900 School District- Community Relations

900 Principles and Objectives for Community Relations

This series of the board policy manual sets forth the board objectives and goals for the school district's buildings and sites. It is the goal of the board to provide sufficient school district buildings and sites for the education program. The board will strive to provide an environment which will encourage and support learning.

In providing this environment the school district buildings and sites will accommodate the organizational and instructional patterns that support the education program. The board has final authority to determine what is necessary to meet the needs of the education program.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to oversee the day-to-day operations of the school buildings and sites and to notify the board of areas in need of improvement.

 

Approved 11-15-04      Reviewed 11-16-09  6-19-19       Revised

 

 

901 Public Examination of School District Records

Public records of the school district may be viewed by the public during the regular business hours of the administration offices of the school district. These hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays and recesses.

Persons wishing to view the school district's public records will contact the board secretary and make arrangements for the viewing. The board secretary will make arrangements for viewing the records as soon as practicable, depending on the nature of the request.

Persons wanting copies may be assessed a fee for the copy. Persons wanting compilation of information may be assessed a fee for the time of the employee to compile the requested information. Printing of materials for the public at the expense of the school district will only occur when the event is sponsored by the school district.

Records defined by law as confidential records are viewed or copied upon receipt of written permission by the board secretary or superintendent from the person or entity whose confidential records are being requested.

It is the responsibility of the board secretary to maintain accurate and current records of the school district. It is the responsibility of the board secretary to respond in a timely manner to requests for viewing and receiving public information of the school district.

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 291.6; Ch. 22.

Cross Reference:      
215 Board of Directors' Records
401.5 Employee Records
506 Student Records
708 Care, Maintenance, and Disposal of School District Records
902.1 News Media Relations

 

Approved 2-04-04     Reviewed 1-20-11    6-19-19       Revised

902.1 News Media Relations

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; 279.8; Ch. 22.

Cross Reference: 

902 Press, Radio and Television News Media

 

Approved 11-15-04      Reviewed 1-20-11  6-19-19       Revised

902.2 News Conferences and Interviews

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; 279.8; Ch. 22.

Cross Reference:

902 Press, Radio and Television News Media

 

Approved 2-4-04      Reviewed 1-20-11  6-19-19       Revised

902.3 News Releases

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:  Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22.2.

Cross Reference:

902 Press, Radio and Television News Media

 

Approved 2-4-04     Reviewed 1-20-11  6-19-19        Revised

903.1 School-Community Groups

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 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.

 

 

NOTE:  Boards may want to personalize this policy to reflect the actual groups, organizations and associations within the school district.  Districts should clarify whether school-community group funds are going to be kept separate from the school district, or whether these funds will be held in custodial fund accounts, then eliminate the bracketed language that does not apply. 

 

 

 

Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 279.8

Cross Reference:           903      Public Participation in the School District

 

Approved 2-4-04      Reviewed 2-21-11 6-19-19  4/19/21     Revised 4/19/21

903.2 Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

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.

A volunteer is defined as an individual who, without compensation or renumeration, provides a supportive role and performs tasks under the direction, supervision, and control of the school district staff.  Volunteers do not work as substitutes for, or replace the functions and duties of, teachers.  Volunteer coaches must hold a current coaching authorization.

Volunteers are considered role models to students and are expected to act professionally at all times.  Volunteers must abide by all applicable laws, regulations, school district policies, rules, and procedures while serving as volunteers.  No person who has been convicted of a sex offense against a minor shall be permitted to act as a volunteer.  All volunteers will be subject to a background check prior to any volunteer activities. 

The school district reserves the right to evaluate the services of any volunteer and discontinue such services at the school district’s sole discretion. 

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.

 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8; Ch. 670.

