Public records of the school district may be viewed by the public during the regular business hours of the administrative offices of the school district.  These hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays and recess.

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

Persons wanting copies may be assessed a fee for the copy.  Persons wanting compilation of data may be assessed a fee for the time of the school district employee to compile such data.

Records defined by law as confidential records shall be viewed or copied upon receipt of written permission by the board secretary or administration from the person or entity whose confidential records are being requested.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to maintain accurate and current records of the school district.  It shall be the responsibility of the administration 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 (1991)
                                      1980 Op. Att’y Gen. 88
                                      1972 Op. Att’y Gen. 158
                                      1968 Op. Att’y Gen. 656

Cross Reference:  218        Board of Directors Records
                                      401.06  General Personnel Records
                                      506        Student Records
                                      701.04  School Food Service Records and Reports
                                      808        Care, Maintenance and Disposal of School District Records
                                      809        Data Management

Approved:  6-8-92                
Reviewed:  5-10-21              
Revised:  7-14-03

The board recognizes the need for a communications program to provide effective two-way communications between the school district and the community.  The school district’s communications program shall strive to meet the following goals:

*To keep the citizens and school district personnel informed through a regular flow of information about the school district and its program;

*To encourage and organize the interchange of ideas between the school district and the community by developing and implementing techniques for community involvement in the school district and for school district involvement in the community; and

*To assess public knowledge, attitudes and concerns on a regular basis.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to establish and maintain an on-going communications program with school district personnel and the community.  The administration shall make a recommendation to the board annually for changes in the communications program.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code Chapter 22, §279.8 (1991)

Cross Reference:  217        Board of Directors Relationships
                                      302        Administration Relationships
                                      402        General Personnel and Outside Relationships
                                      1004      Public Participation in the School District

Approved:  6-8-92                
Reviewed:  5-10-21              
Revised:  1-12-98

The board recognizes the value of and supports open, fair and honest communications with the news media.  The board will maintain a cooperative relationship with the news media in the school district community.  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 administration shall be the spokesperson for the board and the school district. 

Members of the news media seeking information about the school district shall direct their inquiries to the superintendent.  The administration shall accurately and objectively provide the facts and the consensus of the board in response to inquiries from the news media about the school district.

It shall be the responsibility of the board president and administration to respond to inquiries from the news media about the school district.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§21.4, 22, 279.8 (1991)

Cross Reference:  808        Care, Maintenance, and Disposal of School District Records
                                      809        Data Management
                                      1001      Public Communications

Approved:  6-8-92                
Reviewed:  6-14-21              
Revised:  1-12-98

The administration, 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 administration shall respond accurately, openly, honestly, and objectively to inquires from the news media about the school district.

News conferences and interviews planned or prearranged for school district activities shall include the board and the administration. News conferences for issues requiring an immediate response may be held by the administration. It shall be within the discretion of the administration 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 administration to keep the board apprised of news conferences and interviews.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§21.4, 22, 279.8 (1991)

Cross Reference:  1001      Public Communication

Approved:  6-08-92                            
Reviewed:  6-14-21                            
Revised:  1-12-98

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

News releases will be prepared and disseminated to news media in the school district community.  Questions about news releases shall be made to the superintendent only.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to approve news releases originating within the school district prior to their release.

Legal Reference:  Dobrovolny v Reinhardt, 173 N.W.2d 837 (1970)
                                      Widmer v Reitzler, 182 N.W.2d 177 (1970)
                                      Iowa Code §§21.4, 22.7 (1991)
                                      1980 Op. Att’y Gen. 73

Cross Reference:  1002      Press, Radio, and Television News Media

Approved:  6-8-92                               
Reviewed:  6-14-21                            
Revised:  1-12-98

Generally, students may not be interviewed during the school day by news media. The students, while on the school district grounds, shall refer interview requests and information requests from the news media to the administrative office in their building.

It shall be within the discretion of the principal, after consulting with the superintendent, to allow or disallow the news media to interview and to receive information from the student while the student is under the control of the school district.  The principal may also contact the student’s parents.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991)

Cross Reference:  502.11  Interrogation of Students by Outside Agency
                                      1001      Public Communications

Approved:  6-8-92                
Reviewed:  6-14.21                            
Revised:  1-12-98

School district personnel shall refer interview requests and information requests from the news media to the administrative office.  School district personnel may be interviewed or provide information about school district matters after receiving permission from the administration.

