Horizon updates funds policy

By J.W. Schnarr
Vauxhall Advance
jwschnarr@tabertimes.com

The times they are a-changin’, and so is the way Horizon School Division deals with school generated funds.

During their regular meeting on Dec. 15, HSD board of trustees passed first reading on a policy titled, “School Generated Funds,” an update on a much older policy as the board prepares school policies for alignment with the new Education Act.

“This is basically an alignment with the Education Act,” said Wilco Tymensen, school superintendent.

“It has to do with realignment of practice (as well). Over time, things change with our ability to track and our recommendations from the auditor. This is simply a change in those practices.”

During discussion, Vice Chair Bruce Francis asked about the inception date of the original policy, which occurred in 1996. Tymensen confirmed that date was accurate.

“We haven’t updated this in almost 20 years,” he said.
School generated funds are funds raised in the school and community for activities that come under the responsibility of school management. Some of that money collected is for items and initiatives such as year book sales, graduation fees, field trips, extra-curricular sports, and money from non-registered parent advisory groups.

Textbook rentals, rent revenue, lunch program fees, and other funds collected at the school are not considered school generated funds.

The policy outlines the process for handling those funds and the role of administration in that process.

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