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