Policy Advisory: School Fees
Updated May 2007
Introduction
During 2006-2007, the ASBA revised the policy advisory on school fees after a consultation process which incorporated input from key stakeholder organizations. It can be adopted and/or adapted by local school jurisdictions when setting local policy. It is essential that the development of policies and practices related to school fees reflect the principles of clarity, transparency, fairness and accountability. School fee schedules are driven by local choice so there is a need to recognize and respond to the diversity that exists among boards and schools across the province. This fact accentuates that consultation with key, local stakeholders is critical to the establishment of policy guidelines and practices at the school and board levels.
Background
In Alberta, K-12 education is broadly defined as a set of goals and outcomes (knowledge, skills and attitudes) prescribed in the provincial programs of study and graduation requirements. There are provincial guidelines related to restrictions on the types of activities that can be included in school fees and the reporting of monies collected through school fees.
Conducting a periodic analysis and regular monitoring of policies and practices related to school fees will support consistency and compliance with board policies, particularly within the context of site-based management at the school level. The degree of standardization is determined locally. Provision for training and communication with school leaders provides essential support related to budget planning and fiscal management. It is also important to have clear communication with parents and other stakeholders regarding policies and practices related to school fees and procedures for waiving of these fees.
Legislative framework
In Alberta, Section 60(2) of the School Act states that a board may charge a parent of a student fees with respect to instructional supplies and materials, field trips and extracurricular activities. Also, fees may be charged for alternative programs, as per Section 21(4), copies of student records, as per Section 23(3), and to offset transportation fees, as per Section 51(3).
It is important to note that this legislation is open to interpretation with respect to student fees. Therefore, the benefit of consultation with key stakeholders is a critical part of the decision making process when determining board policies related to student fees.
Further information may be found at the following websites:
Alberta Education
FOIP legislation
School Act
The ASBA staff are available to provide advice and assistance if a board wishes to involve them in drafting policies related to student fees. For further information about this policy advisory, please contact , Executive Director, at 1.780.451.7109. For further information about precedent legal challenges or legislative implications, please contact at 1.780.451.7133.
Recommended policy statement guidelines
As outlined in the School Act, a board has the right to develop a district-wide policy which sets school fees for all schools in the district but also recognizes that it may be necessary for schools to establish a fee schedule for specific courses or school-related programs. The following guidelines should be followed in the setting of fees by school boards:
- School board policy should guide schools in setting school based fees. Procedures need to be implemented to support compliance with board policy at the school level.
- School boards should set fees in consultation with school principals, staff, school councils and parents. Central office staff and other stakeholder groups are available to support the use of consultation processes.
- School boards should ensure that fees are only used for the purpose for which they were collected and should be directly related to the cost of resources provided to students.
- School boards should ensure that schools communicate with their school community and central office staff about the need for school fees and have summary financial statements on public file to show that the monies collected were used to support the program for which they were intended.
- School boards should ensure that there is a provision for fees to be waived in situations deemed appropriate by school leaders. The existence of these provisions should be clearly communicated to school staff and parents.
