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 is the spokesperson for the board, and the superintendent is the spokesperson for the school district. It is 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 will direct their inquiries to the superintendent.

The superintendent will 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.

Cross Reference:
902 Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved: 2-13-89
Reviewed: _____
Revised: 4-12-21

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 will 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 will include the board and the superintendent. News conferences for issues requiring an immediate response may be held by the superintendent. It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether a news conference or interview is held to provide an immediate response to an issue.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of news conferences and interviews.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8.

Cross Reference:
902 Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved: 5-10-21
Reviewed: _____
Revised: _____

The superintendent will determine when a news release about internal school district and board matters will be issued. In making this determination, the superintendent will strive to keep the media and the school district community accurately and objectively informed. Further, the superintendent will strive to create and maintain a positive image for the school district. It is 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 will 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 .

Cross Reference:
902 Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved: _____
Reviewed: _____
Revised: _____

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 is 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.

It is 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.

Cross Reference:
506.2 Student Directory Information
902.1 News Media Relations
903.3 Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

Approved: 2-13-89
Reviewed: _____
Revised: _____

The board values the participation and the support of school district-community groups, including, but not limited to, the booster club and parent-teacher organizations, 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 will 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 is 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:
903 Public Participation in the School District

Approved: 5-10-21
Reviewed: _____
Revised: _____

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 students in a volunteer capacity. It is 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
903.3 Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

Approved: 6-24-75
Reviewed: _____
Revised: 4-12-21

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 will not take time from their duties to discuss matters with visitors.

Visitors will 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 is the responsibility of employees to report inappropriate conduct. It is 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 will act to cease the inappropriate conduct.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 716.7.

Cross Reference:
902 Press, Radio and Television News Media
903.2 Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

Approved: 4-14-86
Reviewed: _____
Revised: 4-12-21

The board expects that students, employees and visitors will treat each other with respect, engage in responsible behavior, exercise self-discipline and model fairness, equity and respect. Individuals violating this policy will be subject to discipline.

Students will be disciplined consistent with the student conduct policies. Employees will be disciplined consistent with employee discipline policies and laws. Others will be subject to discipline according to this policy.

Individuals are permitted to attend school sponsored or approved activities or visit school premises only as guests of the school district, and, as a condition, they must comply with the school district's rules and policies. Individuals will not be allowed to interfere with or disrupt the education program or activity. Visitors, like the participants, are expected to display mature, responsible behavior. The failure of individuals 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 in the education program or activities without fear of interference or disruption and to permit the school officials, employees and activity sponsors and officials to perform their duties without interference or disruption, the following provisions are in effect:

• Abusive, verbal or physical conduct of individuals directed at students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities or at other individuals will not be tolerated.
• Verbal or physical conduct of individuals that interferes with the performance of students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities will not be tolerated.
• The use of vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression directed at students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities participating in a sponsored or approved activity or at other individuals will not be tolerated.

If an individual becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression, or in any way interrupts an activity, the individual may be removed from the event by the individual in charge of the event. Law enforcement may be contacted for assistance.

Individuals removed from school premises have the ability to follow the board's chain of command and complaint policies should they choose to do so. The exclusion is in effect should the individual choose to appeal the decision of the superintendent. The term "individual" as used in the policy also includes students and employees. If an individual has been notified of exclusion and thereafter tries to enter a school building or attends a sponsored or approved

activity, the individual will be advised that his/her attendance will result in prosecution. The school district may obtain a court order for permanent exclusion from the school building or from future school sponsored or approved activities.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; .66; 716.7.

Cross Reference:
205 Board Member Liability
504 Student Activities
802.6 Vandalism
903 Public Participation in the School District

Approved: 11-11-99
Reviewed: _____
Revised: 4-12-21

The board recognizes that students, employees, parents or citizens may want to distribute materials within the school district that are noncurricular. Noncurricular materials to be distributed must be approved by the building principal and meet certain standards prior to their distribution.

It is 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.

Cross References:
502.3 Freedom of Expression
503.1 Student Conduct
504 Student Activities
603.9 Academic Freedom

Approved: 5-10-21
Reviewed: _____
Revised: _____

Generally, transporting students for school purposes is done in a vehicle owned by the school district and driven by a school bus driver or authorized employee.

