Choose a policy from the list below.
File: DA
FISCAL MANAGEMENT GOALS/PRIORITY OBJECTIVES
The RSU #11 Board recognizes that money and money management comprise the foundational support of the whole school program. To make that support as effective as possible the Board intends:
A. To encourage advance planning through the best possible budget procedures;
B. To explore all practical and legal sources of revenues;
C. To guide the expenditure of funds so as to achieve the greatest educational returns;
D. To require maximum efficiency in accounting and reporting procedures; and
E. To maintain a level of per pupil expenditure needed to provide high quality education.
As trustee of local, state and federal funds allocated for use in education, the Board has the responsibility to protect the funds and to use them wisely.
Adopted: Prior to 1985
Revised: June 5, 1986; January 7, 1993; December 6, 2005; May 6, 2010
File: DB
ANNUAL BUDGET
The RSU #11 Board recognizes that financial resources and the proper management of same are fundamental to the support of school programs and operations. With this in mind, the RSU #11 Board will develop and present an annual operating budget as directed by applicable laws.
The annual budget will be for a 12-month period covering the fiscal year July 1 through June 30.
The RSU #11 Board shall designate the Superintendent as its budget officer, but he/she may delegate portions of such responsibility as appropriate.
The three general areas of responsibility of the budget officer are budget preparation, budget presentation and budget administration.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 1301
20-A MRSA § 15617 et seq.
Adopted: Prior to 1985
Revised: June 5, 1986; January 7, 1993; December 6, 2005; May 6, 2010
File: DBC
BUDGET PLANNING
In order that the proposed budget may be presented to the RSU #11 Board of Directors in sufficient time for publication, hearings, and final adoption prior to presentation to the voters, the Superintendent is charged with the responsibility for developing and implementing a budget calendar. The budget calendar will include deadlines and/or schedules, a summary of the procedures to be followed in developing the budget, and a description of the responsibilities of the administrators during the budget process.
Although RSU #11 is required to budget only for a 12-month period of time (the fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30 of the following year), the RSU #11 Board encourages long-range planning for maintenance, capital improvements, bus replacement, equipment, and improvement of educational programming in order to make the most efficient use of available resources and anticipate future budgetary needs.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 1301, 15617
Adopted: Prior to 1985
Revised: June 5, 1986; January 7, 1993; December 6, 2005; May 6, 2010
File: DBD
DETERMINATION OF BUDGET PRIORITIES
The RSU #11 Board regards the budget as a means of achieving its goal of providing a quality educational program for the students in RSU #11. In keeping with that goal, the Board will seek to provide the necessary resources, but recognizes the need to strike a balance between an ideal educational program and the Unit’s fiscal resources.
The Superintendent, in consultation with the RSU #11 Board, will determine the budget priorities for the year. The following factors will be considered:
A. The health and safety of students and staff;
B. Instructional materials, equipment, and other resources directly related to the Unit’s goals, educational programming, and student achievement of Maine’s system of Learning Results;
C. Contractual, legal, and policy obligations;
D. Adequate staffing of programs and compensation of employees;
E. Maintenance of facilities and equipment;
F. Maintenance of adequate technology resources;
G. Compliance with Federal and State requirements, including those required for the funding of programs; and
H. Fiscal resources available from all sources.
The RSU #11 Board delegates to the Superintendent the responsibility for the preparation of an annual operating budget consistent with the determined priorities. The Superintendent will develop ways for administrators, department heads, and staff to participate in the initial stages of the budget planning process.
Adopted: Prior to 1985
Revised: June 5, 1986; January 7, 1993; December 6, 2005; May 6, 2010
File: DBG
BUDGET ADOPTION PROCESS
Adoption of the annual budget is to be accomplished prior to June 30 for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
The Superintendent will be responsible for preparing the final draft of the budget document. The budget shall include, in addition to operating expenses and expected income for the ensuing year, the sums required for meeting bonds falling due, interest on the bonds and on other obligations, rentals and other fixed charges.
The budget meeting shall be called by a warrant signed by a majority of the Board of Directors in accordance with Maine law.
The budget will be made available for public inspection at the Office of the Superintendent at least seven days before the budget meeting.
At the budget meeting, the budget shall be thoroughly explained and voters shall have an opportunity to be heard. Only those amounts pertaining to operating expenses, appropriations for reserve or contingency funds, or school construction purposes shall be subject to change by the voters.
A majority vote of those voters voting on the school budget referendum shall be necessary for the approval of the annual budget.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 1304 et seq., 15617 et seq.
Adopted: Prior to 1985
Revised: June 5, 1986; January 7, 1993; December 6, 2005; May 6, 2010
File: DBI
BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION/FUND TRANSFERS
The total amounts which may be expended during the fiscal year for the operation of the RSU #11 School System are set forth in the annual budget, adopted by the board, and approved by the voters. Overall responsibility for implementation of the budget shall rest with the Superintendent, who is authorized to approve operating and capital expenditures as specified in the budget.
The total amount budgeted for each major budget program shall be the maximum amount that may be expended for that program, unless a transfer of funds from one program to another is approved by the RSU #11 Board.
In keeping with the need for periodic reconciliation of the Unit’s budget, the RSU #11 Board authorizes the transfer of budget appropriations from one cost center to another by the Superintendent, with the approval of the Finance Committee for amounts of $7500 or higher.
In managing budgets set for individual schools, modifications of the school’s budget by the principal must be approved by the Superintendent.
Adopted: Prior to 1985
Revised: June 5, 1986; January 7, 1993; December 7, 1995; December 6, 2005;
May 6, 2010
File: DD
GRANTS
The MSAD #11 Board encourages the Superintendent/designees to pursue federal, state, foundation, corporate and other grants for the support of the schools and the enhancement of educational opportunities. The Superintendent is expected to be alert to potential sources of grant funding and to make recommendations for MSAD #11 Board action. All grant applications or proposals must be approved by the MSAD #11 Board prior to submission to the funding agency.
It is the policy of the MSAD #11 Board to comply with all Federal and State requirements that may be a condition of receipt of grant funds.
When a grant application or proposal is presented to the MSAD #11 Board for its approval, the Superintendent/designee will advise the MSAD #11 Board as to whether additional staff will be needed to support the implementation of the grant and to maintain records that may be required by the grating entity; the availability of resources if matching funds are required; whether additional resources will be needed for continuation of the program when the grant expires; and measures that will be used to evaluate whether the objectives of the grant are being achieved. Grant applications and proposals that apply to individual schools must be submitted to the building principal, who will make a recommendation to the Superintendent. The Superintendent may present the grant application or proposal to the MSAD #11 Board for its approval.
Requests from Parent Teacher Organization’s and other school affiliated groups for the schools to apply for grant monies must be submitted to the Superintendent, who will make a recommendation to the MSAD #11 Board.
All grant funds received will be deposited into District accounts. Applicable Federal and State regulations, MSAD #11 Board policies and school district administrative procedures regarding purchasing, contracting, expenditures, and accounting will be followed in the administration and monitoring of grant funds. Staff positions created through grant funding will be filled pursuant to MSAD #11 Board policy.
The Superintendent/designee may establish additional procedures for grant applicants, coordination of grant proposals, and for oversight and administration of grants received.
The Superintendent/designee will keep accurate records of all grant expenditures and will report annually on all grants received.
Teacher Classroom Grants (“mini-grants”)
Individual teachers may investigate eligibility requirements for foundation, corporate, and other grants that will benefit a single classroom. The building principal is authorized to approve applications/proposals for such “mini-grants” as long as they do not exceed $1000, require matching or non-budgeted funds, or impose a continuing obligation. Classroom grants exceeding $1000 require the Superintendent to approve applications/proposals.
Copies of all grants will be submitted to the Business Office and all mini-grants/classroom grant funds will be deposited into District accounts.
Awards of mini-grants/classroom grants will be reported to the building principal, who will inform the Superintendent. The Superintendent will report such awards to the MSAD #11 Board.
Cross Reference: KCD – Public Gifts/Donations to the Schools
Adopted: March 3, 2011
File: DDA
FUNDS FROM FEDERAL AND OTHER GRANT SOURCES
The Superintendent shall be responsible for informing the RSU #11 Board of potential sources of federal, state, and other funds for the support of the schools and enhancement of educational opportunities for students in RSU #11.
The RSU #11 Board authorizes the Superintendent to act as its agent for the purpose of making applications for federal and state funds. This authorization shall be continuous until revoked by the RSU #11 Board.
The RSU #11 Board recognizes that numerous foundations and organizations offer financial support in the form of grants to public school systems. The RSU #11 Board encourages the Superintendent, school administrators, and staff to seek appropriate grant resources. In order to provide for program continuity and to assist the RSU #11 Board in fiscal planning, acceptance of grants which would require an additional Unit financial commitment during the term of the grant or after the grant ends shall require RSU #11 Board approval.
The Superintendent will notify the RSU #11 Board in a timely manner of grants that have been applied for or accepted.
Adopted: Prior to 1985
Revised: June 5, 1986; January 7, 1993; June 22, 2000; December 6, 2005
May 6, 2010
File: DFA
REVENUES FROM INVESTMENTS
RSU #11 considers an investment program a critical ingredient of sound fiscal management. The Board authorizes an investment program for the purpose of securing a maximum yield of interest revenues to supplement other revenues for the support of the unit's educational program.
The investment program will be administered in a way that will ensure:
A. The continuous process of temporary investing of all fund balances and moneys available for investment purposes;
B. The maintenance (revised following each cash transaction) of a yearly cash flow chart that will provide data to assist proper planning and decision making regarding amount, duration and type of investments;
C. That all vendors using school district funds provide statements to the unit of their collateral in the form of a list of the securities pledged at market value; and
D. That all unit investments will be in compliance with the law.
Open Competition
At its discretion, the RSU #11 Board may use an open competition system of bid
and/or quotes to obtain the maximum yield possible on all investments from both
local community and beyond-community financial institutions.
Delegation of Authority
RSU #11 authorizes the Superintendent or designee to manage all activities associated with the investment program in such manner as to accomplish the objectives of this policy. Their responsibilities will also include annual review and assessment of the Unit’s investment program and filing a report and recommendations annually with the RSU #11 Board. The Superintendent or designee is further authorized to execute in the
RSU #11 Board’s name any and all documents relating to the investment program in a timely manner and to confer with reputable consultants regarding investment decisions when necessary.
A monthly progress report of investments will be made to the Board.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 1312
Adopted: Prior to 1985
Revised: June 5, 1986; January 7, 1993; December 6, 2005; May 6, 2010
File: DFF
STUDENT ACTIVITIES FUNDS
Revenues collected from admissions to school entertainment events, profits from school stores, club and class dues, and student organization fundraising activities shall be deposited and accounted for in a student activities fund maintained for each school. Within this fund, separate accounts will be maintained for accounting purposes. These revenues will be considered school district funds under the direct control of the Superintendent, who may develop and implement procedures relative to these funds, and delegate specific responsibility for deposits, expenditures, and record keeping to the building principals and/or appropriate staff. Procedures for management of student activities funds shall be consistent with sound business and accounting practices.
Student activity funds are to be used only for student activities that augment the school unit’s programs; they are not intended to replace school district funding for school unit programs and activities. Funds raised by approved student clubs or organizations or from classes shall be expended to benefit the specific club or organization or class. All expenditures from student activities funds must be approved in advance by the building principal.
The senior class may decide how to disburse funds remaining in its class account after graduation. Such disbursements may include gifts to the school, to a scholarship fund, or used for an activity approved in advance by the principal. All of the class's outstanding obligations must be paid before the class may expend its remaining funds. Unexpended funds remaining one year after the class has graduated and any interest earned on these funds will be transferred to the RSU #11 general fund.
Student activity funds are part of the total fiscal operation of the Unit and shall be audited as part of the Unit's annual audit.
