As part of the board's long range plan for the school district's education program, the board shall include the buildings and sites needs for the education program.  The long-term needs for building and sites shall be discussed and determined by the board.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to provide information including, but not limited to, enrollment projections and education program requirements to the board.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 280.3, .12, .14; 297 (2003).

Cross Reference:  105      Long-Range Needs Assessment

Approved 11/1/2004                             Reviewed 01/18/2010                           Revised                   
                                                                                      02/16/2015
                                                                                      10/19/2020

The board may engage the services of consultants or other personnel to study the needs of the school district's buildings and sites in providing the education program.  The results of these services will be considered in planning the education program and in making decisions about the improvement and acquisition of additional buildings and sites.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the need for such services and who should perform such services for the board.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 280.3, .14; 297 (2003).

Cross Reference:  105      Long-Range Needs Assessment
                                      801      Site Acquisition and Building Construction

Approved 11/1/2004                             Reviewed 01/18/2010                           Revised                   
                                                                                      02/16/2015
                                                                                      10/19/2020

Buildings and sites considered for purchase or construction by the board or currently owned by the school district and used for the education program must meet, or upon improvement be able to meet, the specifications set by the board.  The board will make this determination.

Prior to remodeling or other construction of buildings and sites, the board may appoint a committee of consultants, employees, citizens, or others to assist the board in developing the specifications for the new or improved buildings and sites.  These specifications will be consistent with the education program, and they will provide the architect with the information necessary to determine what is expected from the facility.  It is within the discretion of the board to determine whether a committee is appointed.

The education specifications will include, but not be limited to, the financial resources available for the project, the definition and character of classrooms, the functional use to be made of the rooms, description of specialized needs, and other pertinent information as the board deems necessary.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the specifications of buildings and sites.

Legal Reference:  Cedar Rapids Community School District, Linn County v. City of Cedar Rapids, 252 Iowa 205, 106 N.W.2d 655 (1960).
                                      Iowa Code §§ 73A.2, .18; 280.3, .14; 297; 544A (2003).
                                      1974 Op. Att'y Gen. 529.

Cross Reference:  801      Site Acquisition and Building Construction

Approved 11/1/2004                       Reviewed 01/18/2010                     Revised                   
                                                                                 02/16/2015
                                                                                 10/19/2020

The board shall have the authority to select the architect for construction projects.  The financial condition of the school district, the ability of the architect to meet the building and site specifications, the experience of the architect and other factors deemed relevant by the board will be considerations for selection of an architect.

It shall be the responsibility of the board to interview the architects and make a decision.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code chs. 297; 544A (2003).

Cross Reference:  801      Site Acquisition and Building Construction

Approved 11/1/2004                             Reviewed 01/18/2010                           Revised                   
                                                                                      02/16/2015
                                                                                      10/19/2020

Sites (real estate) acquired by the board will meet or, upon improvement, be able to meet the specifications set out by the board prior to using the site for the education program.  The board may meet in closed session to discuss potential purchases of specific sites in compliance with applicable laws.

It will be the responsibility of the superintendent to assist the board and to make recommendations concerning the acquisition of sites.

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §§ 21.5(j); 297.

Cross Reference:          213      Closed Sessions

                                    705.1   Purchasing - Bidding

                                    801      Site Acquisition and Building Construction

Approved 11/1/2004                             Reviewed 01/18/2010                           Revised 11/15/2021

                                                                            02/16/2015

                                                                            10/19/2020

                                                                            11/15/2021

Prior to the approval of a construction contract, except emergency construction, the board shall review methods for financing the project.  The board may use the means it deems necessary to pay for the purchase of sites and construction.  In determining the means of financing for these purposes, the board shall consider the financial condition of the school district and the uses allowed for the monies of the school district.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to analyze the various methods of financing for the purchase of sites and construction and make a recommendation to the board.

Legal Reference:  Harney v. Clear Creek Community School District, 261 Iowa 315, 154 N.W.2d 88 (1967).
                                      Liggett v. Abbott, 192 Iowa 742, 185 N.W. 569 (1921).
                                      Iowa Code §§ 73A; 74; 74A; 75; 278.1; 296; 297; 298 (2003).
                                      1974 Op. Att'y Gen. 598.
                                      1938 Op. Att'y Gen. 167.
                                      1936 Op. Att'y Gen. 423.

Cross Reference:  705      Expenditures
                                      801      Site Acquisition and Building Construction

Approved   11/1/2004                           Reviewed 01/18/2010                           Revised                   
                                                                                      02/16/2015
                                                                                      10/19/2020

Construction authorized by the board must be supervised for proper execution.  The board will tour the completed construction area before allowing final payment on the project.

It shall be the responsibility of the architect to supervise construction projects of the school district as they are completed.  The superintendent shall work closely with the architect and provide the board with progress reports at each meeting until the construction is completed.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2003).

Cross Reference:  801      Site Acquisition and Building Construction

Approved   11/1/2004                           Reviewed 01/18/2010                           Revised                   
                                                                                      02/16/2015
                                                                                      10/19/2020