500 - Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for Students

This series of the board policy manual is devoted to the board’s goals and objectives for assisting the students of the school district in obtaining an education. Each student shall have an opportunity to obtain an education in compliance with the policies in this series.

It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school district.  Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use it and its education program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth.  In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same opportunities.

The board supports the delivery of the educational program and services to students free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.  This concept of equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to school facilities, employment, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students.

In the delivery of the educational program, students shall treat the employees with respect and students will receive the same in return.  Employees have the best interests of the students in mind and will assist them in school-related or personal matters if they are able to do so.  Students should feel free to discuss problems, whether school-related or personal, with the guidance counselor or other employee.

Board policies, rules, and regulations affect students while they are on school property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district, while on school owned and or operated school or chartered vehicles, while attending or engaged in school activities, and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient managements and welfare of the school district.

Board policy refers to the term “parents” in many of the policies.  The term parents for purposes of this policy manual means the legal parents, the legal guardians, or the custodian of a student.  Students who have reached the age of maturity or are not only the biological parents but it shall also mean the legal guardian and students who have reached the age of majority or are otherwise considered an adult by law.

Inquires by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, are directed to the Affirmative Action Coordinator by writing to the Affirmative Action Coordinator, Bennett Community School District, 300 Cedar Street, Bennett, Iowa 52721; or by phoning 563-890-2226.

Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VII Office of Civil Rights, US Department of Education, One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut, Suite 452, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; 816-268-0404 or Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa; 515-281-5294.  This inquiry or complaint to the federal or state office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.

Further information and copies of the procedures for filing a complaint are available in the school district central administrative office.

 

 

Approved:  4-13-92
Reviewed:  10-08-18            
Revised:  12-15-08, 10-12-15