Cross Reference: DI-Fiscal Accounting and Reporting
JJE-Student Fundraising Activities
Adopted: November 6, 2008
Revised: May 6, 2010
File: DH
BONDED EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS
At its discretion, the RSU #11 Board may require bonding of any school employee who is responsible for at least $1,000,000 of school moneys annually. The amount of the bond and the method of payment shall be determined by the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall submit a list of all bonded employees to the RSU #11 Board each year.
Adopted: December 6, 2005
Revised: May 6, 2010
File: DI
FISCAL ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING
The RSU #11 Superintendent shall be ultimately responsible for properly accounting for all funds of the school unit.
The accounting used shall be in accordance with requirements of the Maine Department of Education and with good accounting practices, providing for the appropriate separation of accounts, funds, and special moneys.
The Finance Committee of the RSU #11 Board shall receive quarterly financial statements from the Superintendent showing the financial condition of the school system.
It shall be the duty of the Superintendent/designee to:
A. Direct and supervise the preparation of quarterly and annual reports to the Superintendent and the Board;
B. Provide the RSU #11 Board with other reports related to Unit finances as requested by the Board or as developed by the Superintendent for the Board’s information;
C. Advise Principals and other administrators periodically of expenditures related to budget appropriations; and
D. Prepare financial reports required by the Maine Department of Education or other agencies with jurisdiction.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 1055
Adopted: November 5, 1959
Revised: June 5, 1986; January 7, 1993; December 6, 2005; May 6, 2010
File: DID
INVENTORIES
RSU #11 inventory of property and equipment shall be taken on an annual basis. The inventory system shall serve the functions of control and conservation.
Responsibility for this shall be with the Superintendent/designee, to whom Principals and supervisors shall be accountable for the maintenance of proper inventories in their schools.
Adopted: Prior to 1985
Revised: June 5, 1986; January 7, 1993; December 6, 2005; May 6, 2010
FILE: DIDA
FIXED ASSET POLICY
This RSU #11 Policy establishes the minimum cost value (capitalization amount) that shall be used to determine the capital assets, including infrastructure assets, that are to be recorded in the District’s annual financial statements in order to comply with the requirements of GASB Statement No. 34.
This Policy also addresses other considerations for recording and depreciating fixed assets in order to comply with the provisions of GASB Statement No. 34.
Capital Asset Definition
Capital assets will be defined as tangible and intangible assets that have initial useful lives that extend beyond a single reporting period or improvements or betterments that extend the useful life of the capital asset beyond a single reporting period.
Capitalization Method
All capital assets will be recorded at historical cost as of the date acquired or constructed. If historical cost information is not available, assets will be recorded at estimated historical cost by calculating current replacement cost and deflating the cost using the appropriate price-level index.
Capitalization Thresholds
The Unit establishes the following minimum capitalization thresholds for capitalizing fixed assets:
Land and improvements $ 25,000
Buildings and improvements $ 50,000
Machinery/equipment/vehicles $ 5,000
Infrastructure $150,000
Detailed depreciation records shall be maintained for all fixed assets above the established thresholds.
Infrastructure Assets
In accordance with GASB Statement 34, the Unit will record, at a minimum, “major” infrastructure assets as defined in Statement 34 that were acquired, constructed or significantly reconstructed, or that received significant improvements after June 30, 1980. Other infrastructure assets may be capitalized as deemed appropriate. The Unit does not intend to use the “modified approach” to record infrastructure.
Other Assets
Detailed records shall be maintained at the discretion of the Business Manager for all items below the capitalization thresholds that should be safeguarded from loss. These items will be part of the annual physical inventory discussed below. These items may include computer equipment that fall below the established thresholds and any other assets specified by the Business Manager.
Depreciation and Useful Life
The Business Manager will assign an estimated useful life to all assets for the purposes of recording depreciation. The attached “Suggested Useful Lives” schedule will be used to establish lives for most assets. Asset lives will be adjusted as necessary depending on the present condition and use of the asset and based on how long the asset is expected to meet current service demands. Adjustments should be properly documented. Depreciation will be recorded based on the straight line method using actual month convention and depreciated down to the assets salvage value.
Safeguarding and Controlling Fixed Assets
The Business Office will maintain a database of fixed asset and update on an ongoing basis for current additions and deletions. A physical inventory will be taken annually on or about June 30 and compared to the physical inventory records. The results will be forwarded to the Business Office where appropriate adjustments will be made to the fixed asset records.
Adopted: March 3, 2005
Revised: December 6, 2005; May 6, 2010
File: DIE
AUDITS/FINANCIAL MONITORING
RSU #11’s books shall be audited annually by the Maine Department of Auditors or by an outside auditor approved by the Board, based on the July 1 to June 30 fiscal year. The Superintendent/designee shall be responsible for working with auditors in their conduct of annual or other audits as required.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 6051 et seq.
Adopted: December 6, 2005
Revised: May 6, 2010
File: DJ
BIDDING/PURCHASING REQUIREMENTS
MSAD #11 expects all purchases made by the school unit to be consistent with applicable laws and sound business practices. The Superintendent shall be responsible for developing and implementing administrative procedures for bidding and purchasing consistent with this policy.
This policy is intended solely as an internal guide to purchasing by the school unit. It does not afford any vendor any property or contractual rights against the school unit. No vendor shall have any enforceable rights against the school district based upon this policy or alleged violations of this policy. No vendor shall have any rights against the school unit until such time as a written contract between the vendor and the school unit is executed by the vendor and an authorized representative of the school unit.
A. Bidding Required by Law
Maine law requires the Board to competitively bid property and casualty insurance; school bus and transportation contracts in excess of $4,000; school building construction, alterations and repairs over $25,000 (except contracts for professional architectural and engineering services); and bond anticipation notes for state-subsidized school construction projects.
B. Competitive Bidding of Other Purchases
Where bidding is not required by law, it shall be the policy of the school unit to competitively bid purchases of equipment, supplies, materials provided where the cost exceeds $5,000 or that it is practical and cost-effective to specify the materials or services with sufficient particularity to allow meaningful comparison of bids.
If competitive bidding is not utilized, the Superintendent may seek Requests for Proposals (RFP) for purchases. An RFP identifies the need the school district intends to meet, but permits the vendor to propose the manner in which the work is to be performed and the materials to be used.
The Superintendent may forego the competitive bid or RFP process only when he/she determines that quality, expertise, time factors, or other important considerations outweigh the possible benefits of bidding or requesting proposals. In each such case, the Board shall be informed of the
Superintendent’s decision and the reasons for it in advance of entering into a contract.
It shall be the policy of the MSAD #11 Board to purchase items locally, in-so-far as it is consistent with high quality and competitive pricing.
C. Procedures for Bidding and Requesting Proposals
The method of notification that the school unit uses to solicit bids and proposals shall be reasonably designed to attract qualified vendors. Depending upon the circumstances, such notification may include public advertising and/or mailing of notices to potential vendors.
Bid Procedures
A. The notification shall specify the deadline for submitting bids and the time and place of bid opening. Bid alternates shall be permitted at the discretion of the Superintendent. The notice shall reserve the right of the school unit to reject any or all bids, and to waive technical or immaterial non-conformities in bids if in the best interest of the school unit, and to exercise judgment in evaluating bids.
B. Written bids. Bids shall be in writing, sealed with outside envelope or wrapper plainly marked “Bid, not to be opened until (insert appropriate date),” and mailed or filed with the Superintendent of the unit.
C. Bids shall not be opened until the appointed time.
D. Public opening. At the time and place stated in the public notice, and open to the public, all bids shall be opened by the Superintendent or designee.
E. Bids shall, at that time, either be made available for examination or shall be read aloud in a manner to be heard plainly by those in attendance.
F. In general, the School Board will award contracts to the lowest bidder which the Superintendent and School Board deem can satisfactorily fulfill the contract.
RFP Procedures
A. Proposals should be submitted in plain envelopes clearly marked “Proposal, not to be opened until (state time and date).” The RFP shall state the time and date that proposals shall be opened, and no proposals shall be opened before that time. Public opening is not required.
