All gifts, grants, and/or donations (hereinafter “gifts”) must be formally accepted by the Board. The Board, however, reserves the right to refuse to accept any gift which does not contribute toward the achievement of the District’s goals, would result in costs for installation or maintenance, and/or the ownership of which may deplete the resources of the District.
Except for books donated through PTA-sponsored events, the donation of library and classroom books will not be accepted.
Any gift accepted by the Board or the Superintendent will 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.
It is the policy of the District to accept a gift whether from individuals, school-related organizations (PTA, Huskers, Foundation for Excellence, Science Research, First Nighters, etc.), or corporations/businesses, provided it is made within the statutory authority granted to school districts and has received the approval of the Board.
In granting or withholding its consent, the Board will review the following factors:
1. The terms of the gift must identify:
a. the subject of the gift
b. the purpose of the gift
c. the beneficiary or beneficiaries, if any
d. all conditions or restrictions that may apply.
2. The gift must not benefit a particular or named individual or individuals.
3. If the purpose of the gift is an award or scholarship, the determination of the recipient(s) will be made on the basis that all students will have an equal opportunity to qualify based on the stated criteria.
4. If the gift is in trust, the obligation of the investment and reinvestment of the principal will be clearly specified and the application of the income or investment proceeds will be clearly set forth.
5. The gift must not violate Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972.
6. No gift or trust will be accepted by the Board unless:
a. it is in support of and a benefit to all or to a particular public school in the District, or
b. it is for a purpose for which the District could legally expend its own funds, or
c. it is for the purpose of providing awards to students or awarding scholarships to students graduating from the District.
d. it is fully funded and paid in full.
Any gift rejected by the Board will be returned to the donor or his/her estate within 60 days together with a statement indicating the reasons for the rejection of such gift.
Seeking and Accepting Gifts
Prior to seeking any gift, the applicant must obtain prior approval from the Superintendent or designee. Any staff member seeking Board approval for acceptance of a gift, must complete and submit the Gifts, Grants and Donations form.
Approval will depend on factors including, but not limited to: compatibility with the District’s educational program and standards; availability of existing District resources; whether ownership would deplete District resources; and its impact on the equitable distribution of District resources.
All gifts must benefit the District and be congruent with the following principles:
The District's mission, vision, core values, and beliefs.
The District goals that positively impact student performance.
The District's instructional priorities and strategies.
Equity in funding.
Provide a value or benefit that is greater than the obligation under the grant award.
Not violate management and/or bargaining unit rights and responsibilities.
Not carry any conditions that would divert District efforts or resources away from its primary mission.
Coordinating with School-Related Organizations
The Board delegates authority to the Superintendent or designee to work with school-related organizations who wish to make a contribution of money or property to determine the terms and conditions of the proposed gift and the needs of the District. The Board must approve such gifts prior to any public announcement of the contribution.
Cross-ref: 2160, Code of Ethics for Officers and Employees
1510, Fundraising by School-Related Organizations on School Property
Ref: Education Law §1709(12)
Adoption date: December 1, 1995
Amended date: January 22, 2007
Amended date: November 23, 2015
Amended date: February 5, 2018
Amended date: January 8, 2024