Cross Reference:
603.1 Basic Instruction Program
903.3 Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

 

Approved 2-4-04      Reviewed 2-21-11  6-19-19       Revised 6-19-19   

903.3 Visitors to School District Buildings & Sites

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 Press, Radio and Television News Media
903.2 Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

 

Approved 2-4-04      Reviewed 2-21-11 6-19-19        Revised

903.4 Public Conduct on School Premises

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 a 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 principal and or athletic director may recommend the exclusion of the spectator at future sponsored or approved activities.

Upon recommendation of the principal, and/or the athletic director, the superintendent 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; 716.7.

Cross Reference:
205 Board Member Liability
504 Student Activities
802.6 Vandalism
903 Public Participation in the School District

 

Approved 2-16-04      Reviewed 2-21-11  6-19-19       Revised

903.5 Distribution of Materials

The board recognizes that students, employees, parents or citizens may want to distribute materials within the school district that are noncurricular. Noncurricular 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; Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.22.

Cross References:

502.3 Freedom of Expression
503.1 Student Conduct
504 Student Activities
603.9 Academic Freedom

 

Approved 2-4-04      Reviewed 2-21-11  6-19-19       Revised

903.5R1 Distribution of Materials Regulation

 

I. Guidelines.

Individuals, including students, may have the right to distribute on school premises, at reasonable times and places, unofficial written material, petitions, buttons, badges or other insignia, except expression which:

  1.  is obscene to minors;
  2.  is libelous;
  3. contains indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd language;
  4.  advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law;
  5. constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses other people (e.g., threats of violence, defamation of character or of a person's race, religion, gender, disability, age or ethnic origin);
  6.  presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.

Distribution on school premises of material in categories (1) through (4) to any student is prohibited. Distribution on school premises of material in categories (5) and (6) to a substantial number of students is prohibited.

 

II. Procedures.
Anyone wishing to distribute unofficial written material must first submit for approval a copy of
the material to the building principal at least twenty-four hours in advance of desired distribution
time, together with the following information:

  1. Name and phone number of the person submitting request and, if a student, the homeroom number;
  2. Date(s) and time(s) of day of intended display or distribution;
  3. Location where material will be displayed or distributed;
  4. The grade(s) of students to whom the display or distribution is intended.

Within twenty-four hours of submission, the principal will render a decision whether the material violates the guidelines in subsection I or the time, place and manner restrictions in subsection III of this policy. In the event that permission to distribute the material is denied, the person submitting the request should be informed in writing of the reasons for the denial. Permission to distribute material does not imply approval of its contents by either the school, the administration, the board or the individual reviewing the material submitted.

If the person submitting the request does not receive a response within twenty-four hours of submission, the person will contact the building principal's office to verify that the lack of response was not due to an inability to locate the person. If the person has made this verification and there is no response to the request, the material may be distributed in accordance with the time, place and manner provisions in subsection III.

If the person is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal, the person may submit a written request for appeal to the superintendent. If the person does not receive a response within three school days of submitting the appeal, the person will contact the superintendent to verify that the lack of response is not due to an inability to locate the person. If the person has made this verification and there is no response to the appeal, the material may be distributed in accordance with the time, place and manner provisions in subsection III.

At every level of the process the person submitting the request will have the right to appear and present the reasons, supported by relevant witnesses and material, as to why distribution of the written material is appropriate.

Permission to distribute material does not imply approval of its contents by either the school district, the board, the administration or the individual reviewing the material submitted.

 

III. Time, place and manner of distribution.

The distribution of written material is prohibited when it blocks the safe flow of traffic within corridors and entrance ways of the school or otherwise disrupts school activities. The distribution of unofficial material is limited to a reasonable time, place and manner as follows:

  1. The material will be distributed from a table set up for the purpose in a location designated by the principal, which location will not block the safe flow of traffic or block the corridors or entrance ways, but which will give reasonable access to students.
  2. The material will be distributed either before and/or after the regular instructional day.
  3.  No written material may be distributed during and at the place of a normal school activity if it is reasonably likely to cause a material and substantial disruption of that activity.

 

IV. Definitions.
The following definitions apply to the following terms used in this policy:

1. "Obscene to minors" is defined as:

(a)     The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the written material, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest of minors of the age to whom distribution is requested;

(b)    The material depicts or describes, in a manner that is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community concerning how such conduct should be presented to minors of the age to whom distribution is requested, sexual conduct such as intimate sexual acts (normal or perverted), masturbation, excretory functions, and lewd exhibition of the genitals; and

(c)     The material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.

2. "Minor" means any person under the age of eighteen.

3.      "Material and substantial disruption" of a normal school activity is defined as follows:

(a)     Where the normal school activity is an educational program of the district for which student attendance is compulsory, "material and substantial disruption" is defined as any disruption which interferes with or impedes the implementation of that program.

(b)    Where the normal school activity is voluntary in nature (including, without limitation, school athletic events, school plays and concerts, and lunch periods), "material and substantial disruption" is defined as student rioting, unlawful seizures of property, widespread shouting or boisterous demonstration, sit-in, stand-in, walk-out, or other related forms of activity.  

In order for expression to be considered disruptive, there must exist specific facts upon which the likelihood of disruption can be forecasted including past experience in the school, current events influencing student activities and behavior, and instances of actual or threatened disruption relating to the written material in question.

4.      "School activities" means any activity of students sponsored by the school and includes, by way of example but not limited to, classroom work, library activities, physical education classes, official assemblies and other similar gatherings, school athletic contests, band concerts, school plays and in-school lunch periods.

5.      "Unofficial" written material includes all written material except school newspapers, literary magazines, yearbooks, and other publications funded and/or sponsored or authorized by the school.  Examples include leaflets, brochures, flyers, petitions, placards and underground newspapers, whether written by students or others.

6.      "Libelous" is a false and unprivileged statement about a specific individual that tends to harm the individual's reputation or to lower him/her in the esteem of the community.

7.      "Distribution" means circulation or dissemination of written material by means of handing out free copies, selling or offering copies for sale and accepting donations for copies.  It includes displaying written material in areas of the school which are generally frequented by students.

 

V. Disciplinary action.

Distribution by any student of unofficial written material prohibited in subsection I or in violation of subsection III may be halted, and students may be subject to discipline including suspension and expulsion.  Any other party violating this policy may be requested to leave the school property immediately and, if necessary, local law enforcement officials will be called.

 

VI. Notice of policy to students.

A copy of this policy will be published in student handbooks and posted conspicuously in school buildings.

 

 

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 to determine when this is appropriate.

 

Individuals transporting students for school purposes in private vehicles must have the permission of the superintendent 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 parents of the students to be transported have given written permission to the superintendent. 

 

The school district assumes no responsibility for those students who have not received the approval of the superintendent 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.

 

 

NOTE: It is important for districts to remember that if language is included in the policy, it needs to be followed in practice. For example, if the district requires written permission as stated above, the district needs to make sure that this is in fact being required for every student, every time. If the district finds a requirement to be impractical, then it should not be included in the policy.

 

 

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

                                    281 I.A.C. 43.

Cross Reference:        401.6    Transporting of Students by Employees

                                    401.7    Employee Travel Compensation

                                    711      Transportation

 

Approved 11-15-04     Reviewed 6-19-19; 4/19/21       Revised 4/19/21

904.2 Advertising and Promotion

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 is disallowed. Exceptions may be approved by the superintendent if the activity is educationally related. 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 building principal or the superintendent.
 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8.

Cross Reference:
504.5 Student Fund Raising
904 Community Activities Involving Students

 

Approved 11-15-04      Reviewed  6-19-19       Revised 3-21-11

905.1 Community Use of School District Facilities & Equipment

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.  Any district employee using district-owned property or facilities for a use outside their duties as an employee is doing so as a community member, and not as a district employee.  Prior to using district resources for activities outside the scope of their job duties, employees must meet the requirements to be considered a qualifying entity.  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 that wish to use school district facilities or equipment must apply at the superintendent’s office.  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.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the entity using school facilities shall be solely responsible for supervising the activities conducted at the facilities and for assuring the safety of persons participating or attending, and for comply with applicable laws and district policies and rules pertaining to the use of school district facilities.

