School Board of the City of Virginia Beach
Policy 3-21

BUSINESS AND NONINSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS

Fines and Fees: Collection of Past Due Accounts

1. Generally

   The Superintendent is expected to protect the taxpayers of the school division, by making every effort to collect all bills due the School Board. Although the intention is not to jeopardize the educational opportunities of students because of the oversight or the financial inability of parents, the School Board believes there are important educational values to be learned concerning the payment of obligations. Therefore the Superintendent will take every fair and reasonable action to ensure the receipt of payment of fines, fees, damages and services.

   After exhausting other approaches to the delinquent accounts of adults, the Superintendent is authorized to retain the services of the School Board's legal counsel in the effort to secure collection. However, no lawsuit shall be filed without the approval of the School Board in a regular or special meeting.

   Amounts due from Students
   
   

   1. Book Fines and Fees

      All students shall be required to pay for damages to or loss of textbooks, library books and division materials and will be required to pay fees as assessed by the
      School Board except in cases of extreme hardship. Hardship cases will be required to furnish conditions in writing before fines and fees will be waived.

      Amounts due from Employees

      Employees who receive payments which are not due them shall be required to repay the amount due in a timely manner. The amount due should generally be expected to be repaid within thirty (30) days of notice. All amounts due will be collected within a time-frame that does not cross fiscal years or extend beyond a period which would affect the issuance of a W-2 to the employee for wages paid.
      

2. Significant Amounts

   The Superintendent shall be authorized to utilize the following procedures for the collection of significant amounts:

   1. Letters requesting payment, to parents and/or guardian;
      
      
   2. Preliminary action through the School Board’s legal counsel;
      
      
   3. Institute lawsuit, upon approval of the School Board.

Adopted by School Board: February 16, 1993
Amended by School Board: October 19, 1993
Amended by School Board: June 20, 2006