Stevensville School District 

NONINSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS                                                            

Memorials

The Stevensville School Board recognizes that the death of a student, member of the staff, or community members is deeply felt by the school community.  As places designed primarily to support learning, school sites should not serve as the main venue for permanent memorials for students, staff, or community members.

Permanent memorials for deceased students, staff, or community members should be limited in form to perpetual awards or scholarships. Contributions may be made to a general scholarship fund established by the district memorializing a student, staff member, or member of the school community. Memorial scholarships may be accepted and awarded under criteria approved by the administration. All such offers will be submitted to the Superintendent with pertinent information concerning the purpose of the memorial scholarship.  Funds will be administered by the District or its designee in a manner consistent with Policy 7260 and Montana law.

However, alternative permanent items which are not scholarships or awards may be accepted by the district in memory of an individual or event with Superintendent and Board approval.  The Superintendent or Board will consider any maintenance costs to the district of such gifts.  Items received become the property of the district and will be used for the purpose for which they were donated. Donations will be items that may be used and enjoyed by the students and staff, which may include but are not limited to:  playground bench, hallway bench, playground equipment, books approved in accordance with Policy 2309, plant a tree or shrub with placement to be determined by district, monetary donation to activity or general fund. Pictures, plaques, and collections of memorabilia specific to an individual will not be accepted or installed by the district.

Expenses for maintenance of the non-scholarship or award permanent memorial are the responsibility of the individual proposing the memorial and shall be included in the initial donation as determined and required by the School District. Funds donated for maintenance of a permanent memorial shall be held in the appropriate District fund or account in a manner consistent with Policy 7260 and Montana law.

Any permanent memorials in existence before this policy was adopted can only be removed by a vote of the Board of Trustees.

Approved alternative permanent memorial items which are not scholarships or awards will be placed no earlier than one year posthumously.

Cross Reference:
7260 Donations
2309 Library Book Selection

Policy History:
Adopted on: February 12, 2002
Reviewed on: December 17, 2001; March 14, 2023
Revised on: March 8, 2016; April 11, 2023