As part of the board's long range plan for the school district's education program, the board shall include the buildings and sites needs for the education program.  The long-term needs for building and sites shall be discussed and determined by the board.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to provide information including, but not limited to, enrollment projections and education program requirements to the board.

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 280.3, .12, .14; 297 (1999).

Cross Reference:    103    Long-Range Needs Assessment

Approved       4/09/01                Reviewed     12/21/22                             Revised                               

The board may engage the services of consultants or other personnel to study the needs of the school district's buildings and sites in providing the education program.  The results of these services will be considered in planning the education program and in making decisions about the improvement and acquisition of additional buildings and sites.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the need for such services and who should perform such services for the board.

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 280.3, .14; 297 (1999).

Cross Reference:    103    Long-Range Needs Assessment

    801    Site Acquisition and Building Construction

Approved     7/10/72                  Reviewed    12/21/22                  Revised      4/09/01             

Buildings and sites considered for purchase or construction by the board or currently owned by the school district and used for the education program must meet, or upon improvement be able to meet, the specifications set by the board.  The board shall make this determination.

Prior to remodeling or other construction of buildings and sites, the board may appoint a committee of consultants, employees, citizens, or others to assist the board in developing the specifications for the new or improved buildings and sites.  These specifications shall be consistent with the education program, and they shall provide the architect with the information necessary to determine what is expected from the facility. It shall be within the discretion of the board to determine whether a committee shall be appointed.

The education specifications shall include, but not be limited to, the financial resources available for the project, the definition and character of classrooms, the functional use to be made of the rooms, description of specialized needs, and other pertinent information as the board deems necessary.

The district will publish on the district website information related to the square footage of each school building owned by the district; enrollment capacity of each attendance center owned by the district; how the building is currently utilized by the district, and school buildings owned by the district that are vacant.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the specifications of buildings and sites.

Legal Reference:    Cedar Rapids Community School District, Linn County v. City of Cedar Rapids, 252 Iowa 205, 106 N.W.2d 655 (1960).

    Iowa Code §§ 73A.2, .18; 280.3, .14; 297; 544A (1999).

    1974 Op. Att'y Gen. 529.

Cross Reference:    801    Site Acquisition and Building Construction

Approved     7/10/72                  Reviewed     12/21/22                  Revised      9/18/24          

Sites acquired by the board shall meet or, upon improvement, be able to meet the specifications set out by the board prior to using the site for the education program.  The board may meet in closed session to discuss potential purchases of sites.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to assist the board and to make recommendations concerning the acquisition of sites.

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 21.5(j); 297 (1999).

Cross Reference:    212    Closed Sessions

    705.1    Purchasing - Bidding

    801    Site Acquisition and Building Construction

Approved     7/10/72                  Reviewed    12/21/22                   Revised      4/09/01             

The board supports economic development in Iowa, particularly in the school district community.  Construction contracts shall be made in the school district community or in Iowa from Iowa-based companies if the bids submitted are comparable in quality and can be received without additional cost in comparison to those submitted by other bidders.  The board shall have the authority to approve or retain construction contracts.

Public, competitive sealed bids are required for construction projects, including renovation and repair, with a cost exceeding $100,000. The public, competitive sealed bid requirement is waived in the case of emergency repairs when the repairs are necessary to prevent the closing of a school.  The AEA administrator shall certify that the emergency repairs are necessary to prevent the closing of a school.

The award of construction contracts will, generally, be made to the lowest responsible bidder.  The board, in its discretion, after considering factors relating to the construction, including, but not limited to, the cost of the construction, availability of service and/or repair, completion date, and any other factors deemed relevant by the board, may choose a bid other than the lowest bid.  The board shall have the right to reject any or all bids, or any part thereof, and to enter into the contract or contracts deemed to be in the best interests of the school district.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation and the reason for it to the board for construction contract bids.

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 72; 73; 73A.2, .18; 297.7-.8 (1999).

Cross Reference:    705    Expenditures

    801    Site Acquisition and Building Construction

Approved       4/09/01                Reviewed    12/21/22                           Revised