Public records of the school district may be viewed by the public during the regular business hours of the administration offices of the school district.  These hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays and recesses.

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

Persons may request copies of public records by telephone or in writing, including electronically.  The school district may require pre-payment of the costs prior to copy and mailing.

Persons wanting copies may be assessed a reasonable fee for the copy.  Persons wanting compilation of information may be assessed a reasonable fee for the time of the employee to review and compile the requested information.  The district will make every effort to provide the public record requested at no cost other than copying costs for a record which takes less than thirty minutes to produce.

Costs for legal services utilized for the redaction or review of legally protected confidential information may also be assessed to the individual requesting the records. Printing of materials for the public at the expense of the school district will only occur when the event is sponsored by the school district.

Pursuant to Iowa law, the board has determined certain records need to be confidential as their disclosure could jeopardize the safety of persons or property and include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Security procedures
• Emergency preparedness procedures
• Evacuation procedures
• Security codes and passwords

It is the responsibility of the board secretary to maintain accurate and current records of the school district.  It is the responsibility of the board secretary 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; 291.6 (2003).

                                    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

                                    401.6   Employee Records

                                    506      Student Records

                                    708      Care, Maintenance, and Disposal of School District Records

                                    902.1   News Media Relations

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 11/20/2006                     Revised 12/19/2006

                                                                             12/19/2006                                08/15/2022

                                                                             03/15/2010

                                                                             05/18/2015

                                                                             12/21/2020

                                                                             08/15/2022

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

• To keep citizens informed through a regular flow of information about the school district and its programs;
• 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 superintendent to establish and maintain an on-going communications program with the community.  The superintendent shall make a recommendation to the board annually for changes in the communications program.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 21; 22; 279.8 (2003).

Cross Reference:  104      The People and Their School District
                                      209      Committees of the Board of Directors
                                      217      Board of Directors' Relationships
                                      302      Administration Relationships
                                      402      Employees and Outside Relations
                                      902      Press, Radio and Television News Media
                                      904      Public Participation in the School District

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 03/15/2010                             Revised                   
                                                                                       05/18/2015
                                                                                       12/21/2020

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 shall be the spokesperson for the board, and the superintendent shall be the spokesperson for the school district.  It shall be 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 shall direct their inquiries to the superintendent.  The superintendent shall 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 (2003).

Cross Reference:  901      Public Communications
                                      902      Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 03/15/2010                             Revised                   
                                                                                       05/18/2015
                                                                                       12/21/2020

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 shall 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 shall include the board and the superintendent.  News conferences for issues requiring an immediate response may be held by the superintendent.  It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent 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 superintendent to keep the board apprised of news conferences and interviews.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8 (2003).

Cross Reference:  901      Public Communications
                                      902      Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 03/15/2010                            Revised                   
                                                                                       05/18/2015
                                                                                       12/21/2020

The superintendent shall determine when a news release about internal school district and board matters will be issued.  In making this determination, the superintendent shall strive to keep the media and the school district community accurately and objectively informed.  Further, the superintendent shall strive to create and maintain a positive image for the school district.  It shall be 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 shall 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 (2003).
                                      1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 73.
                                      1952 Op. Att'y Gen. 133.

Cross Reference:  902      Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 03/15/2010                             Revised                   
                                                                                       05/18/2015
                                                                                       12/21/2020

Generally, students may not be interviewed during the school day by members of the news media. The students, while on the school district premises, shall refer interview requests and information requests from the news media to their principal.

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 superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2003).

Cross Reference:  502.11 Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies
                                      902      Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 03/15/2010                            Revised                   
                                                                                       05/18/2015
                                                                                       12/21/2020

Employees shall refer interview requests and information requests from the news media to the superintendent's office.  Employees may be interviewed or provide information about school district matters after receiving permission from the superintendent.

It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to allow the news media to interview and to receive information from employees.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop guidelines for assisting employees in complying with this policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2003).

Cross Reference:  901      Public Communications
                                      902      Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 03/15/2010                            Revised                   
                                                                                       05/18/2015
                                                                                       12/21/2020

Individuals may broadcast or videotape 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 shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether the request is unduly burdensome and whether the broadcast or videotaping will interfere with or disrupt the school district event.

Videotaping of classroom activities will be allowed at the discretion of the superintendent.  Parents will be notified prior to videotaping of classroom activities.

It shall be 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 (2003).

Cross Reference:  901.2   Board of Directors and Community Relations
                                      902.1   News Media Relations
                                      904.3   Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 03/15/2010                             Revised                   
                                                                                       05/18/2015
                                                                                       12/21/2020

The use or possession of unmanned aircraft or aerial systems (UAS), also known as drones, is prohibited for any purpose by any person or entity at any District-sponsored event, game, match, tournament, or anywhere in, on or directly above property or premises owned, maintained, or used by the District for any purpose. 

An exception to this policy may be granted in writing by the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee, in his or her sole discretion, to law enforcement, public safety agencies, media, or other entities or individuals.  Such exceptions would be required to sign an agreement with the District.  All photos/videos taken will become the sole property of the District.  All operators will be required to comply with applicable local, state and federal laws.

This prohibition applies to all school owned premises, including but not limited to, the area above and upon all spectator areas, fields of play, courts, arenas, stadiums, mats, gym floor or pool, practice facilities, parking areas, and includes a ban on the entire facility or property being used as part of the event.

For purposes of this policy, a UAS is any unmanned airborne device or aircraft.  The District reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone possessing, operating, or attempting to operate a UAS or to request the immediate removal of any person using or attempting to use a UAS in violation of this policy.

Approved 01/18/2016                                    Reviewed 12/21/2020                         Revised 10/17/2016                  

The board values the participation and the support of school district-community groups 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 shall confer with the superintendent 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 will be 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

Cross Reference:          104      The People and Their School District

                                    904      Public Participation in the School District

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 06/15/2015                             Revised 04/19/2010

                                                                             12/21/2020                                         10/18/2021

                                                                             10/18/2021   

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 student in a volunteer capacity.  It will be 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:          603.1   Basic Instruction Program

                                    904.3   Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 04/19/2010                            Revised 10/18/2021

                                                                            06/15/2015

                                                                            12/21/2020

                                                                            10/18/2021

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 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.  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 employees to report inappropriate conduct.  It shall be 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 shall act to cease the inappropriate conduct.

General Principles

1.  The Volunteer Program of the Independence Community School District operates with the approval of the  

     Board of Education and the School Administration, and it is at all times guided by the principles and policies

     of the school district.

2.  Volunteers serve only in an auxiliary capacity under the direction and supervision of professional school  

      personnel.

3.  A volunteer supplies supplemental and supportive service and is not a substitute for a member of a school staff.

4.  Wherever possible, volunteers are assigned to the particular school where they wish to serve.

5.  A volunteer does not have access to confidential files and records.

6.  The relationship between volunteers and the school staff should be one of mutual respect and

confidence.

Volunteers – Screening Statement

A screening statement is required of all volunteers whose primary role is that of working directly with students or assisting staff on a regular basis; supervising/chaperoning students; or acting as an authority figure.

              a.         Categories of volunteers included in screening statement:

Classroom volunteers/teacher assistants
             Field trip supervisor, trip chaperones
             Business Partnership Volunteers
             Volunteer sport coaches/assistants

              b.         Categories of volunteers excluded from the screening statement:
      (i.e. volunteers whose primary role is not the supervision of students)

                                      Classroom resource speakers
                                      Concession workers, ticket-takers, etc.

The screening statement shall be collected on a separate card and kept on file in the district office. This protects the privacy of the volunteers and keeps the cards readily available and in a central location.

The screening statement can be completed in conjunction with the Volunteer registration information, or at the time volunteer assignment is made, depending on operational procedures at the building.

Coaching Volunteers

All Volunteer Coaches, in order to work with Independence Community Student-Athletes must possess a current Coaching Authorization or Coaching Endorsement.  The Coaching Authorization or Coaching Endorsement, background checks and any other necessary paperwork must be on file with the Central Administration Office before the Candidate has contact with the athletic team or individuals. Volunteer Coaches must have the permission of the Head Varsity Coach and the Candidate must also be approved by the Independence School Activities Director before any student contact.

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

Cross Reference:  220      School Visitation by Board of Directors
                                      902      Press, Radio and Television News Media
                                      904.2   Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 06/15/2015                             Revised 12/21/2009
                                                                                          12/21/2020                                       06/18/2012

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 the 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 the 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, 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, 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.  The WAMAC Athletic Conference has approved this policy for conference-wide implementation.

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.

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

Cross Reference:  205.1   Board Security and Protection
                                      504      Student Activities
                                      802.6   Parking
                                      802.7   Vandalism
                                      904      Public Participation in the School District

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 04/19/2010                             Revised                   
                                                                                      06/15/2015
                                                                                      12/21/2020 

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 shall be 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 (2003).

Cross References:  502.5   Freedom of Expression
                                      503.1   Student Conduct
                                      504      Student Activities
                                      603.8   Academic Freedom

Approved   11/01/2004                          Reviewed 04/19/2010                            Revised 07/28/2015
                                                                                            12/21/2020                          

Generally, transporting students for school purposes will be 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 on an as-needed basis.  It will be 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 the student(s) is in good condition and meets all applicable safety requirements;
• The driver transporting the student(s) 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.  This policy statement also applies to the transportation of students for school purposes inclusive of extracurricular activities.  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:       401.11 Transporting of Students by Employees

                                    401.12 Employee Travel Compensation

                                    711      Transportation

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 04/19/2010                             Revised 05/16/2016

                                                                             06/15/2015                                            01/17/2022

                                                                            12/21/2020

                                                                            01/17/2022

The use of students, the school district name, school logos, or its buildings and sites for advertising and promoting products and/or services of entities and organizations operating for a profit shall be disallowed.  Nonprofit entities and organizations may be allowed to use students, the school district name, school logos, 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 (2003).

Cross Reference:  402.9   Solicitations from Outside
                                      504.6   Student Fund Raising
                                      905      Community Activities Involving Students

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 04/19/2010                             Revised 08/17/2015
                                                                                       12/21/2020

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, 
• 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)

Cross Reference:           502      Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503      Student Discipline

                                    507      Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:  09/20/2021

Reviewed:  

Revised:  10/21/2024

The use of District facilities as centers for community participation should be encouraged whenever those activities are beneficial to the community-at-large.

Activities should be scheduled so they do not conflict with the District’s academic or co-curricular programs, with due consideration given to the conservation of energy and District’s expense.

The Board of Education reserves the right to deny the use of District facilities at any time.

Community Use of Facilities--General Guidelines

1.  Persons who attend activities must confine themselves to the area of the facility requested. Use of hallways,   

     foyers, and other common areas of buildings, where safe egress is blocked are strictly prohibited.

2.  Charges will begin with the time designated for opening of the building and terminate with the closing.

3.  Failure on the part of the renter to notify the Activities Director or Facility Manager by 2:00 p.m., of the cancellation of a       meeting or event scheduled for any time after 5:00 p.m., of that date will render the renter liable for payment of the minimum rental fee. Group I users will be liable for payment of any custodial overtime that may result.

4.  Three cancellations or “no shows” in a multi-day contract may result in termination of the contract.

5.  The use of buildings and/or facilities by outside organizations will be automatically canceled when schools must close         due to inclement weather or other emergency conditions.

6.  Renters must assume full responsibility for crowd control. Satisfactory sponsorship and adequate adult supervision must be provided. This will include police
     and/or fire protection where necessary, or when requested by the District.

7.  Disrespectful behavior by renter or renter’s participants will not be tolerated and may result in contract termination.

8.  The District will provide for normal custodial services in connection with the use of the building and/or grounds.

9.  The renter will indemnify the District for any damages to the school property. Damages must be immediately reported to a District staff member.

10.  Organizations will provide the District a “Certificate of Insurance” naming the District as additional insured or purchase liability insurance in accordance with the current requirements of the District.

11.  Approval will not be granted for any activity, which may be prejudicial to the best interests of the schools.

12.  Gambling (e.g., bingo, raffles, lotteries) may be permitted in schools or on school grounds only in strict accordance with Iowa Gaming Commission.

13.  The possession or use of intoxicating beverages or controlled substances will not be permitted on school premises.             The use of tobacco of any kind is strictly prohibited.

14.  Gym shoes will be required for all activity-type games such as basketball, volleyball and badminton, played on any gymnasium floor. Street shoes are prohibited. 

15.  Users will be required to remove, or reimburse the District for the removal of any materials, equipment, furnishings or rubbish left after use of facilities.

16.  The appropriate building administrator must approve all decorations or the application of materials to walls or floors.             Such decorations will be subject to state and local fire regulations. Displayed flags will conform to School Ceremonies and Observations policy 606.4.

17.  The use of candles or other flammable material will be prohibited.

18.  Specially equipped rooms, such as life skills, computer labs, science labs, industrial technology, libraries, storage rooms, and administrative offices, etc., will not be made available for use, except by specific permission from the appropriate building administrator.

19.  The appropriate building administrator must approve the use of school-owned equipment when requested by the renter.

20.  Public address systems (except at the stadium), lighting and special stage equipment must be approved by the activities coordinator and operated by experienced operators provided by the District. Charges will be assessed to the renter for these services.

21.  Any unusual or unique electrical appliances or equipment furnished by the user must have the approval of the appropriate building administrator.

22.  Furniture arrangement must be approved by the appropriate building administrator.

23.  Kitchen equipment must be operated by an authorized Food and Nutrition Department employee. The user will be billed for the labor cost, which shall be paid to the District rather than the employee.

24.  All regulations of the District governing the use of school facilities will be observed and are considered a part of the formal contract.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 8D; 276; 278.1(4); 279.8; 288; 297.9-.11 (2003).
                                      751 I.A.C. 14.
                                      1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 561.
                                      1940 Op. Att'y Gen. 232.
                                      1936 Op. Att'y Gen. 196.

Cross Reference: 704      Revenue

                                606.4  School Ceremonies and Observances

Approved:  11/01/2004

Reviewed:  06/15/2009, 09/20/2010, 11/18/2013, 06/15/2015, 12/19/2016, 12/21/2020, 03/20/2023

Revised:  06/15/2009, 11/18/2013, 12/19/2016, 03/20/2023

TOBACCO/NICOTINE-FREE ENVIRONMENT

Tobacco and nicotine use, including the use of look alikes where the original would include the use of nicotine products that are not FDA (Federal Drug Administration) approved for tobacco cessation, is prohibited on school district facilities and grounds, including school vehicles.  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. 6083

                                    Iowa Code §§ 142D; 279.8, .9; 297.

Cross Reference:          502.9   Smoking - Drinking - Drugs

                                    904.4   Public Conduct on School Premises

                                    906.1   Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment

Approved 11/01/2004                           Reviewed 04/19/2010                           Revised 09/15/2008

                                                                             06/15/2015                                          01/21/2013

                                                                             12/21/2020                                       09/16/2013

                                                                             11/15/2021                                       11/15/2021  

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.