Public bodies must feel free to meet in the public setting as required by law without concern of risk of personal injury.  The board shall take whatever action is necessary to maintain an orderly 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 individuals from the board meeting.  The board may hire a security officer if the board members' concern for safety or actions by spectators warrants it.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 21.7; 279.8; 716.7 (2003).

Cross Reference:  215      Public Participation in Board Meetings
                                      904.4   Public Conduct on School Premises

Approved:  11/01/2004

Reviewed:  09/19/2005, 09/20/2010, 08/17/2015, 03/17/2020

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 official duties, unless it constitutes a willful or wanton act or omission.  However, the school district shall not save harmless or indemnify board members for punitive damages.

Legal Reference:  Wood v. Strickland, 420 U.S. 308 (1975).
                                      42 U.S.C. §§ 1983, 1985 (1994).
                                      Iowa Code ch. 670 (2003).

Cross Reference:  709      Insurance

Approved:  11/01/2004

Reviewed:  09/19/2005, 09/20/2010, 08/17/2015, 03/17/2020

Revised: