Meals and lodging for student athletes - a gift of public funds?

Q:  If a school district purchases meals and lodging for students participating in athletic events, would this be considered a gift of public funds?

A:  No. Attorney General's Opinion I81-045 concludes that school districts may expend funds for student meals and lodging when such expenditures are necessary to fulfill an educational function of the district, such as athletic events. 

Accounting for monies collected during a book fair:

Q: Where should a district account for monies collected from students during a book fair, and the related payments to the book company (e.g. Scholastic Book Club)?

A:  The most acceptable fund to account for this financial activity is the Auxiliary Operations Fund. The Student Activities Fund is not appropriate since this generally is not a 'fund-raising' activity. The Gifts and Donations Fund is not appropriate since the collection of money from the students does not constitute a donation to the district. Since most elementary schools do not have the Auxiliary Operations Fund bank account, our suggestion would be to set up an Auxiliary Operations Fund (525) with the County Treasurer and account for the financial activity in this fund.

Use of district's tax identification number for a bank account:

Q: Can a school district's parent organization, booster club, or other outside organization open a bank account using the district's tax identification number?

A:  No. A school district's tax identification number should only be used in association with the bank accounts that are legally authorized for school districts.