It shall be within the discretion of the administration to allow news media to interview and to receive information from school district personnel.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop guidelines for assisting school district personnel in upholding this policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991)

Cross Reference:  1001      Public Communications

Approved:  6-8-92                               
Reviewed:  6-14-21                            
Revised:  1-12-98

Students, for an educational purpose, or news media may video tape 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 facilities to accommodate the request.

It shall be within the discretion of the administration to determine whether the request is unduly burdensome and whether the broadcast or taping will interfere with or disrupt the school district event.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration 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, 22, 279.8 (1991)

Cross Reference:  1001.2  Board of Directors and Community Relations
                                      1002.1  News Media Relations

Approved:  6-08-92              
Reviewed:  6-14-21              
Revised:  1-12-98

The board values the participation and the support of school district-community associations, including, but not limited to, the booster club and the Parent-Teacher Organization, which strive for the betterment of the school district and its educational program.  The board will work closely with these associations.

Prior to any purchase of, or fund-raising for, the purchase of goods or services for the school district, the association shall confer with the administration to assist the association in purchasing goods or services to meet the school district’s needs.

Funds raised by these associations for the school district may be kept as part of the accounts of the school district.

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

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, 291.13 (1991)

Cross Reference:  1004      Public Participation in the School District

Approved:  6-08-92                            
Reviewed:  7-12-21                            
Revised:  1-12-98

The board recognizes the valuable resource it has in the members of the school district community.  When possible and in concert with the educational program, members of the school district community shall be asked to make presentations to the students or to assist school district personnel in duties other than teaching.  The school district shall officially recognize the contributions made by volunteers on an annual basis.

Recruitment, training, utilization, and the maintenance of records for the purpose of insurance coverage and/or recognition of school volunteers is the responsibility of the administration.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.3, .14, 491.5, 496A, 4A(7), 497.33, 498.35, 504,
                                      504A.4(14), 101, 613, 613A (1991)

Approved:  6-08-92                            
Reviewed:  7-12-21              
Revised:  1-12-98

The board welcomes the interest of parents and other members of the school district community, and invites them to visit the school facilities.  Visitors, which include persons other than school district personnel or students, must notify the principal of their presence in the facility upon arrival.  Entry during a normal school day is only by means of the northeast entrance doors.

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 school district personnel 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 or acting as a representative of the school district.  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 school district personnel to report inappropriate conduct and the responsibility of the superintendent and principal to take the action necessary to cease the inappropriate conduct.  If the superintendent or principal are not available, the school district employee shall act to cease the inappropriate conduct.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991)

Approved:  6-08-92                            
Reviewed:  7-12-21              
Revised:  9-18-00

School sponsored or approved 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. School sponsored or approved activities are provided for the enjoyment and opportunity for involvement they afford students. 

Spectators are permitted to attend school sponsored or approved activities only as guests of the school district, and, accordingly as a condition of such permission, they must comply with 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 school sponsored or approved 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 without fear of interference, and to permit the sponsors and officials of sponsored or approved activities to perform their duties without interference, the following provisions are in effect:

*Abusive, verbal or physical conduct of spectators directed at participants, officials or sponsors of sponsored or approved activities or at other spectators will not be tolerated.

*Verbal or physical conduct of spectators that interferes with the performance of students, officials or sponsors of sponsored or approved activities will not be tolerated. 

*The use of vulgar, or obscene or demeaning expression directed at students, officials or sponsors participating in a sponsored or approved activity or at other spectators will not be tolerated.

If a spectator at a sponsored or approved activity becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar or obscene or demeaning expression or in any way impedes the performance of an activity, the spectator may be removed from the event by the individual in charge of the event and the superintendent may recommend the exclusion of the spectator at future sponsored or approved activities.

Upon recommendation of the superintendent, the board shall cause a notice of exclusion from sponsored or approved activities to be sent to the spectator involved.  The notice shall advise the spectator of the school district’s right to exclude the individual from school district activities and events and the duration of the exclusion.  If the spectator disobeys the school official or district’s order, law enforcement authorities may be contacted and asked to remove the spectator.  If a spectator has been notified of exclusion and thereafter attends a sponsored or approved activity, the spectator shall be advised that his/her attendance will result in prosecution.  The school district may obtain a court order for permanent exclusion from future school sponsored or approved activities.

Approved:  9-18-00                            
Reviewed:  7-12-21              
Revised:  8-14-00

Generally, transportation of students for school purposes shall be done in a transportation 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 administration to determine when this is appropriate.

Individuals transporting students for school purposes in private vehicles must have the permission of administration.  Private vehicles will be used only when proof of insurance has been supplied to the administration.  The school district assumes no responsibility for those students who have not received the approval of the administration and who ride in private vehicles for school purposes.

This policy statement applies to transportation of students for school purposes in addition to the regular bus route transporting students to and from their designated attendance center.  It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, 285, 321 (1991)
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 43

Cross Reference:  401.11  Transporting of Students by General Personnel
                                       812        Transportation

Approved:  6-08-92                            
Reviewed:  8-16-18              
Revised:  1-12-98

The use of students, the school district name, or its facilities for advertising and promoting products and/or services of entities and organizations operating for a profit shall not be allowed.  Nonprofit entities and organizations may be allowed to use students, the school district name, or its facilities if the purpose is educationally related and prior approval has been obtained from the building principal.  It shall be the responsibility of the board to make this determination.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.14 (1991)

Cross Reference:  402.3    Solicitations from Outside
                                       504.6    Student Fundraising
                                      1005      Community Activities Involving Students

Approved:  6-08-92                            
Reviewed:  8-16-18              
Revised:

The facilities and equipment of the school district will be made available for a fee to local nonprofit entities which promote cultural, educational, civic, community, or recreational activities.  Such use will be permitted only when the use does not interfere with or disrupt the educational program or school-related activity, the use is consistent with state law, and will end no later than midnight.  The board reserves the right to deny use of the facilities and the equipment to any group which does not fit these criteria.

Organizations, individuals, and other entities who wish to use the school district property must apply for such use at the superintendent’s office.  It shall be the responsibility of the board secretary or administration to determine whether the school district facility requested is available and whether the application for use meets board policy and administrative regulations.  It shall be the responsibility of the administration and board secretary to provide application forms, obtain proof of insurance, and draw up the contract for use of school district property.

Activities in the school district facilities, whether school-sponsored or not, shall be supervised by an employee of the school district unless special arrangements are made with the administration.  The employee shall not accept a fee from the nonprofit use; rather if appropriate, the school district employee will be paid by the school district.

The board may allow groups, such as the Boy and Girl Scouts and 4-H, to use the facilities without charge.  While such groups may use the facilities without charge, they are required to pay a custodial fee.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop a fee schedule for the board’s approval and to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§276, 278.1(4), 288, 279.8-.11, 297.9-.11 (1991)
                                      1982 Op. Att’y Gen. 561
                                      1940 Op. Att’y Gen. 232
                                      1936 Op. Att’y Gen. 196

Cross Reference:  608        Adult Education
                                       609        Community Education
                                       1006.2  Community Use of School District Facilities and Equipment for Private Profit

Approved:  6-8-92                               
Reviewed:  8-10-21              
Revised:  1-12-98

The facilities of the school district may be made available for a fee to local for-profit entities.  Such use will be permitted only when it does not interfere with or disrupt the educational program or school-related activity, and it is approved by the Administration.  The Administration reserves the right to deny use of the facilities to any group.

There shall be written contract and proof of insurance coverage on file with the board prior to the scheduled event.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§276, 278.1(4), 288, 297.9-.11 (1991)
                                      1982 Op. Att’y Gen. 561
                                      1940 Op. Att’y Gen. 232
                                      1936 Op. Att’y Gen. 196

Cross Reference:  608        Adult Education
                                       609        Community Education
                                       1006.1  Community Use of School District Facilities and Equipment

Approved:  6-8-92                               
Reviewed:  8-16-18              
Revised:  1-12-98

Generally, the school district facilities will not be used for student activities on Sundays. It shall be within the discretion of the administration to allow student activities on Sundays.

The facilities may be used by the community with the approval of the administration and in compliance with board policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§297.6-.11 (1991)

Cross Reference:  1006.1  Community Use of School District Facilities and Equipment

Approved:  6-8-92                               
Reviewed:  9-10-18              
Revised:  1-12-98

All indoor school district facilities and school-owned vehicles shall be off limits for smoking and

e-cigarettes of any kind.  This requirement extends to employees and visitors.  This policy applies at all times, including school-sponsored and non-school-sponsored events.  Persons failing to abide by this request shall be required to extinguish their smoking material or leave the school district premises immediately.  It shall be the responsibility of the administration to enforce this policy.

Legal Reference:  Goals 2000:  Education America Act, Pub. L. No. 103-227, 108 Stat. 125 (1994)
                                      Iowa Code §§142B; 279.9; 297 (1993)

Cross Reference:  Employee Conduct and Appearance
                                      Use of School District Facilities and Equipment

Approved:  11-14-94            
Reviewed:  9-10-18              
Revised:  12-12-94