B. Proposals are to be evaluated based on criteria appropriate for the project in question, and the contract will be awarded to the vendor whom the Superintendent and School Board deem best able to meet the requirements of the school unit.
Dispute Resolutions
[NOTE: Federal regulations require school units to have a process for dispute resolution, but do not specify any particular procedure. This section should be modified to reflect local practice.
A bidder or respondent to a request for a proposal (RFP) may protest a procurement or contract award if he/she believes that it was made in a manner inconsistent with MSAD #11 Board policy, specifications, law or regulations. A protest must be submitted to the Superintendent in writing within five business days after receipt of notification of the award being made, with all documents supporting the protest.
The Superintendent shall review the protest and supporting documents and render a decision in writing within 20 business days of receipt of the protest. The Superintendent may also convene a meeting with the bidder or respondent to attempt to resolve the problem.
If the bidder or respondent is not satisfied with the Superintendent’s decision, he/she may appeal to the MSAD #11 Board. The Superintendent will provide reasonable notice to the bidder or respondent of the time for the MSAD #11 Board’s consideration of the protest. The MSAD #11 Board’s decision shall be final.
Legal Reference: 5 MRSA § 1743-A
20-A MRSA §§ 1001(14), 5401(13)(D); 5402
20-A MRSA § 1314
§ 13 c (Maine State Board of Education Rules for School Construction Projects)
Adopted: Prior to 1985
Revised: June 5, 1986; January 7, 1993; January 22, 1998; December 6, 2005
May 6, 2010; March 3, 2011
File: DJH
PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING: PROCUREMENT STAFF CODE OF CONDUCT
Conflict of Interest
All employees of MSAD #11 shall perform their duties in a manner free from conflict of interest to ensure that the school district’s business transactions are made in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and in a manner that maintain public confidence in the schools. No employee of MSAD #11 with a real or an apparent conflict of interest in a proposed transaction shall participate in the selection, award or administration of a contract pursuant to the transaction.
Conflict of interest is defined as when as interested party has a financial interest in the firm selected for the award. Interested party is defined as 1) the employee; 2) a member of the employee’s immediate family; 3) his/her partner; or 4) an organization that employs, or is about to employ a person described above.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
All employees with real or apparent conflicts of interest as defined above must disclose the conflict of interest to the superintendent of schools who will investigate the circumstances of the transaction. The superintendent of schools will exercise due diligence in investigating the circumstances of the transaction and if necessary, will make reasonable efforts to find alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement that would not give rise to a conflict of interest. If the superintendent of schools determines that the proposed transaction is in the best interest of MSAD #11 and is fair and reasonable, it may proceed with the transaction. In the event the superintendent of schools may have a conflict of interest, an adjunct committee of the school board will investigate and make a determination regarding the transaction.
Staff Gifts and Solicitations
MSAD #11 employees are prohibited from accepting money or things of material value from persons or entities doing business with, or desiring to do business with, the school district. Employees may accept unsolicited items of nominal value such as those that are generally distributed by a company or organization through its public relations program.
Violations
Employees of MSAD #11 who violate this code of conduct may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment, and if appropriate, referral to law enforcement.
Legal Reference: 34CFR 74.40 – 74.48; 80.36 (Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR)
DOE Administrative Letter 6 – 9/18/2006 – NCLB Fiscal Compliance
Cross Reference: BCB - Board Member Conflict of Interest
DJ - Bidding/Purchasing Requirements
GBI - Staff Gifts and Solicitations
KCD - Public Gifts/Donations to the Schools
Adopted: May 6, 2010
Revised: March 3, 2011
File: DKC
EXPENSE AUTHORIZATION/REIMBURSEMENT
The same RSU #11 general policy shall apply to all school system personnel and to Unit officials (Board members) in regard to reimbursement of expenses.
A. Personnel and RSU #11 officials who incur expenses in carrying out their authorized duties shall be reimbursed by the Unit upon submission of a properly filled out and approved voucher and/or such supporting receipts as required by the Business Manager. Vouchers and/or receipts must be submitted within 60 days of the date expenses are incurred.
