Public bodies must feel free to meet in the public setting as required by law without concern of risk or personal injury.  The board shall take whatever action is necessary to maintain an orderly school board meeting, free from interference or interruption by spectators, and to keep the board members safe while complying with the open meetings law.

Individuals who threaten the board with violence or who are continuously disruptive may be asked to leave the meeting.  If the individuals do not leave, the board may have law enforcement officials escort the individual from the board meeting.  The board shall hire a security officer if the board members’ concern for safety or actions by spectators warrants it.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§21.7, 2179.8, .28 (1991)

Cross Reference:  211        Board of Directors Meetings
                                      215        Public Participation in Board of Directors Meetings

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  7-10-23       
Revised:             

Board members shall not be held personally liable for actions taken in the performance of their duties and responsibilities vested in them by the laws of Iowa and the members of the school district community.  In carrying out the duties and responsibilities of their office, board members shall act in good faith.

The school district shall defend, save harmless and indemnify board members against tort claims or demands, whether groundless or otherwise, arising out of an alleged act or omission occurring within the scope of their duties, unless it constitutes a willful or wanton act or omission.  The school district, however, shall not save harmless or indemnify board members for punitive damages.

Legal Reference:  Wood v Strickland, 420 U.S. 308 (1975)
                                      20 U.S.C. §§794, 1401 et seq.                   
                                      42 U.S.C. §§1983, 1985 et seq.
                                      Iowa Code Chapter 613A (1991)
                                      1972 Op. Att’y Gen. 52

Cross Reference:  810.1    Insurance Program

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  7-10-23              
Revised: