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: 200.4    Board Member Social Media Engagement
                                      901        Public Examination of School District Records
                                      902.4     Live Broadcast or Recordings

Initially Approved 03-08-1999              
Last Reviewed 11-13-2024   
Last Revision                   

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: 502.9     Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies

Initially Approved 03-08-1999                              
Last Reviewed 11-13-2024                                   
Last Revision                   

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.
                                     

Initially Approved 03-08-1999                              
Last Reviewed 11-13-2024                                   
Last Revision                   

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

Initially Approved 03-08-1999                              
Last Reviewed 11-13-2024                                   
Last Revision 11-13-2024

The board values the participation and the support of school district-community groups, including, but not limited to, booster clubs 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 or designee 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 are separate from 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.

Initially Approved 03-08-1999                              
Last Reviewed 11-13-2024                                   
Last Revision    11-13-2024  

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: 505.8 Parent and Family Engagement District-Wide Policy
                                      603.1   Basic Instruction Program
                                      903.3   Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

Initially Approved 03-08-1999                              
Last Reviewed 11-13-2024                                 
Last Revision   05-12-2021  

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: 902.4    Live Broadcast or Recording
                                      903.2   Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

Initially Approved 03-08-1999                              
Last Reviewed 11-13-2024                                   
Last Revision                   

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
                                      802.6   Vandalism
                                      903      Public Participation in the School District

Initially Approved 03-08-1999                          
Last Reviewed 11-13-2024                                  
Last Revision 02-25-2008

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 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
                                      603.9   Academic Freedom

Initially Approved 03-08-1999              
Last Reviewed 11-13-2024   
Last Revision                                       

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.  Prior to transporting students in private vehicles, the district may require the following:

• The vehicle used to transport student(s) 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
• 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: 401.7   Employee Travel Compensation
                                      711      Transportation

Initially Approved  03-08-1999                             
Last Reviewed  11-13-2024                                  
Last Revision  05-12-2021

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: 704.6   Fundraising Within the District
                                      

Initially Approved 03-08-1999                              
Last Reviewed 11-13-2024                                   
Last Revision                   

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, 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 and waive or modify rental and personnel fees for events and activities that are in the interest of students and the public.

Requests for use of school facilities for activities other than educational purpose or intent of the district (which shall always have precedence) shall receive priority scheduling based on the following classifications based on a first come first served basis:

1. Class A: Meetings or activities for students, parents, and staff that are identified as tax exempt organizations which are affiliated with district programs, such as:

        ○ Parent Teacher Organizations

        ○ Booster Clubs

        ○ Local meetings of the Clarinda Education Association

        ○ Chamber of Commerce

        ○ Local Foundations

2. Class B: Programs or training activities sponsored by tax supported organizations, such as:

        ○ Lied Center

        ○ University and Community College educational programs

        ○ AEA educational activities

        ○ Emergency management programs

        ○ Government agencies (city, county, state, etc.)

        ○ Armed forces (other than recruitment)

        ○ Generally, public agencies and programs that do not charge an admission

3. Class C: Educational and recreational programs which are sponsored by tax exempt organizations, such as:

        ○ Staff recreational programs

        ○ Church programs

        ○ Civic organizations

        ○ Political meetings

        ○ Government sponsored meetings which the public is invited to attend

4. Class D: Fundraising activities and nonprofit meetings and activities sponsored by commercial groups and other non-tax exempt entities

Fee Classification:

The school board establishes the rental and personnel fees for use of district facilities. The following classifications shall be used to determine the appropriate fee:

1. Groups classified as Class A are exempt from all rental fees. They are also exempt from personnel fees for events that are scheduled within normal hours of operation. They shall be charged for personnel fees for events that occur outside normal hours of operation.
    
2. Groups classified as Class B are exempt from all rental fees but will be charged for necessary personnel fees.
    
3. Groups classified as Class C shall be charged rental and personnel fees.
    
4. Groups classified as Class D shall be charged rental and personnel fees.

Rental fees consist of the use of school facilities and equipment. Personnel fees consist of associated costs for school personnel as a result of facility use. All forms and associated fees shall be submitted to the High School Activity Director’s Office 24 hours in advance of the scheduled activity.

Entities that wish to use school district facilities or equipment must apply at the High School Activity Director’s Office. It is the responsibility of the administration 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 high school activity director 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 arrangements are made in advance 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.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 8D; 123.46; 276; 278.1(4); 279.8; 297.9-.11.
                                     

Cross Reference: 705.4 Expenditures for a Public Purpose
                                     905.2  Nicotine/Tobacco-Free Environment

Initially Approved 03-08-1999                           
Last Reviewed 11-13-2024                                       
Last Revision 02-25-2008

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: 20 U.S.C. 608        
                                       Iowa Code §§ 142D; 279.8, .9; 297.

Cross Reference: 502.8    Search and Seizure
                                      903.4   Public Conduct on School Premises
                                      905.1   Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment

Initially Approved 03-08-1999                              
Last Reviewed 11-13-2024                                   
Last Revision 03-10-2014

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, and;
• 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

Legal Reference:           18 U.S.C. § 921
                                    Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21B; 483A.27(11), 724
                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

Initially Approved  09-22-2021
Last Reviewed  11-13-2024
Last Revision  08-14-2024

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.