B. Such expenses shall be approved in advance and incurred within the budgetary allocations for the specific types of expenses.
C. When travel by a personally owned vehicle has been authorized, mileage payment will be made at the current rate approved by the Internal Revenue Service on January 1st and July 1st of each year.
D. Travel expenses, as authorized in the current school budget, may be advanced to representatives of the Unit. Reimbursement is expected to cover the necessary costs for attendance at the meeting/seminar/conference, but shall not include costs beyond those reasonably required.
Adopted: Prior to 1985
Revised: June 5, 1986; January 7, 1993; December 6, 2005; May 6, 2010
File: DLB
TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES
So that RSU #11 employees may obtain the benefit of tax sheltered annuities, the Board hereby authorizes the adoption of a Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan. The Superintendent is authorized to sign a written Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan (the “Plan”) on behalf of the Board. The Plan shall provide that:
A. Any employee may participate in the Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan, subject to the limitations of the Plan and the Internal Revenue Code.
B. Any agent or agency wishing to sell tax sheltered annuities to employees must file with the Superintendent evidence of its license to sell such annuities in the State of Maine.
C. Only those providers of annuities who agree to comply with the terms of the Plan shall be permitted to participate as an annuity provider under the Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan. In accordance with the Plan, the Board retains the right to limit the number of annuity providers authorized to sell annuities to employees. These shall include, but are not limited to, TSA’s and IRA’s, provided that no new TSA providers shall be permitted unless at least five (5) teachers have signed up with that provider.
D. At no time will solicitation by providers of tax sheltered annuities be permitted in school buildings or on school property during regular school hours.
Adopted: December 6, 2005
Revised: May 6, 2010
File: DM
CASH IN SCHOOL BUILDINGS
In RSU #11 no money shall be kept overnight in schools except in a locked depository that the Principal has made available for that purpose.
In the event that money is stolen from desks or cabinets or elsewhere in the school buildings, the RSU #11 School Board cannot be held liable for the loss. School funds left in designated depositories will be insured.
Adopted: Prior to 1985
Revised: June 5, 1986; January 7, 1993; December 6, 2005; May 6, 2010
File: DN
SCHOOL PROPERTIES DISPOSITION
The RSU #11 Superintendent is authorized to determine, through procedures he/she develops, when personal property (supplies, materials, equipment), as distinguished from real property, is obsolete or no longer of use to the school unit and to declare it surplus.
The Board is to be informed of any property declared surplus by the Superintendent prior to its disposal. Procedures for disposal of all surplus personal property shall be in accordance with the following:
A. All member municipalities are to be informed in writing of property declared surplus and are to have first option to purchase. The charges for municipal purchases shall be determined by the Superintendent after consultation with the Board (or “Board’s Finance Committee”).
B. Surplus property, including books, to be offered for sale shall be disposed of by sealed bid, public auction, or public sale. Public notice of any sale of surplus property shall be given at least one week in advance of an auction, sale or opening of sealed bids.
C. Library books, textbooks and instructional materials are to be disposed of by a means most likely to offer promise of continuing educational benefit, first to citizens of the school unit, then to others.
D. Any surplus property which is offered for public sale and is not sold may be disposed of in a manner deemed advisable by the superintendent, including donation to non-profit agencies.
E. Any property determined to be worthless, or for any reason is considered to be inappropriate for sale, shall be disposed of in a manner the Superintendent deems appropriate after so informing the Board, with recycling as a priority where feasible.
F. Any school unit identification that has been applied to the surplus property shall be removed or, if not possible to remove, be further identified to indicate the intended disposition and surplus nature (i.e., “SOLD BY”, “SURPLUS”).
All revenues which result from the sale of surplus property shall be credited as miscellaneous income except in any instance where law requires that it be credited to a specific account.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 7
Adopted: Prior to 1985
Revised: 1986; April 2, 1992; January 7, 1993; December 6, 2005; May 6, 2010