5230 - Acceptance of Gifts, Grants and Bequests to the School District

Policy: Acceptance of Gifts, Grants and Bequests to the School District	Policy Number: 5230
Date of Original Policy: 07/10/2002	Date Revision Adopted: 02/03/2021
Reviewed by Policy Committee: 01/13/2021	Date of Next Review: 05/22/2023
Replacement of Policy Number:

The Jordan-Elbridge Board of Education may accept gifts, grants and/or bequest of money, real or personal property, as well as other merchandise which, in view of the Board adds to the overall welfare of the District, provided that such acceptance is in accordance with existing laws and regulations. However, the Board is not required to accept any gift, grant or bequest and does so at its discretion, basing its judgment on the best interest of the District. Furthermore, the Board will not accept any gift, grant or bequest which constitutes a conflict of interest and/or gives an appearance of impropriety.

At the same time, the Board will safeguard the District, the staff and students from commercial exploitation, from special interest groups, and the like.

The Board will not accept any gifts or grants which will place encumbrances on future Boards, or result in unreasonable additional or hidden costs to the District.

The Board will not formally consider the acceptance of gifts or grants until and unless it receives the offer in writing from the donor/grantor. Any such gifts or grants donated to the Board and accepted on behalf of the District must be by official action and resolution passed by Board majority. The Board would prefer the gift or grant to be a general offer rather than a specific one.  Consequently, the Board would suggest that the donor/grantor work first with the school administrators in determining the nature of the gift or grant prior to formal consideration for acceptance by the Board. However, the Board, in its discretion, may direct the Superintendent to apply such gift or grant for the benefit of a specific school or school program. The Board is prohibited, in accordance with the New York State Constitution, from making gifts and/or charitable contributions with district funds.

Gifts and or grants of money to the District shall be annually accounted for under the trust and agency account in the bank designated by the Board. All gifts, grants and/or bequests shall become District property. A letter of appreciation, signed by the President of the Board and the Superintendent, may be sent to a donor/grantor in recognition of their contribution to the District.

Gift Giving

The Board recognizes that gift giving, especially during the holiday season, may be a common practice for many District employees. While the giving or exchanging of gifts may be acceptable among staff members, the Board strongly encourages District employees and students to show appreciation through written notes or greeting cards.   

Additionally, all business contacts will be informed that gifts exceeding $75.00 to district employees will be returned or donated to charity.

New York State Constitution Article 8, Section 1
Education Law Sections 1709 (12) and (12-a), and 1718 (2)
General Municipal Law Section 805-a(1)