NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS

Code No.  902.1

The board recognizes the value of and supports open, fair and honest communication with the news media.  The board will maintain a cooperative relationship with the news media.  As part of this cooperative relationship, the board and the media will develop a means for sharing information while respecting each party's limitations.

Members of the news media are encouraged and welcome to attend open board meetings.  The board president is the spokesperson for the board, and the superintendent is the spokesperson for the school district.  It is the responsibility of the board president and superintendent to respond to inquiries from the news media about the school district.

Members of the news media seeking information about the school district will direct their inquiries to the superintendent.  The superintendent will accurately and objectively provide the facts and board positions in response to inquiries from the news media about the school district.

Legal Reference:        Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8

Cross Reference:        901      Public Examination of School District Records

902.04 Live Broadcast or Recording

Adopted:         09/14/1987

Revised:          03/18/2002

Reviewed:       06/26/2023

NEWS CONFERENCES AND INTERVIEWS

Code No.  902.2

The superintendent, on behalf of the board and the school district, may hold a news conference or respond to a request for an interview with the news media.

The superintendent will respond accurately, openly, honestly, and objectively to inquiries from the news media about the school district.

News conferences and interviews planned or pre-arranged for school district activities will include the board and the superintendent.  News conferences for issues requiring an immediate response may be held by the superintendent.  It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether a news conference or interview is held to provide an immediate response to an issue.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of news conferences and interviews.

Legal Reference:        Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8 (2011).

Cross Reference:        502.09 Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies

Adopted:         09/14/1987

Revised:          03/18/2002

Reviewed:       06/26/2023

NEWS RELEASES

Code No.  902.3

The superintendent will determine when a news release about internal school district and board matters will be issued.  In making this determination, the superintendent will strive to keep the media and the school district community accurately and objectively informed.  Further, the superintendent will strive to create and maintain a positive image for the school district.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to approve news releases originating within the school district prior to their release.

News releases will be prepared and disseminated to news media in the school district community.  Questions about news releases will be directed to the superintendent.

Legal Reference:        Widmer v. Reitzler, 182 N.W.2d 177 (Iowa 1970).

                                    Dobrovolny v. Reinhardt, 173 N.W.2d 837 (Iowa 1970).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22.2

Adopted:         09/14/1987

Revised:          03/18/2002

Reviewed:       06/26/2023

LIVE BROADCAST OR VIDEOTAPING

Code No.  902.4

Individuals may broadcast or videotape public school district events, including open board meetings, as long as it does not interfere with or disrupt the school district event and it does not create an undue burden in adapting the buildings and sites to accommodate the request.

It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether the request is unduly burdensome and whether the broadcast or videotaping will interfere with or disrupt the school district event.

Videotaping of classroom activities will be allowed at the discretion of the superintendent.  Parents will be notified prior to videotaping of classroom activities.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations outlining the procedures for making the request and the rules for operation if the request is granted

Legal Reference:        Iowa Code §§ 21.4, .7; 22; 279.8

Cross Reference:        506.02 Student Directory Information

506.02-R(1)    Student Directory Information - Use of Directory Information

506.02-EH(1)  Student Directory Information - Authorization for Releasing Student Directory Information

902.01 News Media Relations

903.03 Visitors to School District Buildings & Sites

Adopted:         09/14/1987

Revised:          03/18/2002

Reviewed:       06/26/2023

SCHOOL - COMMUNITY GROUPS

Code No.  903.1

The board values the participation and the support of school district-community groups, including, but not limited to, the booster club and parent-teacher organizations, which strive for the betterment of the school district and the education program.  The board will work closely with these groups.

Prior to any purchase of, or fund raising for, the purchase of goods or services for the school district, the group will confer with the superintendent or designee to assist the group in purchasing goods or services to meet the school district's needs.

Funds raised by these groups for the school district are separate from the accounts of the school district.

It is the responsibility of the building principal to be the liaison with the school district-community groups affiliated with the building principal's attendance center.

Parent-teacher associations may be established for each school building in the district.  The building principal of each school shall serve as the liaison officer representing the school system.

Membership and rules governing school building organizations shall be determined by each school.  Activities of school organizations, insofar as they are related to school purposes, shall be evaluated by the principal of the particular school.

School building organizations may be members of a system-wide Parent-Teacher Council,  whose purpose shall be to coordinate the efforts of the individual school organizations toward common goals.

Legal Reference:        Iowa Code §§ 279.8

Adopted:         09/14/1987

Revised:          01/17/2022

Reviewed:       06/26/2023

COMMUNITY RESOURCE PERSONS AND VOLUNTEERS

Code No.  903.2

The board recognizes the valuable resource it has in the members of the school district community.  When possible and in concert with the education program, members of the school district community may be asked to make presentations to the students or to assist employees in duties other than teaching.  The school district may officially recognize the contributions made by volunteers.

