| Permissible Student Expenses |
Thank you for taking the time to research the facts related to Permissible Student Expenses, as defined by guidance provided by the San Diego Unified School District. It is our understanding that this guidance has been based on the State Constitution, State Education Code and/or case precedence.
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From the District website:
QUESTION: May a school charge fees for things?
RESPONSE: Yes. There are specific fees, charges and deposits are that legally permissible because they are specifically permitted by law.
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Given the recent confusion surrounding shock-value news reports, we have provided a few quick details below and welcome you to browse through the website for yourself. We have left the original content of this page available intact below to demonstrate our fervent dedication to full disclosure and compliance.
To clarify, please note:
FAQ:
Q: Are students required to purchase the Patriot Pack?
A: No. Students are required to wear specific colors or types of clothing as permitted by law. Whether they purchase them from our organization as a matter of convenience, or purchase them along with their own school clothes is entirely up to the student?s family as long as the clothing meets the defined requirements.
Q: Does The Spirit of 76 Boosters organization make money on Patriot Pack Sales?
A: No. The Spirit of 76 Boosters does not treat Patriot Pack sales as a fundraiser. Items are sold at the approximate cost of the delivered merchandise.
Q: Are there Permissible Student Expenses for the programs?
A: Yes. We have been working with the District and School Administration in a focused attempt to offer the community full disclosure of the organizations financial practices as well as full compliance with the State Constitution, State Education Code and/or Case Law precedence.
Q: Is the Participant Expense comprised of Permissible Student Expenses?
A: Yes. For the FY2010-2011 we are working to revise the budgeting and accounting processes to make this more transparent.
Again:
NO student has ever been excluded from participation in the program due to inability to pay.
NO student grade has ever been affected due to inability to pay.
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Participant Expenses* are an inevitable reality for any activity. Band and Color Guard families are all too familiar with the costs involved in supporting a well-rounded education that includes the arts.
Why? The Instrumental Music Director's salary and benefits are covered by the school and district. It takes another $85,000.00 annually to provide this opportunity to your child... none of which the district pays for. Thankfully, the school site made available $10,000 for the 2008-09 school year. The school site's contribution was reduced to $5,000 for this 2009-10 school year and we anticipate support to continue at that level going forward. Is it fair? Perhaps not, but the alternative would be to cancel the program entirely. The PHHS Visual and Performing Arts community has chosen to provide for itself in an area where district and state funding cannot.
Fortunately, should they choose to, there are ample opportunities for students to raise funds through Personal Fundraisers to meet their annual permissible mandatory expenses... several students each year are able to cover 100% of their expenses without their parents writing a single check!
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Patriot Pack*
"B" Uniform and Accessories
ordered during Registration and Summer Marching Camp
$60 - $100 depending on your choices
Color Guard Outfits*
$100-$150 depending on program choices
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Annual Participant Expense*
Permissible Mandatory Charges, per student, not covered by
the School District, State or General Fundraisers
(i.e. Excursions, Camp, Meals)
$395
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Marching Season Food and Beverages*
Practices and Competitions often run through meal times.
The Food and Water Teams help provide for your children
throughout the season.
$60 - $80 per student
Included n Participant Expense for 2009!
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Annual Trips are optional and have an additional cost which varies from year to year.
Student funds are applied first toward Participant Expense until met in full.
Amounts can then be applied toward the Annual Trip
More information can be found on the Travel / Trips page.
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Guest admission to General Fundraisers such as concerts and dinner events are optional and not included in the Participant Expense above.
Such optional activities, as well as the annual Awards Banquet, each have additional costs*.
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Spirit of 76 Boosters is a registered non-profit organization. Some of your contributions may be tax deductible. Please check with your tax consultant.
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Looking for an example?
Transportation costs alone run
$10,000 - $16,000 per year
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* Click here to see how these expenses comply with state law and district guidelines.
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Updates to this information for the 2010 - 2011 school year anticipated in late July August, 2010... but last year's info below, should provide a reference point for parents and students.
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Early Bird Discounts Anyone?
Participant Expense for 2009-2010 is $395 for each and EVERY Band and Color Guard Student.
Option #1
IF you have paid $345 toward a student's Participant Expense BEFORE November 1, 2009, Spirit Of 76 Boosters will issue a $50 credit to that student's account.
Option #2
IF you have paid $370 toward a student's Participant Expense BEFORE December 1, 2009, Spirit of 76 Boosters will issue a $25 credit to that student's account.
Option #3
Make monthly payments toward the student's Participant Expense Students and/or students may choose to EARN credit toward their Participant Expense and Trips by participating in Personal Fundraisers throughout the Fall and Winter! If Option #3 is chosen, the student's goal should be to earn at least 25% of their Participant Expense in each of months September through December.
Full payment of a student's Participant Expense is expected by January 1. Please speak with Mr. K directly if this will be an issue so accommodations can be made... we want you to participate above all else!
NOTE:
* Any excess funds raised are carried forward and applied toward next year's Participant Expense.
* There are no refunds of Participant Expense payments or Fundraising dollars.
* All payments and optional personal fundraising proceeds are applied first to that year's Participant Expense, then to any Trips.
* All outstanding bills for Patriot Pack and accepted fundraising goods must also be paid and current to qualify for Early Bird Discounts.
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