HARDSHIP
Background
The District is committed to ensuring that no student of school age will be denied an educational program due to financial hardship. Within the fiscal ability of each school and the District, no student is to be denied access to programs, events or field trips that are aligned to and enhance the BC curriculum.
Procedures
1. The principal of each school will communicate and implement procedures to facilitate the participation of students who would not otherwise be able to participate in a course, class or program which is part of a student’s educational program due to financial hardship.
2. Parents unable to pay some or all of a school fee are invited to speak to their child’s teacher, school counsellor, and/or the principal. Support must incorporate the principles of fairness, confidentiality and sensitivity, while maintaining family respect and dignity. Students, parents and staff will be advised of the procedure. Individual dignity and respect must remain paramount.
3. Communications with students and parents regarding any school fees must include a statement explaining that charges will not be a barrier to student participation in school activities. A statement informing parents of the hardship provision will be included on permission forms for trips, events and programs. The procedures shall be published in each school’s schedule of fees, referred to in school newsletters, published on school websites and included in application forms for educational programs requiring payment of fees or for which students are required to provide their own special equipment.
4. This Administrative Procedure applies to students of school age who attend a District school and who are ordinarily residents of British Columbia.
Reference: Section 20, 22, 65, 82, 82.1, 82.2, 82.3, 82.4, 85 School Act
Ministerial Order 236/07 – Board of Education Fees