The Sweetwater Union High School District Board of Trustees approved a revised board policy and regulation Thursday that prohibits any district sports team, associated student body organization, performing arts or booster group from charging fees for student participation.

    A recent lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has alleged that the state of California was failing to monitor school districts’ charging of fees in violation of the “free school guarantee.”

    “We recognize and appreciate the importance these groups play in our students’ overall educational experience, but we have to be even more vigilant in ensuring access for all students,” said Board President John McCann.

    Although the board approved the revised policy and regulation Thursday, district officials began implementing a comprehensive information campaign for district administrators, coaches and fine arts instructors last month.

    The district’s Coordinator of Athletics and Director of Visual and Performing Arts have presented the specifics of the policy and its effects on everything from fund-raisers to spirit packs to uniforms to those working directly with students and parents. Ongoing meetings are scheduled at each high school and middle school over the next month. Additional meetings will be held with the parent leaders of athletic and performing arts booster groups.

    “We expect curricular and co-curricular activities to look very different next year,” said Superintendent Dr. Jesus M. Gandara. “We can no longer offer Cadillac programs on a Hyundai budget.”

    With less than a month of school remaining, the revised policy and regulation will go into effect with the 2011-12 school year. A letter will be mailed home to all parents over the summer outlining the changes.