The board recognizes that while certain fees charged to students are appropriate and authorized, certain students and their families (hereafter referred to as legal custodians) 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’s or the legal custodian’s ability to meet the financial criteria.
WAIVERS
Full Waivers: A student will be granted a full waiver of fees charged by the district if the student or student's legal custodian meets the financial eligibility criteria for free meals under the Child Nutrition Program, Family Investment Program, Supplemental Security Income Guidelines, or transportation assistance under open enrollment. Students in foster care are also eligible for full waivers. The waiver application is available through the Linn-Mar Nutrition Services Department.
Partial Waivers: A student will be granted a partial waiver (50% reduction) of fees charged by the district if the student or the student's legal custodian meets the financial eligibility criteria for reduced price meals offered under the Child Nutrition Program. The waiver application is available through the Linn-Mar Nutrition Services Department.
Temporary Waivers: A student may be eligible for a temporary waiver of fees charged by the district in the event the student's legal custodian is facing financial difficulty. Temporary waivers may be applied for at any time throughout the school year and will not extend beyond the end of that school year.
APPLICATION
Legal custodians or students who do not participate in the district’s Free and Reduced Meal Program by completing the district’s official Free and Reduced Application or by direct certification through the Department of Human Resources must complete a Temporary Standard Fee Waiver Application (Refer to Policy 505.3-E) provided by the district to be eligible for a fee waiver. Applications may be made at any time but must be renewed annually.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The district will treat the application and application process as any other student record. Student confidentiality and access provisions will be followed.
APPEALS
Denial of a fee waiver may be appealed to the superintendent [or designee].
NOTICE
The district will notify the legal custodians and students of the waiver on an annual basis. The following information will be included in registration materials and printed in the district’s annual handbook:
Students whose legal custodians meet the income guidelines for free and reduced price meals, the Family Investment Program (FIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), transportation assistance under open enrollment status, or who are in foster care are eligible to have their student fees waived or partially waived.
Students whose legal custodians are experiencing temporary financial difficulty may be eligible for a temporary waiver of student fees. Legal custodians or students who believe they may qualify for temporary financial hardship may print the Temporary Standard Fee Waiver Application (Refer to Policy 505.3-E) from the district’s website or contact the Nutrition Services Department to obtain a form. This waiver does not carry over from year-to-year and must be completed on an annual basis.
Adopted: 9/96
Reviewed: 4/12; 7/13; 11/17; 12/20; 10/23
Revised: 4/11; 10/14
Related Policy: 505.3; 505.3-E
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): § 256.7; 279.8; 280.10-11; 282.6; 285.1; 301.1; 281 IAC 18.2
IASB Reference: 503.03-R(1)