I.    Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide for the complimentary admission to school events and performances for specific members of the Minnetonka School District educational community and other designated guests.

II.    General Statement of Policy

Together, the Minnetonka School District and its ten neighboring communities share an interdependency for preparing our students to be thoughtful, contributing members of our society. The Minnetonka School Board is grateful for the significant contributions of our staff and other community members who have built a solid foundation for our school system, and the Board is committed to continuing a strong tradition of mutual support among our schools and our communities.

The Board understands that when community members and elected officials have the opportunity to observe student performances in the arts, athletics, and activities first-hand, they develop a greater appreciation for the talents, achievements, commitment and character of our students. They also develop a greater appreciation for the schools and the District. There may be other individuals who could benefit likewise and, in turn, provide meaningful support for our students. Likewise, the Board recognizes the significance of and encourages building supportive relationships among students and staff through staff attendance at school events beyond their assigned employment hours or responsibilities. The Board recognizes the significant challenges associated with engaging adults who have no children in our schools in developing a true ownership of our schools and having an appreciation of younger generations.

Therefore, it is the policy of the District that complimentary admission to school events will be granted to specified individuals and groups within our educational community.

III.    Eligibility for Complimentary Admission

1. It is the policy of the District that regular District employees shall be admitted without charge to all District sponsored athletic events and student performances where royalties are not involved.
    
2. It is the policy of the District that the following persons shall be eligible for a lifetime pass and admitted without charge to all District sponsored student performances and athletic events held on District property where royalties are not involved:
    
   1. Residents of the District who are sixty-five (65) years of age and older.
       
   2. Employees who retire from the District after having reached both the age of fifty-five or older and provided five (5) or more years of service within the District.
       
   3. Individuals to whom the Board wishes to express pride or gratitude for extraordinary service or achievement.
       
   4. Elected officials including School Board, municipal, and legislative officials residing in or representing all or part of the District.
       
   5. Eligible persons shall receive a complimentary pass, upon request. Complimentary passes must be presented at the gate or ticket counter when a ticket is purchased or otherwise required. The pass is nontransferable and valid only for the person to whom the pass was issued, and only if signed by the Superintendent of Schools. Appropriate identification shall be presented upon request.
       
   6. Persons requesting a pass shall be expected to provide their name, address, and date of birth. Appropriate identification or proof of residency may be required.

IV.    Responsibility

1. The Minnetonka School Board directs the Superintendent to provide a complimentary lifetime pass to all eligible retiring employees, school board members, and eligible residents upon request.
    
2. The Superintendent shall issue annual complimentary passes for District employees and elected officials.
    
3. The Superintendent shall maintain an official record of all complimentary lifetime passes issued.

V.    Exceptions to this Policy

Passes may or may not be allowed at PTA/PTO sponsored events, booster club events, or other non-District sponsored events where fund raising is the purpose of the event. Each group should determine the option of pass use for their respective event.

Occasionally, there are events held on District property for which the District must subjugate its policies to another governing body, including but not limited to the Minnesota State High School League. When such events occur, passes may not be valid and school officials shall post a notice to that effect. Notice of this exception shall be printed on the complimentary passes.

Passes may not be valid for events that are sponsored by groups renting or using School District facilities, but who are unaffiliated with the School District.

Passes may not be valid for special performances arranged specifically for a particular group(s).