Question: Are there guidelines regarding ASB funds used for the purpose of awarding scholarships to graduating students? Would it be appropriate for general fund-raising revenues through the ASB to be awarded to a member of an ASB club? If so, what kind of documentation would be required to support this transaction? If not, what is the statute or authority that denys (sic) such activity?

Response: Yes, scholarship grants to graduating students are appropriate. You might note that E.C. Section 48934 controls ASB expenditures. It allows ASB funds to be used to finance activities for non-instructional periods or to augment or enrich the districts program for k-6 students. ASB funds are subject to the supervision of the school board. Your school board may also have established policies or regulations governing student body expenditures. You should review those policies and codes before making the expenditure. Expenditures in organized student bodies are subject to the approval of the student council. A school may not simply make an administrative decision regarding to whom to grant scholarships, the student council may wish to grant scholarships to different individuals than the administration believes is deserving. The documentation for a scholarship paid would be the council approval and properly authorized purchase order.

6/15/04