 

Entities that use school district buildings, or equipment, or sites must leave the building or site in the same 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.

 

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.

 

 

NOTE:  This policy requires that all users of school district facilities provide proof of insurance.  This is not a legal requirement.  It is there for the protection of the school district.  Prior to waiving insurance requirements for groups, a school district should check with its insurance carrier to clarify coverage.

 

This policy also addresses use of the school district's ICN classroom.  Language in brackets and italics should be used only if the district maintains an ICN classroom.  Otherwise, remove this language and DO NOT USE 905.1R1, 905.1R2, 905.1E1 and 905.1E2.  The language the fifth paragraph addresses the school district's sponsorship of outside groups use of the ICN.  Boards can limit their sponsorship if they choose.    The policy is also written to pass on the ICN costs to the sponsored group.

 

The language in the sixth paragraph represents mandatory policy language.  The seventh paragraph is language that is recommended but is not mandatory.  The supporting administrative regulations address matters specific to ICN classroom use for the board's consideration.  The new ICN regulation is at 905.1R2.

 

 

 

 

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

Cross Reference:           704      Revenue

 

Approved 11-15-04      Reviewed 6-16-08; 6-19-19; 4/19/21        Revised 4/19/21

Attachment: 
PDF icon ICN Room use Regulation Agreement

905.1R1 Community Use of School District Facilities & Equipment Regulation

1.      Alcoholic beverages will not be brought to or consumed in the school district facilities or grounds.

2.      Smoking is prohibited in school district facilities.

3.      A custodian or employee must be present while the school district facility or equipment is being used by an entity.

4.      After a school district facility or site has been used by an entity, cleaning, including restoring the facility or site to the condition it was in prior to its use, will be done by employees assisted by a committee from the entity. The fee charged to the entity for the use of the facility or site will include these costs. However, if excessive costs are involved in cleaning or otherwise restoring the facility or site to the condition it was in prior to its use, the board reserves the right to charge the entity for these excessive costs.

5.      After school district equipment has been used by an entity, the equipment must be returned to the school district in the condition it was in prior to its use. The fee charged to the entity for the use of the equipment will include these costs. However, if excessive costs are involved in restoring the equipment to the condition it was in prior to its use, the board reserves the right to charge the entity for these excessive costs.

6.      Entities are required to stay within the area of the school district facility or site and use only the school district equipment authorized by the school district for use by the entity. Other school district facilities, sites, or areas in the school district building or equipment are off limits to the entity.

7.      A cancellation after the facility or equipment is made ready for the entity will be charged at the full rate. Cancellations made prior to that time will be charged a minimum cancellation fee or the costs incurred to the school district in anticipation of the entity's use, whichever is greater.

905.1R2 ICN Room Use Regulation

The ICN is a statewide telecommunications network designed primarily to enhance learning opportunities for students, employees and board members. The school district recognizes that it is not the only authorized user of the ICN and other users will frequently be using the school district's ICN facilities. Sponsored and authorized users of the ICN must comply with state and federal law in using the ICN.

Technology coordinator is responsible for coordinating ICN classroom use. Requests for use of the ICN classroom by employees for the educational program are filed with the principal and technology coordinator.

It is the responsibility of the entity using the ICN classroom to comply with the requirements of the law and school district policy and its supporting administrative regulations.
 

  1. The ICN is a limited access network and sponsored or authorized users cannot use the system for profit making ventures.
  2. The use must be consistent with the mission of the sponsored or authorized user.
  3.  Users cannot resell time on the ICN.
  4. Sponsored and authorized users are responsible for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Iowa Civil Rights Act. Sponsored and authorized users are responsible for making the necessary accommodations and are responsible for obtaining and paying for needed interpreters or interpretive equipment.
  5. Sponsored and authorized users are required to stay within the ICN classroom and use the most direct route to the ICN classroom. Other school district facilities, sites, areas in a the school district building or equipment are off limits to the authorized users.*
  6. The charge for use of the ICN room is $ 12.50 per hour.
  7. The ICN will be available Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  8. The sponsored or authorized user is responsible for all site and site usage charges.
  9.  A school district employee will be present in the school district facility while the ICN is in use.*
  10.  Food and drink is not permitted in the ICN room.*
  11.  First time use of the ICN will require prior training and should be organized through the school district ICN scheduler by the technology coordinator.
  12. Use or transmission of copyrighted material, without prior approval of the copyright holder, is strictly prohibited. Appropriate use of the copyrighted material is the responsibility of the sponsored or authorized user, not the school district.*
  13. The school district reserves the right to amend these rules as necessary to reflect the ICN's usage and changes at the state or federal level.*
  14. The school district reserves the right to charge all costs, including attorneys' fees, that may arise to the authorized user for the sponsored or authorized user's failure to comply with the law, board policy and administrative regulations.

 

*Items with an asterisk are not legal requirements but are items that should be considered when writing an ICN room usage regulation.

905.2 Tobacco-Free Environment

Tobacco and nicotine use is prohibited on school district facilities and grounds, including school vehicles.  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.

 

NOTE:  According to Iowa law, all school grounds are smoke free.  Boards have the authority to expand the policy to make the school facilities and grounds tobacco or nicotine free as well.  For more detailed discussion of this issue, see IASB's Policy Primer, Vol. 22 #6-June 19, 2013 and Vol. 20 #5- July 28, 2008.

 

 

Legal Reference:        20 U.S.C. 6083

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

Cross Reference:        903.4    Public Conduct on School Premises

                                    905.1    Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment

 

Approved 11-15-05   Reviewed 6-16-08;  6-19-19; 4/19/21    Revised 4/19/21

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, and;

· 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.

 

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. 

 

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; 280.21B; 483A.27(11), 724

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

 

Cross Reference:        502      Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503      Student Discipline

                                    507      Student Health and Well-Being

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approved  8-18-21                          Reviewed   8-18-21                                   Revised   8-18-21                    

907 District Operation During Public Emergencies

The district believes that student learning is the heart of its core mission.  While traditional in-person teaching continues to provide the greatest learning opportunity to all students, there may be rare and unusual circumstances that prevent the school community from convening in traditional in-person settings.  At times of a public emergency declared by federal, state or local officials, the district will seek guidance and recommendations from federal, state and local agencies to assist in determining the safety of convening traditional in-person learning. 

If, due to the public emergency, the school board determines that holding traditional in-person learning at district facilities would hinder the health and safety of the school community the district will instead utilize remote or hybrid learning opportunities permitted by law. 

Following guidance and recommendations from federal, state, and local agencies when reasonably possible, the administration will create regulations related to district operations during a public emergency, including, but not limited to, student, employee and visitor safety and security; the use and safeguarding of district property; public meetings and events, and when applicable, measures to prevent or slow the spread of infectious disease.

These measures will be enforced for the period of time of the public emergency, or until the school board and superintendent, in consultation with federal, state and local agencies determine it is appropriate for the safety measures to end.

 

 

Legal Reference:          

  • Senate File 2310
  • Iowa Code ch. 279.8

Cross Reference:          

  • 403.3    Communicable Diseases - Employees
  • 506      Student Records
  • 507      Student Health and Well-Being

 

 

Approved   8/12/2020                          Reviewed    8/12/20                               Revised   8/12/20                

Attachment: 
PDF icon District Operations During a Public Health Emergency Regulation