EXTERNAL FUNDING

Background

The District receives the majority of its operating revenue by way of operating and special purpose grants from the Ministry of Education.  The District also derives revenue from leases and rentals of school property, municipal support of crossing guards, bank interest, the International Student Program and the South Island Distance Education School.  The purpose of this Administrative Procedure is to provide the context for external funding through donations or partnerships and to clarify the District’s expectations in regard to business presence in schools.

Public education is to be funded from Provincial Government grants.  However, in order to provide enhanced or enriched educational opportunities for students or develop positive relationships with the community the District may seek or accept external funding through donations or partnerships.  The District is prepared to accept donations from donors or foundations, or consider partnerships with private or public sector enterprises.  The District is also willing to consider a limited business presence within schools or the District in keeping with the provisions of this Administrative Procedure.

Definitions

Business - A person, partnership, or corporation engaged in commerce, manufacturing, or a service; a profit-seeking enterprise or concern.

Donations - Donors:  Individuals, groups or foundations are encouraged to make donations of goods, services, or cash to the District.  The District is a charitable organization under the Income Tax Act.  A donation may qualify for a tax receipt.  Donations may be made for specific purposes. 

Businesses may make donations to the District of goods or services, or funds that enhance the regular operating expenditures of the District.  Business donors will not involve themselves in the operations of the District but may have expectations that their donation is recognized in accordance with this Administrative Procedure.

Partnerships:  A partnership is formed through an agreement between the District and an individual, group, or business intended to generate revenue for, or provide goods and services to the District.

Procedures

1. The following principles will govern the acceptance by the District of external funding through donations or partnerships:
   1. The external funding through donations or partnerships must support the District’s educational philosophy and its focus on the development of the District as a learning community.
   2. Altruistic donations are encouraged, meaning that they are for the sole benefit of students, schools or the District and not for the benefit of the donor.
   3. External funding through donations or partnerships must not impair the rights of the District and the educational professionals in the District to determine the nature of the educational program to be offered to students, or the way in which it is delivered.
   4. Any arrangements for external funding through donations or partnerships shall not require students to observe, listen to, or read commercial advertising.
   5. Education resources that are offered to the school or District through a donation or partnership shall be considered under the provisions of this Administrative Procedure and Administrative Procedure 251 - Selection of Learning Resources.
   6. Agreements to provide educational resources must not limit or require teachers to use these resources in their classes.
   7. External funding through donations or partnerships must not result in an opportunity for the province to reduce operating or special purpose grants.
   8. Any agreements that provide external funding through donations or partnerships will include a specific expiry date.
   9. Individuals or businesses must satisfy all equity considerations, and safety, health and environmental regulations related to their form of business.
   10. External funding through donations or partnerships must not involve the District in anything that would appear to be taking an inappropriate stand on a contentious political, moral, or social issue.
   11. Businesses may only have a visible presence in the school if it occurs in the natural course of business (for example, names and logos on computers, office supplies or food products) or if it occurs through a donation or partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Administrative Procedure.
   12. Recognition of the donor, partner or business will only be through expressions of thanks on a website or in a program or newsletter, or through a posting that lasts for the duration of a time limited event such as a tournament, a performance or a season.  Any proposal for ongoing recognition or advertising must be approved by the Board.
   13. Any recognition of external funding through donations or partnerships will take into account students’ ages and their vulnerability to commercial values and messages, in accordance with community standards as interpreted by the Superintendent.
2. Decisions in regard to external funding or support in amounts less than $500 will be made by principals in accordance with the provisions of this Administrative Procedure following consultation with the staff and PAC.  If the proposal includes ongoing recognition of the donor then the Board will review the proposal.
3. All proposals for external funding or support in excess of $500 through donations or partnerships will be submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer for review.Such proposals will indicate clearly:
   1. What the individual or business is contributing
   2. A best estimate of the value of the contribution
   3. The forms of recognition or opportunities requested of the District in return for the contribution.
4. The Secretary-Treasurer will review each proposal, consulting with the Principal as appropriate, and determine whether or not to take it to the Board for consideration of approval.
5. Evaluation criteria for proposals will include:
   1. Consistency with this Administrative Procedure.
   2. The amount of the benefits being provided to the District.
   3. The quality of the product or service.
   4. The reputation of the individual or company.
   5. The ability, capacity and skill of the individual or corporation to fulfill the contract.
   6. The form of recognition, if any, for the contribution being made.