900 - SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

900 - SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:04

900 - Principles and Objectives for Community Relations

Successful education programs require the support of the school district community. The board addresses the importance of the role of the school district community in the school district in this series of the policy manual. The board recognizes this support is dependent on the school district community's understanding of participation in the efforts, goals, problems and programs of the school district.

In this section, the board sets out its policies defining its relationship with the school district community. In striving to obtain the support of the school district community, the board will:

Provide access to school district records;
Inform the school district community of the school district's goals, objectives, achievements, and needs;
Invite the input of the school district community; and,
Encourage cooperation between the school district and the school district community.

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed     7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:05

901 - Public Examination of School District Records

Public records of the school district may be viewed by the public during the regular business hours of the administration offices of the school district. These hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays and recesses.

Persons wishing to view the school district's public records will contact the board secretary and make arrangements for the viewing. The board secretary will make arrangements for viewing the records as soon as practicable, depending on the nature of the request.

Persons may request copies of public records by telephone or in writing, including electronically. The school district may require pre-payment of the costs prior to copy and mailing.

Persons wanting copies may be assessed a reasonable fee for the copy. Persons wanting compilation of information may be assessed a reasonable fee for the time of the employee to compile the requested information. The district will make every effort to provide the public record requested at no cost other than copying costs for a record which takes less than thirty minutes to produce.

Costs for legal services utilized for the redaction or review of legally protected confidential information may also be assessed to the individual requesting the records. Printing of materials for the public at the expense of the school district will only occur when the event is sponsored by the school district.

Pursuant to Iowa law, the board has determined certain records need to be confidential as their disclosure could jeopardize the safety of persons or property and include, but are not limited to, the following:

Security procedures
Emergency preparedness procedures
Evacuation procedures
Security codes and passwords

It is the responsibility of the board secretary to maintain accurate and current records of the school district. It is the responsibility of the board secretary to respond in a timely manner to requests for viewing and receiving public information of the school district.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22.7; 291.6.

Cross Reference: 215                                      Board of Directors' Records
401.5                                Employee Records
506                                      Student Records
708                                      Care, Maintenance, and Disposal of School District Records
902.1                                  News Media Relations

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed    7/18/22
Revised   7/18/22

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:06

902 - Press, Radio and Television News Media

902 - Press, Radio and Television News Media dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:08

902.01 - News Media Relations

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 is the spokesperson for the board, and the superintendent is the spokesperson for the school district. It is 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 will direct their inquiries to the superintendent. The superintendent will 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.

Cross Reference: 902 Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed    7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:08

902.02 - News Conferences and Interviews

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 will 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 will include the board and the superintendent. News conferences for issues requiring an immediate response may be held by the superintendent. It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether a news conference or interview is held to provide an immediate response to an issue.

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

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8.

Cross Reference: 902 Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed   7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:09

902.03 - News Releases

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

Cross Reference: 902 Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed    7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:09

902.04 - Live Broadcasting or Recording

Individuals may broadcast or record 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 is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether the request is unduly burdensome and whether the broadcast or recording 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 recording of classroom activities.

It is 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.

Cross Reference: 506.2                                      Student Directory Information
                                       902.1                                      News Media Relations
                                       903.3                                      Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed       7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:10

903 - Public Participation in the School District

903 - Public Participation in the School District dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:11

903.01 - School - Community Groups

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 will 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 may be kept as part of the accounts of the school district.

It is 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

Cross Reference: 903 Public Participation in the School District

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed     7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:11

903.02 - Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

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.

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

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed     7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:12

903.03 - Visitors to School District Buildings & Sites

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

Visitors will 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 is the responsibility of employees to report inappropriate conduct. It is 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 will act to cease the inappropriate conduct.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 716.7.

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

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed    7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:13

903.04 - Public Conduct on School Premises

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 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.

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

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

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed      7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:14

903.05 - Distribution of Materials

The board recognizes that students, employees, parents or citizens may want to distribute materials within the school district that are noncurricular. Noncurricular materials to be distributed must be approved by the building principal and meet certain standards prior to their distribution.

It is 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.

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

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed    __7/18/22________
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:15

903.05R1 - Distribution of Materials Regulation

I. Guidelines.

Individuals, including students, may have the right to distribute on school premises, at reasonable times and places, unofficial written material, petitions, buttons, badges or other insignia, except expression which:

1. is obscene to minors;

2. is libelous;

3. contains indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd language;

4. advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law;

5. constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses other people (e.g., threats of violence, defamation of character or of a person's race, religion, gender, disability, age or ethnic origin);

6. presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.

Distribution on school premises of material in categories (1) through (4) to any student is prohibited. Distribution on school premises of material in categories (5) and (6) to a substantial number of students is prohibited.

II. Procedures.

Anyone wishing to distribute unofficial written material must first submit for approval a copy of the material to the building principal at least twenty-four hours in advance of desired distribution time, together with the following information:

1. Name and phone number of the person submitting request and, if a student, the homeroom number;

2. Date(s) and time(s) of day of intended display or distribution;

3. Location where material will be displayed or distributed;

4. The grade(s) of students to whom the display or distribution is intended.

Within twenty-four hours of submission, the principal will render a decision whether the material violates the guidelines in subsection I or the time, place and manner restrictions in subsection III of this policy. In the event that permission to distribute the material is denied, the person submitting the request should be informed in writing of the reasons for the denial. Permission to distribute material does not imply approval of its contents by either, the school, the administration, the board or the individual reviewing the material submitted.

If the person submitting the request does not receive a response within twenty-four hours of submission, the person will contact the building principal's office to verify that the lack of response was not due to an inability to locate the person. If the person has made this verification and there is no response to the request, the material may be distributed in accordance with the time, place and manner provisions in subsection III.

If the person is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal, the person may submit a written request for appeal to the superintendent. If the person does not receive a response within three school days of submitting the appeal, the person will contact the superintendent to verify that the lack of response is not due to an inability to locate the person. If the person has made this verification and there is no response to the appeal, the material may be distributed in accordance with the time, place and manner provisions in subsection III.

At every level of the process the person submitting the request will have the right to appear and present the reasons, supported by relevant witnesses and material, as to why distribution of the written material is appropriate.

Permission to distribute material does not imply approval of its contents by either, the school district, the board, the administration or the individual reviewing the material submitted.

III. Time, place and manner of distribution.

The distribution of written material is prohibited when it blocks the safe flow of traffic within corridors and entrance ways of the school or otherwise disrupts school activities. The distribution of unofficial material is limited to a reasonable time, place and manner as follows:

1. The material will be distributed from a table set up for the purpose in a location designated by the principal, which location will not block the safe flow of traffic or block the corridors or entrance ways, but which will give reasonable access to students.

2. The material will be distributed either before and/or after the regular instructional day.

3. No written material may be distributed during and at the place of a normal school activity if it is reasonably likely to cause a material and substantial disruption of that activity.

IV. Definitions.

The following definitions apply to the following terms used in this policy:

1. "Obscene to minors" is defined as:

(a) The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the written material, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest of minors of the age to whom distribution is requested;

(b) The material depicts or describes, in a manner that is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community concerning how such conduct should be presented to minors of the age to whom distribution is requested, sexual conduct such as intimate sexual acts (normal or perverted), masturbation, excretory functions, and lewd exhibition of the genitals; and

The material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.

2. "Minor" means any person under the age of eighteen.

3. "Material and substantial disruption" of a normal school activity is defined as follows:

(a) Where the normal school activity is an educational program of the district for which student attendance is compulsory, "material and substantial disruption" is defined as any disruption which interferes with or impedes the implementation of that program.

(b) Where the normal school activity is voluntary in nature (including, without limitation, school athletic events, school plays and concerts, and lunch periods), "material and substantial disruption" is defined as student rioting, unlawful seizures of property, widespread shouting or boisterous demonstration, sit-in, stand-in, walk-out, or other related forms of activity.

(c) In order for expression to be considered disruptive, there must exist specific facts upon which the likelihood of disruption can be forecasted including past experience in the school, current events influencing student activities and behavior, and instances of actual or threatened disruption relating to the written material in question.

4. "School activities" means any activity of students sponsored by the school and includes, by way of example but not limited to, classroom work, library activities, physical education classes, official assemblies and other similar gatherings, school athletic contests, band concerts, school plays and in-school lunch periods.

5. "Unofficial" written material includes all written material except school newspapers, literary magazines, yearbooks, and other publications funded and/or sponsored or authorized by the school. Examples include leaflets, brochures, flyers, petitions, placards and underground newspapers, whether written by students or others.

6. "Libelous" is a false and unprivileged statement about a specific individual that tends to harm the individual's reputation or to lower him/her in the esteem of the community.

7. "Distribution" means circulation or dissemination of written material by means of handing out free copies, selling or offering copies for sale and accepting donations for copies. It includes displaying written material in areas of the school which are generally frequented by students.

V. Disciplinary action.

Distribution by any student of unofficial written material prohibited in subsection I or in violation of subsection III may be halted, and students may be subject to discipline including suspension and expulsion. Any other party violating this policy may be requested to leave the school property immediately and, if necessary, local law enforcement officials will be called.

VI. Notice of policy to students.

A copy of this policy will be published in student handbooks and posted conspicuously in school buildings.

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:17

904 - Community Activities Involving Students

904 - Community Activities Involving Students dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:21

904.01 - Transporting Students in Private Vehicles

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 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
281 I.A.C. 43.

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

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed     7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:21

904.02 - Advertising and Promotion

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 is not allowed except with prior board approval. 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

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

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed    7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:24

905 - Buildings, Sites, and Equipment

905 - Buildings, Sites, and Equipment dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:25

905.01 - Community Use of School District Facilities & Equipment

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. Any district employee using district-owned property or facilities for a use outside their duties as an employee is doing so as a community member, and not as a district employee. Prior to using district resources for activities outside the scope of their job duties, employees must meet the requirements to be considered a qualifying entity. 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, and will end no later than midnight. 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 that wish to use school district facilities or equipment must apply with the Activity Director. 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 equipment, or sites must leave the building or site in the same 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 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; 123.46; 276; 278.1(4); 279.8; 297.9-.11.

