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 (1995).

Cross Reference:  902  Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved  12/11/95 
Reviewed 12/13/21       
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 the board and the superintendent.  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 (1995).

Cross Reference:  902  Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved  10/11/05     
Reviewed 12/13/21             
Revised            

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 (1995).
                                      1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 73.
                                      1952 Op. Att'y Gen. 133.

Cross Reference:  902  Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved  7/10/89       
Reviewed  12/13/21        
Revised  12/11/95 

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.

Videotaping 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 (1995).

Cross Reference:  902.1  News Media Relations
                                      903.3  Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

Approved  12/11/95   
Reviewed  12/13/21          
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 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 will be held by the district within a custodial fund account.

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

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 291.13 (1995).

Cross Reference:        903  Public Participation in the School District

Approved  12/11/95    
Reviewed  12/13/21            
Revised    12/13/21        

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.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 670 (1995).

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

Approved  7/10/89   
Reviewed  12/13/21             
Revised  12/11/95 

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 (1995).

Cross Reference:  902    Press, Radio and Television News Media
                                      903.2  Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

Approved  7/10/89     
Reviewed  12/13/21               
Revised  12/11/95 

Extracurricular 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.  Extracurricular activities are provided for the enjoyment and opportunity for involvement they afford the students.

Spectators are permitted to attend extracurricular 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 extracurricular 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 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, 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 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.

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.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 716.7 (2007).

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

Approved  12/11/95   
Reviewed 12/13/21              
Revised 9/08/08           

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.

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 (1995).

Cross Reference:  502.3  Freedom of Expression
                                               503.1  Student Conduct
                                               504    Student Activities
                                               603.9  Academic Freedom

Approved   12/11/95            
Reviewed  12/13/21             
Revised            

Generally, transporting students for school purposes shall be 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 shall be 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.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 285; 321 (1995).
                                      281 I.A.C. 43.

Cross Reference:  401.6  Transporting of Students by Employees
                                      401.7  Employee Travel Compensation
                                      711    Transportation

Approved   12/11/95  
Reviewed  12/13/21           
Revised      12/13/21      

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 (1995).

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

Approved  7/10/89    
Reviewed  12/13/21        
Revised  12/11/95 

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.  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.  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 who 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.

Entities that use school district buildings or sites must leave the building or site in the same condition it was in prior to its use.  Entities that use school district equipment must return the equipment in the same working 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 school district will sponsor education related organizations' use of the ICN upon approval of the superintendent.)  Sponsored ICN users mission must be consistent with  the mission of the school district.  Costs associated with the use of the ICN will be passed on by the school district to the sponsored user.

Authorized users of the ICN will ensure their use of the ICN is consistent with their written mission.  The ICN will not be used for profit making ventures.  Authorized users may not resell time on the ICN.  Entities that wish to use the school district's ICN classroom to originate, receive or broadcast programming must follow the state scheduling requirements.  However, it is recommended that entities that wish to use the school district's ICN classroom to originate receive, or broadcast programming contact the school district's ICN scheduler's office to inform them of their needs.

It is the responsibility of the entities that wish to use the school district's ICN classroom to originate, receive or broadcast programming in compliance with the law regarding authorized use of and content of the programming on the ICN.  The school district assumes no responsibility or liability for entities using the ICN classroom in violation of the law, the authorized user's mission or school district policy and its supporting administrative regulations.  The school district reserves the right to charge all costs, including attorney fees, that may arise to the entity for the entity's failure to comply with the law or school district policy and it’s supporting administrative regulations.

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.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 8D; 276; 278.1(4); 279.8; 288; 297.9-.11 (2003)
                                      751 I.A.C. 14.
                                      1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 561   
                                      1940 Op. Att'y Gen. 232
                                      1936 Op. Att'y Gen. 196

Cross Reference:  704 Revenue

Approved  7/10/89   
Reviewed  12/13/21       
Revised  12/12/11

School district facilities and grounds, including school vehicles, are off limits for tobacco or nicotine use, including the use of look-a-likes like e-cigarettes 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 §§ 142B; 279.8, .9; 297 (2007).

Cross Reference:  903.4    Public Conduct on School Premises
                                        905.1    Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment

Approved  7/10/89                  
Reviewed  12/13/21 
Revised 11/03/15

During a public health emergency, the district will seek guidance and recommendations from federal, state and local agencies that monitor and respond to the emergency.  The district will follow any mandatory closures or other mandatory measures imposed by such agencies. 

The superintendent, in conjunction with relevant government agencies and/or athletic and activity associations, will determine under what circumstances the district will restrict or cancel in-person learning, student events or activities including sporting events, extracurricular clubs or meetings for students, and the use of district facilities by outside organizations. 

The district will promote and follow other recommended measures and guidance from federal, state and local agencies to the extent reasonably practicable under the circumstances.  These measures may include, but are not limited to the following:

On-line learning, hybrid models of learning, or modified in-person learning may occur dependent on the circumstances and in accordance with applicable law. 

Hand washing and any other recommended hygiene practices will be taught to all students and employees.

Non-medical-grade face masks are encouraged to be worn by all individuals on school grounds, including students, employees and volunteers.  Masks will be provided to individuals who request them.  Reusable masks should be washed regularly by individuals wearing them. 

Employees, volunteers and students are encouraged to monitor their temperatures each morning prior to traveling to any school building or event.  Individuals with a temperature over 100.3 degrees may not enter school buildings or attend school events.

Due to the increased cost to the district of providing additional cleaning and disinfecting measures, and in order to preserve cleaning supplies for school use during the time of a public health emergency, the superintendent has discretion to restrict the use of school buildings and facilities for non-school groups in a neutral and non-discriminatory manner.