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 ______________