In some cases, it may be more economical or efficient for the district to allow an employee of the district to transport students in an employee’s private vehicle. This policy applies to transportation of students to school events in which they are participants, or to their homes in case of illness or other emergency situations as reasonably determined by the district. It is 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 or designee 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 students is in good condition and meets all applicable safety requirements;
• The driver transporting the students possesses a valid driver's license;
• Proof of insurance has been supplied to the superintendent or designee and the insurance satisfies the minimum coverage requirements for driving personal vehicles in the State of Iowa; and
• When practical, the parents of the students to be transported have given written permission to the superintendent or designee.

The following employees have standing approval to transport students in their private vehicles provided that the above requirements are met: District administrators, school counselors, drop-out prevention teachers, or any other employee who has specifically been approved by the board of education.

Employees and students shall obey all traffic laws, including but not limited to regulations regarding child restraints, seat belts and cell phone usage.

The district assumes no responsibility for students who ride in private vehicles for school purposes driven by anyone not approved under this policy or someone not otherwise approved by the superintendent/designee.

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. 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:
401.7 Employee Travel Compensation
711 Transportation

Approved: 5-10-21  
Reviewed:11-13-23
Revised: 11-13-23

The use of students, the school district name, or its buildings and sites for advertising and promoting products and/or services of entities and organizations operating for a profit is not allowed except with prior board approval. Nonprofit entities and organizations may be allowed to use students, the school district name, 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.

Cross Reference:
504.5 Student Fund Raising
904 Community Activities Involving Students

Approved: 5-10-21
Reviewed: _____
Revised: _____

School district facilities and equipment will be made available to local nonprofit entities which promote cultural, educational, civic, community, or recreational activities. "Entity(ies)" will include organizations, groups and individuals and their agents. Any district employee using district-owned property or facilities for a use outside their duties as an employee is doing so as a community member, and not as a district employee. Prior to using district resources for activities outside the scope of their job duties, employees must meet the requirements to be considered a qualifying entity. Such use will be permitted only when the use does not interfere with or disrupt the education program or a school-related activity, the use is consistent with state law, and will end no later than midnight. It is within the discretion of the board to allow for-profit entities to use school district facilities and equipment. The board reserves the right to deny use of the facilities and equipment to an entity. It is within the discretion of the superintendent to allow use of school district facilities and equipment on Sundays.

Entities that wish to use school district facilities or equipment must apply at the activities director’s office at the Forest City High School. It is the responsibility of the activities director to determine whether the school district facility or equipment requested is available and whether the application for use meets board policy and administrative regulations. It is the responsibility of the activities director to provide application forms, obtain proof of insurance, and draw up the contract for use of school district facilities and equipment.

Use of school district facilities and equipment by entities will be supervised by a school district employee unless special prior arrangements are made. The school district employee will not accept a fee from the entity using school district facilities and equipment. If appropriate, the school district employee may be paid by the school district.

Entities that use school district buildings, or equipment, or sites must leave the building or site in the same condition it was in prior to its use. Inappropriate use of school district facilities and equipment may result in additional fees charged to, or the inability of, the entity to use school district facilities or equipment in the future.

The board may allow entities, such as the Boy and Girl Scouts and 4-H, to use the school district facilities and equipment without charge. While such entities may use the facilities and equipment without charge, they may be required to pay a custodial fee.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a fee schedule for the board's approval and to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 8D; 123.46; 276; 278.1(4); 279.8; 297.9-.11.

Cross Reference: 905.1
704 Revenue

Approved 4-13-98
Reviewed  _________
Revised ____4-12-21

Tobacco and nicotine use 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:
903.4 Public Conduct on School Premises
905.1 Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment

Approved: 11-9-87
Reviewed: _____
Revised: 4-12-21

The board believes weapons, other dangerous objects and look-alikes 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-alikes 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, and;
• 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-alikes 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 may choose to allow designated staff members to carry firearms on school grounds in accordance with all applicable laws and requirements. The identities of staff members so designated will be considered confidential. Designated staff will strictly adhere to all applicable laws, policies and regulations. Failure to adhere may result in discipline up to and including termination of employment.  The Superintendent will create regulations necessary to carry out this policy.
 

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: 9-14-21 Reviewed: 8-12-24 Revised: 8-12-24

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 require, as a condition of using district facilities, non-school groups to provide the school district with EPA-approved cleaning and disinfecting supplies to properly clean and disinfect the space used after each event. The district may also require non-school groups to reimburse the district the actual cost of school personnel time needed to clean and disinfect school facilities after the event.