Pursuant to Board Policy No. 3520, Student Fees, Fines, and Charges, the School Board has the authority to establish system-wide fees and charges and procedures governing the collection of the same. Fees and charges established in this procedure apply to all schools within the specified grade-band. Fees may be established as either required or voluntary fees.

As with other fees and charges, arrangements shall be made for a waiver or reduction for students whose families by reason of their income would have difficulty paying the full fee. An approved “Seattle Public Schools Annual Application for School Meal Benefits,” which uses the USDA Child Nutrition Program guidelines, shall be used to determine a student’s qualification for waivers or reductions for all items. The School Meal Benefits application must also include the parent or guardian’s permission to share the student’s eligibility status with school officials unless such sharing is permitted under the National School Lunch Act.

With regard to the payment of required fees, if an account becomes delinquent, the account holder will be notified and the account will be sent to collections.

If a fee is voluntary, a student will not be prevented from participating in the service or activity if they do not pay the fee.

Seattle Public Schools has identified the following system-wide fees or charges currently in effect. These fees or charges will remain in effect unless changes are approved by the Board and incorporated into this procedure.

System-Wide Fees and Charges

• Meals: Full Price*

*Currently, students who qualify for free or reduced price meals are not charged for meals.

• High School Athletic Participation

A voluntary fee is established for students in grades 9-12 who participate in a high school sports team managed by the Washington Interscholastic Athletics Association.

The voluntary fee is set at $200 per season per year, not to exceed $400 for participation during more than two seasons.

Superintendent Procedure:

• 3520SP – Student Fees, Fines, or Charges

Policy Cross References:

• 0061 – Administration of the Annual Budget and Financial Reporting
• 2151 – Interscholastic Activities
• 2240 – Summer School
• 3115 – Students Experiencing Homelessness: Enrollment Rights and Services
• 3116 – Dependent Students (Foster Care)
• 3231 – Student Records
• 3240 – Student Behavior and Disciplinary Responses
• 3405 – Student Wellness
• 3510 – Associated Student Bodies
• 3520 – Student Fees, Fines, or Charges
• 6705 – Food Service and Student Nutrition

Previous Policies:

• D83.00 – Restitution
• D83.01 – Fines, Restitution, and Damage Deposits
• D85.00 – Student Fees and Charges
• D85.01 – Student Fees and Charges Procedure

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.220.040 Fiscal support — Reimbursement to school districts — Enrollment fees — Deposit.
• RCW 28A.225.330 Enrolling students from other districts — Requests for information and permanent records — Withheld transcripts — Immunity from liability — Notification to teachers and security personnel — Rules.
• Chapter 28A.235 RCW Food Services.
• RCW 28A.320.230 Instructional materials—Instructional materials committee—Complaint system.
• RCW 28A.325.010 Fees for optional noncredit extracurricular events—Disposition.
• RCW 28A.330.100 Additional powers of board.
• RCW 28A.635.060 Defacing or injuring school property—Liability of pupil, parent, or guardian—Withholding diplomas—Suspension and restitution—Community service program as alternative—Publication of information on withheld diplomas—Student rights protected.
• AGO 1965-66 No. 113 Districts – Schools – Fees — Tuition – Supplies — Authority of school districts to charge tuition fees or textbook fees.
• AGO 1973 No. 11 Districts – Schools – Tuition & Fees — Authority of school districts to charge various fees.
• 42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Management Resources:

• WSSDA Policy & Legal News, July 2019
• WSSDA Policy & Legal News, May 2018

Last Board Review:

Revisions:

• May 12, 2025 (Administrative Update per Policy No. 1310)
• July 2, 2024
• April 26, 2023
• June 2, 2021
• March 16, 2016
• August 2015
• June 3, 2015
• October 15, 2014
• July 2, 2014
• November 20, 2013
• May 15, 2013
• July 3, 2012

Adopted by the Board:

• December 7, 2011