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                                

 

The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear, fair, and consistent process for naming and renaming school District facilities and spaces. This policy ensures that naming decisions reflect the values, mission, and long-term interests of the Emmetsburg CSD and its community. The School Board retains final authority for the naming and renaming of all District-owned facilities and spaces.

 

For purposes of this policy:

• “Facilities: are district owned buildings and properties which could include the following: school buildings, wings, classrooms, gyms, auditoriums, athletic fields, stadiums, libraries, streets, and other permanent or semi-permanent District-owned spaces.

• “Naming Rights in Consideration”: is recognition for financial contributions, sponsorship or other commercial transactions.

• “Naming Rights in Recognition”: is recognition of a significant contribution to the school district that the district wishes to honor. 

 

Naming decisions shall:

1. Align with the District’s mission, vision, and educational values.

2. Reflect integrity, inclusiveness, and community pride.

3. Be made with consideration of the long-term impact on students, staff, and the community.

4. Avoid commercial advertising or endorsements

 

Facilities or spaces may be named in recognition of:

1. Individuals who have made exceptional and enduring contributions to the School District, public education, or the community.

2. Deceased individuals whose service and legacy reflect favorably on the District.

3. Donors who make significant financial or in-kind contributions to the District, subject to Board approval and the general guidelines listed below.

 

Facilities or spaces shall not be named for:

• Current School Board members, District employees, or elected officials while in active service. Individuals can still be active (volunteer/mentor) within the District but not employed by the District.

• Individuals, organizations, or entities whose actions, values, or reputation are inconsistent with the mission or best interests of the District.

 

General Guidelines

1. Donor naming opportunities are intended to recognize extraordinary financial or material contributions that substantially benefit the District. (program start up, state championships, superior winning percentage, ect.)

2. Naming rights do not confer ownership, control, or decision-making authority over District facilities, programs, or operations.

3. All donor naming agreements shall comply with Board policy and shall be approved by the School Board.

 

The duration of naming rights shall be proportionate to the value of a donation, endowment or other significant contributions to a school. For buildings and components of buildings, the School Board recognizes two types of naming rights, short-term and long-term naming rights. The provisions for each are outlined as follows:

a.       Short-Term Naming Rights. Short-term naming rights shall be valid for a period of up to ten years, unless otherwise specified by the School Board at the time of approval.

b.      Long-Term Naming Rights. In addition to the other naming opportunities provided in this policy, buildings may be named after a donor for more than 10 years but not to exceed 40 years, unless approved otherwise by the Board, provided that a substantial sum is placed in an endowment to benefit the school long-term. 

 

Minimum Contribution and Terms

1. The School Board may establish minimum contribution thresholds, duration of naming recognition, and other conditions on a case-by-case basis.

2. Naming recognition may be granted for a defined term rather than in perpetuity.

3. The District retains the right to remove or alter donor recognition if the terms of the agreement are not fulfilled or if continued recognition is no longer in the best interests of the District.

 

The School Board reserves the right to revoke donor naming if the donor’s actions, public conduct, or affiliations become inconsistent with District values or negatively affect the District’s reputation.

 

Naming proposals may be submitted by Board members, administrators, staff, students, parents, or community members. Proposals shall be submitted in writing to the Superintendent and include:

• Name and contact information of the proposer

• Proposed name

• Facility to be named

• Rationale and supporting documentation

• Any relevant historical or biographical information

 

Review Process 

1. The Superintendent shall review the proposal for completeness and compliance with this policy.

2. The proposal may be referred to an advisory committee for review and recommendation. Community input may be solicited when appropriate.

3. The Superintendent shall forward a recommendation to the School Board.

 

The School Board shall consider naming proposals at a regular or special meeting. Approval shall require a majority vote of the Board.

 

Renaming may be considered when:

• New information arises that conflicts with District values.

• Significant changes occur in the use or purpose of the facility.

• Community interests strongly support reconsideration.

 

The same procedures outlined in this policy shall apply to re-naming requests.

Upon approval, the District shall determine appropriate recognition, signage, and communication. 

 

Costs associated with naming or renaming shall be identified prior to final approval.

 

Approved: 3/25/26                     Reviewed:                                   Revised: