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 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 the 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 for district staff, even within district, should comply with the district’s Employee Travel Compensation policy, and all other applicable policies. All purchases/reimbursements shall comply with applicable laws, board policies and district accounting requirements.
Additional guidance regarding appropriate expenditures of school funds is provided in the regulation accompanying this policy
NOTE: All use of public funds should directly serve a public purpose in a clear and transparent manner. Districts should consider what purchasing and reimbursement flexibility is needed for their district and apply all restrictions equally.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Constitution Art. III, sec. 31;
Iowa Code §§ 68A.505; 279.8; 721.2.
281 I.A.C. 98.70
I.C. Iowa Code
Description
Iowa Code § 279.8
Directors - General Rules - Bonds of Employees
Iowa Code § 68A.505
Campaign Finance - Use of Public Money
Iowa Code § 721.2
Misconduct in Office - Nonfeloniuos
Iowa Constitution
I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code
Description
281 I.A.C. 98
Education - Categorical Funding
Iowa Constitution
Description
Iowa Constitution
Art. III, § 31
Cross References
Code
Description
401.07
Employee Travel Compensation
704.01
Local - State - Federal - Miscellaneous Revenue
704.05
Student Activities Fund
705.01
Purchasing – Bidding
705.01-R(1)
Purchasing – Bidding - Suspension and Debarment of Vendors and Contractors Procedure
705.01-R(2)
Purchasing – Bidding - Using Federal Funds in Procurement Contracts
705.03
Payment for Goods and Services
707.05
Internal Controls
707.05-R(1)
Internal Controls - Procedures
905.01
Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment
905.01-R(1)
Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Regulation
905.01-R(2)
Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Fees Schedule
905.01-EH(1)
Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Application Form
905.01-EH(2)
Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Indemnity and Liability Insurance Agreement
Approved 12-18-23 Reviewed Revised