. The factors to be considered by the Board include, but are not limited to:

1. The extent to which such revenue enhancement opportunity limits or restrains the district’s discretion or its ability to pursue other opportunities.

2. The duration of the arrangement or agreement and the district’s ability/discretion to terminate the arrangement/agreement.

3. The extent to which the revenue enhancement opportunity imposes any obligation on the district, either presently or in the future, financial, or otherwise, and whether the opportunity is subject to conditions acceptable to the district.

4.The extent to which accepting the revenue enhancement opportunity would impair the tax-advantaged status of any district borrowing instrument.  

5. The extent to which the revenue enhancement opportunity constitutes a conflict of interest or creates the appearance of or potential for a conflict of interest. 

6. The extent to which the revenue enhancement opportunity interjects advertising or commercialism into the schools or classrooms, pursuant to Policy FF – Naming of School Facilities  and Policy KHB – Advertising in the Schools. The Board may designate an administrator or committee to investigate, evaluate and/or consider potential revenue enhancement opportunities and to report its findings and recommendations to the Board.

When a grant application or proposal is presented to the Superintendent for approval, the Superintendent/designee will determine the availability of resources should matching funds  be required; whether additional resources will be needed for continuation of the program when the grant expires; and measures that will be used to evaluate whether the objectives of the grant are being achieved.

All grant funds received will be deposited into District accounts.  Applicable Federal and State regulations, Board policies and  District procedures regarding purchasing, contracting, expenditures, and accounting will be followed in the administration and monitoring of grant funds.  Staff positions created through grant funding will be filled pursuant to Board policy. 

Cross Reference: Policy FF – Naming of School Facilities

Policy KHB – Advertising in the Schools

20-A MRSA 1476; 20-A MRSA 4005

Revised: 1/9/2023

Revised: 9/11/2023