The board has sole discretion to approve instructional materials for the school district. The board delegates this authority to licensed employees to determine which instructional materials, other than textbooks, will be utilized by and purchased by the school district. The superintendent will provide licensed employees necessary training to ensure selected instructional materials comply with applicable laws. All instructional materials are available for review upon request and subject to all applicable laws.
In reviewing current instructional materials for continued use and in selecting additional instructional materials, licensed employees will consider the current and future needs of the school district as well as the changes and the trends in education and society. It will be the responsibility of the superintendent to report to the board the action taken by licensed employees.
In the case of textbooks, the board will make the final decision after receiving a recommendation from the superintendent. The criteria stated above for selection of other instructional materials will apply to the selection of textbooks. The superintendent may develop another means for the selection of textbooks. Textbooks will be reviewed as needed and at least every five years.
Education materials gifted to the school district must meet the criteria established above. The gift must be received in compliance with board policy.
The superintendent will establish additional criteria to guide the selection of instructional materials through administrative regulation, ensuring alignment with educational goals and compliance with laws.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 279.74; 280.3, .14; 301
Cross Reference: 209.1 Ad Hoc Committees
505 Student Scholastic Achievement
602 Curriculum Development
605 Instructional Materials
Approved: 11/01/2004
Reviewed: 04/21/2008, 06/15/2009, 01/21/2013, 03/19/2018, 02/20/2023
Revised: 06/15/2009, 02/20/2023, 10/16/2023