Recruitment, training, utilization, and the maintenance of records for the purposes of insurance coverage and/or recognition of school district volunteers is the responsibility of the superintendent.

Volunteers within the district are held to the same high standards of behavior as school employees and will be subject to background checks prior to interacting with students in a volunteer capacity.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee to create regulations necessary to carry out this policy.

Legal Reference:        Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 670

Cross Reference:        505.08 Parent and Family Engagement District-Wide Policy (Formerly Parental Involvement)

505.08-R(1)    Parent and Family Engagement District-Wide Policy (Formerly Parental Involvement) - Building-Level Regulation

603.01 Basic Instruction Program

903.03 Visitors to School District Buildings & Sites

Adopted:         09/14/1987

Revised:          01/17/2022

Reviewed:       06/26/2023

VISITORS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS & SITES

Code No.  903.3

The board welcomes the interest of parents and other members of the school district community and invites them to visit the school buildings and sites.  Visitors, which include persons other than employees or students, must notify the principal of their presence in the facility upon arrival.

Persons who wish to visit a classroom while school is in session are asked to notify the principal and obtain approval from the principal prior to the visit so appropriate arrangements can be made and so class disruption can be minimized.  Teachers and other employees will not take time from their duties to discuss matters with visitors.

Visitors will conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with mutual respect and consideration for the rights of others while attending school events.  Visitors failing to conduct themselves accordingly may be asked to leave the premises.  Children who wish to visit school must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

It is the responsibility of employees to report inappropriate conduct.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent and principals to take the action necessary to cease the inappropriate conduct.  If the superintendent or principals are not available, a school district employee will act to cease the inappropriate conduct.

Legal Reference:        Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 716.7

Cross Reference:        902.04 Live Broadcast or Recording

903.02 Community Resource Persons and

Adopted:         09/14/1987

Revised:          03/18/2002

Reviewed:       06/26/2023

PUBLIC CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PREMISES

Code No. 903.4

The board expects that students, employees, and visitors will treat each other with respect, engage in responsible behavior, exercise self-discipline and model fairness, equity and respect.  Individuals violating this policy will be subject to discipline.  Students will be disciplined consistent with the student conduct policies.  Employees will be disciplined consistent with employee discipline policies and laws.  Others will be subject to discipline according to this policy.

School sponsored or approved activities are an important part of the school program and offer students the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities not offered during the regular school day.  School sponsored or approved activities are provided for the enjoyment and opportunity for involvement they afford the students.

Spectators are permitted to attend school sponsored or approved activities only as guests of the school district, and, accordingly as a condition of such permission, they must comply with the school district's rules and policies.  Spectators will not be allowed to interfere with the enjoyment of the students participating, other spectators or with the performance of employees and officials supervising the school sponsored or approved activity.  Spectators, like the student participants, are expected to display mature behavior and sportsmanship.  The failure of spectators to do so is not only disruptive but embarrassing to the students, the school district and the entire community.

To protect the rights of students to participate without fear of interference, and to permit the sponsors and officials of sponsored or approved activities to perform their duties without interference, the following provisions are in effect:

• Abusive, verbal or physical conduct of spectators directed at participants,      officials or sponsors of sponsored or approved activities or at other spectators will not be tolerated.
• Verbal or physical conduct of spectators that interferes with the performance of students, officials or sponsors of sponsored or approved activities will not be tolerated.
• The use of vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression directed at students, officials or sponsors participating in an sponsored or approved activity or at other spectators will not be tolerated.

If a spectator at an sponsored or approved activity becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression, or in any way impedes the performance of an activity, the spectator may be removed from the event by the individual in charge of the event and the superintendent may recommend the exclusion of the spectator at future sponsored or approved activities. 

Upon recommendation of the superintendent, the board will cause a notice of exclusion from sponsored or approved activities to be sent to the spectator involved.  The notice will advise the spectator of the school district's right to exclude the individual from school district activities and events and the duration of the exclusion.  If the spectator disobeys the school official or district's order, law enforcement authorities may be contacted and asked to remove the spectator.  If a spectator has been notified of exclusion and thereafter attends a sponsored or approved activity, the spectator will be advised that his/her attendance will result in prosecution.  The school district may obtain a court order for permanent exclusion from future school sponsored or approved activities.

Legal Reference:        Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .66, 716.7

Cross Reference:        205      Board Member Liability

                                    802.6   Vandalism

                                    905.2   Nicotine/Tobacco-Free Environment

Adopted:         09/14/1987

Revised:          07/23/2012

Reviewed:       06/26/2023

DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS

Code No. 903.5

The board recognizes that students, employees, parents or citizens may want to distribute materials within the school district that are non-curricular.  Non-curricular materials to be distributed must be approved by the building principal and meet certain standards prior to their distribution.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the building principals to draft administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:        U.S. Const. amend. I.

                                    Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).

                                    Bethel School District v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).

                                    New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985).

                                    Tinker v. Des Moines Ind. Comm. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969).

                                    Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.22

Cross References:       502.3               Student Expression and Student Publications Code

502.3R1          Student Expression and Student Publications Code - Regulation

503.1               Student Conduct

503.1R1          Student Conduct - Regulation

603.9               Academic Freedom

603.9R1          Academic Freedom - Teaching Controversial Issues

Adopted:         09/14/1987

Revised:          03/18/2002

Reviewed:       06/26/2023

Code No.  904.1

TRANSPORTING STUDENTS IN PRIVATE VEHICLES

Generally, transporting students for school purposes is done in a vehicle owned by the school district and driven by a school bus driver.  Students may be transported in private vehicles for school purposes.  It is within the discretion of the superintendent or designee to determine when this is appropriate.

Individuals transporting students for school purposes in private vehicles must have the permission of the superintendent or designee and meet all applicable requirements set by the district Prior to transporting students in private vehicles, the district may require the following:

• The vehicle used to transport the student(s) is in good condition and meets all applicable safety requirements;
• The driver transporting the student(s)possesses a valid drivers’ license;
• Proof of insurance has been supplied to the superintendent and the insurance satisfies the minimum coverage requirements for driving personal vehicles in the State of Iowa ; and ;

The school district assumes no responsibility for those students who have not received the approval of the superintendent or designee and who ride in private vehicles for school purposes. If transportation is not provided by the school district, or if transportation provided by the school district is declined by the student or parent/guardian, then the responsibility and corresponding liability for transportation for school purposes shall rest solely with the student and parent/guardian.

This policy statement applies to transportation of students for school purposes in addition to transporting students to and from their designated attendance center. The superintendent may develop an administrative process to implement this policy.

Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 285; 321.

                                    281 I.A.C. 43.

Cross Reference:           401.7    Employee Travel Compensation

Adopted: 12/21/09

Reviewed: 01/17/2022                           

Revised: 06/26/2023

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION

Code No.  904.2

The use of students, the school district name, or its buildings and sites for advertising and promoting products and/or services of entities and organizations operating for a profit are disallowed.  Nonprofit entities and organizations may be allowed to use students, the school district name, or its buildings and sites if the purpose is educationally related and prior approval has been obtained from the board.

Legal Reference:        Iowa Code § 279.8

Cross Reference:        504.5               Student Fund Raising

504.5R1          Student Fund Raising

704.6               Online Fundraising Campaigns/Crowdfunding

Adopted:         09/14/1987

Revised:          03/18/2002

Reviewed:       06/26/2023

COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS & SITES & EQUIPMENT

Code No.  905.1

School district facilities and equipment will be made available to local nonprofit entities, which promote cultural, educational, civic, community, or recreational activities.  "Entity(ies)" will include organizations, groups and individuals and their agents.  Such use will be permitted only when the use does not interfere with or disrupt the education program or a school-related activity, the use is consistent with state law, and will end no later than midnight.  It is within the discretion of the board to allow for-profit entities to use school district facilities and equipment.  The board reserves the right to deny use of the facilities and equipment to an entity.  It is within the discretion of the superintendent to allow use of school district facilities and equipment on Sundays.

Entities who wish to use school district facilities or equipment must apply at the respective building.  It is the responsibility of the board secretary or superintendent to determine whether the school district facility or equipment requested is available and whether the application for use meets board policy and administrative regulations.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent and board secretary to provide application forms, obtain proof of insurance, and draw up the contract for use of school district facilities and equipment.

Use of school district facilities and equipment by entities will be supervised by a school district employee unless special prior arrangements are made with the superintendent.  The school district employee will not accept a fee from the entity using school district facilities and equipment.  If appropriate, the school district employee may be paid by the school district.

Entities that use school district buildings or sites must leave the building or site in the same condition it was in prior to its use.  Entities that use school district equipment must return the equipment in the same working condition it was in prior to its use.  Inappropriate use of school district facilities and equipment may result in additional fees charged to, or the inability of, the entity to use school district facilities or equipment in the future. 

The board may allow entities, such as the Boy and Girl Scouts and 4-H, to use the school district facilities and equipment without charge.  While such entities may use the facilities and equipment without charge, they may be required to pay a custodial fee.

The district will not charge rent to organizations that are giving proceeds back to the school.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a fee schedule for the board's approval and to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 8D; 123.46; 276; 278.1(4); 279.8; 297.9-.11.

