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 shall be the spokesperson for the board, and the superintendent shall be the spokesperson for the school district.  It shall be 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 shall direct their inquiries to the superintendent.  The superintendent shall 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 (2013).

Cross Reference:    902    Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved        4/09/01                   Reviewed     3/20/23            Revised      ________   

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 shall 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 shall include only the superintendent and/or designee(s).  News conferences for issues requiring an immediate response may be held by the superintendent. It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether a news conference or interview shall be held to provide an immediate response to an issue.

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

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8 (2013).

Cross Reference:    902    Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved     7/10/72                  Reviewed    3/20/23            Revised  4/09/01         

The superintendent shall determine when a news release about internal school district and board matters will be issued.  In making this determination, the superintendent shall strive to keep the media and the school district community accurately and objectively informed.  Further, the superintendent shall strive to create and maintain a positive image for the school district. It shall be 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 shall 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 (2013).

    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 73.

    1952 Op. Att'y Gen. 133.

Cross Reference:    902    Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved     6/25/79            Reviewed     3/20/23           Revised   4/09/01        

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 shall be 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.

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

It shall be 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 (2013).

Cross Reference:    902.1    News Media Relations

    903.3    Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

Approved   4/19/01         Reviewed  3/20/23                Revised ______________    

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 shall confer with the superintendent and/or activities director 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 may be kept as part of the accounts of the school district.

It shall be the responsibility of the building principal and/or activities director to be the liaison with the school district-community groups affiliated with the building principal's attendance center. 

Legal Reference:      Iowa Code §§ 279.8 (2013).

Cross Reference:      903  Public Participation in the School District

Approved     6-25-79              Reviewed     04/19/2023                Revised   4-09-01  

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 the 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 (2013).

Cross Reference:      603.1 Basic Instruction Program

                                      903.3 Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

Approved  7/10/92              Reviewed    04/19/2023         Revised      4/09/01       

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 shall not take time from their duties to discuss matters with visitors.

Visitors shall 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 shall be the responsibility of employees to report inappropriate conduct.  It shall be 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 shall act to cease the inappropriate conduct.

Legal Reference:      Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 716.7 (2013).

Cross Reference:      902  Press, Radio and Television News Media

                                      903.2   Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

Approved 4/09/01              Reviewed 04/19/2023             Revised

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.

Individuals are permitted to attend school sponsored or approved activities or visit school premises only as guests of the school district, and, as a condition, they must comply with the school district's rules and policies. Individuals will not be allowed to interfere with or disrupt the education program or activity. Visitors, like the participants, are expected to display mature, responsible behavior. The failure of individuals 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 in the education program or activities without fear of interference or disruption and to permit the school officials, employees and activity sponsors and officials to perform their duties without interference or disruption, the following provisions are in effect:

• Abusive, verbal or physical conduct of individuals directed at students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities or at other individuals will not be tolerated.

• Verbal or physical conduct of individuals that interferes with the performance of students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities will not be tolerated.

• The use of vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression directed at students, school officials, employees, officials and activity or sponsors of sponsored or approved activities participating in a sponsored or approved activity or at other individuals will not be tolerated.

If an individual becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression, or in any way interrupts an activity, the individual may be removed from the event by the individual in charge of the event. Law enforcement may be contacted for assistance.

Individuals removed from school premises have the ability to follow the board’s chain of command and complaint policies should they choose to do so. The exclusion is in effect should the individual choose to appeal the decision of the superintendent. The term “individual” as used in the policy also includes students and employees.

If an individual has been notified of exclusion and thereafter tries to enter a school building or attends a sponsored or approved activity, the individual will be advised that his/her attendance will result in prosecution. The school district may obtain a court order for permanent exclusion from the school building or from future school sponsored or approved activities.

NOTE:  This policy reflects the Iowa civility and trespass law, and outlines a school district's authority to enforce the law.  The first paragraph of the policy addressing civility is mandatory, but the remaining portions are optional. Boards can amend the language as needed to fit their individual needs.  For more detailed discussion of this issue, see IASB's Policy Primer, Vol. 20 #2- September 13, 2007.

 Legal Reference:      Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .66; 716.7 (2013).

Cross Reference:      205  Board Member Liability

                                      504  Student Activities

                                      802.6   Vandalism

                                      903  Public Participation in the School District

Approved  10/18/99                Reviewed  04/19/2023           Revised    12/17/07    

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

NOTE:  The regulation accompanying this policy has been approved by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).  Amendments to or deviation from this regulation should be addressed to local counsel prior to adoption.

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 (2013).

Cross References:        

                                502.3  Freedom of Expression

                                503.1  Student Conduct 

                                504     Student Activities 

                                603.9  Academic Free

Approved       4/09/01            Reviewed 04/19/2023         Revised  _________   

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.  Private vehicles will be used only when: 

• The vehicle is in good condition and meets all applicable safety requirements; 

• The driver 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 

• When the parents of the students to be transported have given 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. 

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  2-17-16                 Reviewed   5/17/23                         Revised                   

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 shall be 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 (2013).

Cross Reference:    504.5    Student Fundraising

    904    Community Activities Involving Students

Approved       7/10/72                 Reviewed     5/17/23                   Revised     6/18/14        

905.01 COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT

(SEE ATTACHED FLOWCHART)

The buildings and sites and equipment of the school district will be made available for a fee to local nonprofit entities which promote cultural, educational, civic, community, or recreational activities.  Such use will be permitted only when the use does not interfere with or disrupt the education program or school-related activity, the use is consistent with state law, and allows for-profit entities to use school district buildings and sites.  The board reserves the right to deny use of the buildings and sites and the equipment to any group. It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to allow use of school district buildings and sites on Sundays.

Organizations, individuals, and other entities that wish to use the school district property must contact the superintendent’s office.  It shall be the responsibility of the board secretary or the superintendent’s designee to determine whether the school district facility requested is available and whether the application for use meets board policy and administrative regulations.  It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent’s designee to provide application forms, obtain proof of insurance, and draw up the contract for use of school district property.

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

The board will allow affiliated community non-profit organizations to use the buildings and sites without charge. While such groups may use the facilities and equipment without charge, they may be required to pay a custodial fee. See 905.1R3 Affiliated Organizations.

It shall be 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; 278.1(4); 279.8; 297.9-.11 (2013).

    1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 561.

    1940 Op. Att'y Gen. 232.

    1936 Op. Att'y Gen. 196.

Cross Reference:    704    Revenue

Approved       1/10/72                Reviewed     5/17/23                  Revised: 10/20/21

School district facilities and grounds, including school vehicles, are off limits for tobacco or nicotine use, 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:    Goals 2000:  Educate America Act, Pub. L. No. 103-227, 108 Stat. 125 (1994). 

            House File 2212, Iowa General Assembly (2008)   

            Iowa Code §§ 142D; 279.8, .9; 297 (2013).

Cross Reference:    905.1    Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment

Approved       9/19/88                Reviewed     5/17/23                   Revised      8/21/13       

Policy 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  9/15/21   Reviewed 5/17/23 Revised