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, or when requesting reimbursement from, public funds, all school employees shall be able to accurately articulate, in a clear and concise manner, the public purpose served by such expenditure. If the employee is unable to do 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 utilize the district's Internal Controls policy and regulation as a resource for questioning a purchase. Concerns should be reported to the Superintendent and/or Board President.
The Superintendent, in coordination with the Treasurer, shall develop a process for approving expenditures of public funds. The Board of Directors 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 prior to expending the funds. Purchases of food and refreshment or district staff, even within district, shall comply with all school district's Employee Travel Compensation policy and all other applicable 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: