Details

The purchase of gift cards is not recommended.

• Gift cards to students, parents and volunteers require superintendent prior approval
• Gift cards may not be purchased for employees as an incentive or in return for services
• Gift cards may not be purchased for classroom or student use with general fund dollars, including intra-school funds
• Gift cards purchased for classroom or student use as specifically approved by a grant or donation will be allowed, with the caution that the following requirements must be met:
• Approval shall be in writing as part of the grant or donation documents
• Payment documentation must include what was purchased with the gift card

Why This Is Important

• It’s the law (see Internal Revenue law)
• Purchasing of gift cards for employees with public funds constitutes an unlawful gratuity and is a violation of collective bargaining
• The value of a gift card is taxable as income to the employee
• A gift card receipt is not proper documentation unless it includes information on what was purchased with the gift card