Cross Reference:        705.4               Expenditures for a Public Purpose

905.02             Nicotine/Tobacco-Free Environment

Adopted:         09/14/1987

Revised:          01/17/2022

Reviewed:       06/26/2023

TOBACCO-FREE ENVIRONMENT

Code No.  905.2

Tobacco and nicotine use is prohibited on school district facilities and grounds, including school vehicles. This including the use of look-a-likes where the original would include tobacco or nicotine. This requirement extends to students, employees and visitors.  This policy applies at all times, including school-sponsored and nonschool-sponsored events.  Persons failing to abide by this request are required to extinguish their smoking material, dispose of the tobacco, nicotine or other product or leave the school district premises immediately.  It is the responsibility of the administration to enforce this policy.

Legal Reference:           20 U.S.C. 6083

                                    Iowa Code §§ 142D; 279.8, .9; 297.

Cross Reference:  502.8          Search and Seizure

502.8R1          Search and Seizure - Regulation

502.8E1           Search and Seizure - Checklist

903.4               Public Conduct on School Premises

905.1               Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment

905.1R1          Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Regulation

905.1R2          Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Fees Schedule

905.1E1           Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Application Form

905.1E2           Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Indemnity and Liability Insurance Agreement

Adopted:         09/14/1987

Revised:          01/17/2022

Reviewed:       06/26/2023

Code No.  905.3

WEAPONS IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

The board believes weapons, other dangerous objects and look-a-likes in school district facilities and at school district-approved events cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

All weapons, dangerous objects and look-a-likes are prohibited to be carried, possessed, transported or otherwise stored on school district property and to school district-approved events.  Exceptions to this policy include weapons carried by the following individuals in performance of their official duties:

• law enforcement;
• military personnel;
• corrections officers;
• individuals approved in writing by the Superintendent;
• students and individuals approved in writing by the Superintendent who are actively engaging in a school district approved firearms safety course, hunter education course or shooting sports activity and;
• School security officers and/or school resource officers in accordance with all applicable laws.

The district shall not authorize staff members to carry firearms on school grounds in accordance with Iowa Code 724.6.

Individuals found to be in violation of this district policy will be required to immediately remove the weapon, dangerous object or look-a-likes from the school district property or event.  Students found to be in violation of this policy or any other board policies related to weapons will be subject to disciplinary proceedings.  Employees found in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

Note:  In 2021, the legislature made changes to decriminalize the carrying of firearms on campus by certain individuals if certain circumstances are met.  However, much like creating tobacco-free campuses, schools maintain the authority to choose whether to place additional limitations on the carrying of firearms on district property as needed to protect the health and safety of students and staff.

Legal Reference:                                               18 U.S.C. § 921

                                    Iowa Code §§ 279.8; .84; 280.21B; 483A.27(11), 724

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

Approved 12/19/2022                             

Reviewed 08/12/2024                            

Revised 08/12/2024

      Code No. 907.R1

DISTRICT OPERATIONS DURING A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY REGULATION

During a public health emergency, the district will seek guidance and recommendations from federal, state and local agencies that monitor and respond to the emergency.  The district will follow any mandatory closures or other mandatory measures imposed by such agencies. 

The superintendent, in conjunction with relevant government agencies and/or athletic and activity associations, will determine under what circumstances the district will restrict or cancel in-person learning, student events or activities including sporting events, extracurricular clubs or meetings for students, and the use of district facilities by outside organizations. 

The district will promote and follow other recommended measures and guidance from federal, state and local agencies to the extent reasonably practicable under the circumstances.  These measures may include, but are not limited to the following:

On-line learning, hybrid models of learning, or modified in-person learning may occur dependent on the circumstances and in accordance with applicable law. 

Hand washing and any other recommended hygiene practices will be taught to all students and employees.

Non-medical-grade face masks are encouraged to be worn by all individuals on school grounds, including students, employees and volunteers.  Masks will be provided to individuals who request them.  Reusable masks should be washed regularly by individuals wearing them. 

Employees, volunteers and students are encouraged to monitor their temperatures each morning prior to traveling to any school building or event.  Individuals with a temperature over 100.3 degrees may not enter school buildings or attend school events.

Due to the increased cost to the district of providing additional cleaning and disinfecting measures, and in order to preserve cleaning supplies for school use during the time of a public health emergency, the superintendent has discretion to restrict the use of school buildings and facilities for non-school groups in a neutral and non-discriminatory manner. 

Iowa Codes:  § 279.8

Cross References:         403.3                Communicable Diseases – Employees

403.3R1           Communicable Diseases - Employees - Regulation

403.3E1            Communicable Diseases - Employees - Hepatitis B Vaccine Information and Record

Approved: 11/15/2020

Reviewed: 6/26/2023

Revised