Board Policy No. 705.4
EXPENDITURES FOR A PUBLIC PURPOSE
The board recognizes that school district funds are public funds, and as such, should be used to further a public purpose and the overall educational mission of the school community. The district is committed to managing and spending public funds in a transparent and responsible manner. Prior to making a purchase with public funds, an individual should be comfortable defending the purchase/reimbursement to the taxpayers in the district. If the individual is uncomfortable doing so, the purchase may not fulfill a public purpose and additional guidance should be sought before the purchase is made.
Individuals who have concerns about the public purpose of a purchase or reimbursement should report those concerns to the superintendent and/or board president.
The superintendent shall develop a process for approving expenditures of public funds. The board will review expenditures and applicable reports as necessary to ensure proper oversight of the use of public funds. To the extent possible, expenditures shall be pre-approved by the district prior to expending the funds. Purchases of food and refreshment or district staff, even within district, should comply with all district policies. All purchases/reimbursements shall comply with applicable laws, board polices, and district accounting requirements.
Additional guidance regarding appropriate expenditures of school funds is provided int he regulation accompanying this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Constitution Art. III, sec. 31;
Iowa Code 68A.505; 279.8; 721.2
281.I.A.C. 98.70
1979 Op. Atty. Gen., No. 79-4-26
Cross Reference: 401.7 Employee Travel Compensation
704.1 Local-State-Federal-Miscellaneous Revenue
704.5 Student Activities Fund
705.1 Purchasing-Bidding
705.2 Purchasing on Behalf of Employees
705.3 Payment for Goods and Services
707.5 Internal Controls
905.1 Community Use of School District Facilities & Equipment
Approved: 5/8/19
Reviewed: 2/14/24
Revised:
Policy No. 705.4R1
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EXPENDITURES FOR A PUBLIC PURPOSE REGULATION
The following is a list of examples organized by activity for what is allowable, or not allowable, as a purchase/reimbursement using public funds. This regulation is intended as a guidance and there may be situations that are not listed here. Any questions regarding the appropriateness of an expenditure should be submitted to administration prior to expending funds.
Reimbursements to an Individual
Policy No. 705.4R1
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Supplies for Public Areas
Staff Parties/Receptions
School/Student Activity Banquets
Memorial Gifts
Policy No. 705.4R1
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Student Incentives
Meetings
Some expenditures will be considered personal expenses regardless of the context. These include purchase or reimbursement of alcohol, and personal items not included as retirement or memorial gifts listed above.