Cross Reference: 704 Revenue

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed     7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:25

905.01R1 - Community Use of School District Facilities & Equipment Regulation

1. Alcoholic beverages will not be brought to or consumed on school grounds.

2. Smoking is prohibited in school district facilities and on school district grounds, including in private vehicles.

3. A school district employee must be present while the school district facility or equipment is being used by an entity.

4. After a school district facility, site, or equipment has been used by an entity, cleaning, including restoring the facility, site or equipment to the condition it was in prior to its use, will be done by employees assisted by a committee from the entity. The fee charged to the entity for the use of the facility, site, or equipment will include these costs. However, if excessive costs are involved in cleaning or otherwise restoring the facility, site, or equipment to the condition it was in prior to its use, the board reserves the right to charge the entity for these excessive costs.

5. Entities are required to stay within the area of the school district facility or site and use only the school district equipment authorized by the school district for use by the entity. Other school district facilities, sites, or areas in the school district building or equipment are off limits to the entity.

6. A cancellation after the facility or equipment is made ready for the entity will be charged at the full rate. Cancellations made prior to that time will be charged a minimum cancellation fee or the costs incurred to the school district in anticipation of the entity's use, whichever is greater

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:26

905.02 - Tobacco/Nicotine-Free Environment

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.

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

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed     7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:27

905.03 - 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,
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; and
School security officers and/or school resource officers in accordance with all applicable laws

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. Employees found in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

The district shall not authorize staff members to carry firearms on school grounds in accordance with Iowa Code 724.6.

I.C. Iowa Code
Iowa Code § 279.8; 84 Directors - General Rules - Bonds of Employees
Iowa Code § 280.21B Expulsion-weapons
Iowa Code § 483A.27 Hunter Education Program
Iowa Code § 724 Weapons

I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code
281 I.A.C. 12.3 Administration

U.S.C - United States Code
18 U.S.C. § 921 Crimes - Criminal Procedures - Firearms

Approved 12/2019
Reviewed 7/15/2024
Revised 7/15/2024

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:28

906 - Unmanned Aircraft - Drones

The following policy applies to the extent not preempted by federal or state regulatory jurisdiction regarding unmanned aircrafts. For purposes of this policy, the term ‘‘unmanned aircraft” means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

The Maquoketa Valley School District believes in maintaining the safety, security, and privacy of students, employees, and visitors. In keeping with this belief, the use or possession of unmanned aircrafts is prohibited on district property or in the space above the property that reasonably can be considered part of the district property.

The superintendent may make an exception to this policy in specific cases where the circumstances warrant such exception. In such situations and prior to approval, unmanned aircraft operators shall:

Supply proof of insurance meeting liability limits established by the district;
Present appropriate registration and authorization issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA);
Sign an agreement holding the district harmless from any claims of harm to individuals or damage to property; and
Meet additional requirements as determined appropriate by the district.

If the unmanned aircrafts are operated as part of the district curriculum, prior to adoption into the curriculum, district employees shall work with district administration to ensure the appropriate insurance, registration, and authorizations are in place.

Unmanned aircrafts shall be operated in accordance with Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union policy.

Failure to abide by this policy may result in local, state, and federal penalties if applicable.

Legal Reference: FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, P.L. 112-95, Title III, Subtitle B.
                                    Model Aircraft Operating Standards, FFA AC No. 91-57A (Sept. 2, 2015).
OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL, FED. AVIATION ADMIN., State and Local Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Fact Sheet (Dec. 17, 2015).
                                     Iowa Code § 279.8
   IHSAA Drone Policy

Cross Reference: 602.1 Curriculum Development

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed   7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:31

907 - District Operation During Public Emergencies

The district believes that student learning is the heart of its core mission. While traditional in-person teaching continues to provide the greatest learning opportunity to all students, there may be rare and unusual circumstances that prevent the school community from convening in traditional in-person settings. At times of a public emergency declared by federal, state or local officials, the district will seek guidance and recommendations from federal, state and local agencies to assist in determining the safety of convening traditional in-person learning.

During a declared public emergency, the school board delegates to the Superintendent the authority to determine whether to close school buildings to traditional in-person learning if the Superintendent determines in-person learning would hinder the health and safety of the school community. The district will instead utilize remote or hybrid learning opportunities permitted by law

Following guidance and recommendations from federal, state, and local agencies when reasonably possible, the administration will create regulations related to district operations during a public emergency, including, but not limited to, student, employee and visitor safety and security; the use and safeguarding of district property; public meetings and events, and when applicable, measures to prevent or slow the spread of infectious disease.

These measures will be enforced for the period of time of the public emergency, or until the school board and superintendent, in consultation with federal, state and local agencies determine it is appropriate for the safety measures to end.

Legal Reference: Senate File 2310
Iowa Code ch. 279.8

Cross Reference: 403.3                               Communicable Diseases - Employees
                                     506                                    Student Records
                                     507                                    Student Health and Well-Being

Approved      12/2019
Reviewed    7/18/22
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:32

907.R1 - District Operations During a Public Health Emergency Regulation

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.

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/09/2023 - 19:33