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.