Successful education programs require the support of the school district community. The board addresses the importance of the role of the school district community in the school district in this series of the policy manual. The board recognizes this support is dependent on the school district community's understanding of participation in the efforts, goals, problems and programs of the school district.
In this section, the board sets out its policies defining its relationship with the school district community. In striving to obtain the support of the school district community, the board shall:
1. Provide access to school district records;
2. Inform the school district community of the school district's goals,
objectives, achievements, and needs;
3. Invite the input of the school district community; and,
4. Encourage cooperation between the school district and the school district
community.
Approved: 5-9-83
Reviewed: 11-14-94, 2-9-04, 12-8-08, 2-24-14, 8-26-19
Revised: 3-9-98
The public may view public records of the school district 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, including electronic 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 fee of 10 cents per page for the copy. Persons wanting compilation of information may be assessed a fee for the time of the employee to compile the requested information. 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:
1. Security procedures
2. Emergency preparedness procedures
3. Evacuation procedures
4. 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
1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 88.
1972 Op. Att'y Gen. 158.
1968 Op. Att'y Gen. 656.
Cross Reference: 215 Board of Directors' Records
401.5 Employee Records
506 Student Records
708 Care, Maintenance, and Disposal of School District Records
902.1 News Media Relations
Approved: 5-9-83
Reviewed: 11-14-94, 2-9-04, 2-26-07, 12-8-08, 2-24-14, 8-26-19
Revised: 4-13-98, 4-10-00
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 shall 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 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
Cross Reference: 902 Press, Radio and Television News Media
Approved: 5-9-83
Reviewed: 11-14-94, 12-8-08, 2-24-14, 8-26-19
Revised: 3-9-98, 2-9-04
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 shall include the superintendent and may include the Board. 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 shall be 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: 4-13-98
Reviewed: 12-8-08, 2-24-14, 8-26-19
Revised: 2-9-04
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 of the school district. It is the responsibility of the superintendent or his/her designee to approve news releases originating within the school district prior to their release.
News releases shall 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
1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 73.
1952 Op. Att'y Gen. 133.
Cross Reference: 902 Press, Radio and Television News Media
Approved: 5-9-83
Reviewed: 11-14-94, 12-8-08, 2-24-14, 8-26-19
Revised: 3-9-98, 2-9-04
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 or designee to determine whether the request is unduly burdensome and whether the broadcast or videotaping will interfere with or disrupt the school district event.
Video of classroom activities will be allowed at the discretion of the superintendent or designee. 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
Cross Reference: 506.2 Student Directory Information
902.1 News Media Relations
903.3 Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites
Approved: 3-9-98
Reviewed: 2-9-04, 12-8-08, 2-24-14, 8-26-19
Revised:
The board values the participation and the support of non-school sponsored community groups, including, but not limited to, booster clubs that strive for the betterment of the school district and the education program. The board will work closely with these groups.
School sponsored activities are defined as activities conducted by school employees that are contained within the school employee’s job expectations and by which the school employee has a contractual obligation. Non-school sponsored activities are defined as activities 1) conducted by a non-school employee, or 2) conducted by a school employee but the activity is not contained within the employee’s job expectations and for which the school employee has no contractual obligations to conduct the activity.
A non-school sponsored group or individual is any group or individual that carries out non- school sponsored activities.
Non-school sponsored groups or individuals will be allowed to use school district facilities for non-school sponsored activities provided they have completed, signed, and returned the proper application form and the application has been approved by the superintendent or his/her designee.
The district shall use multiple means of written and electronic communication to make reasonable efforts to identify for parents and community members those activities, groups and individuals that are non-school sponsored. The superintendent shall be responsible for creating administrative regulations for the notification processes. Examples of communications and notice placement may include, but not limited to, district website and pages, handbooks, materials distributed to the home or newspapers, and email messages.
Prior to fund-raising for the purchase of goods or services for the school district, school and non-school sponsored groups will submit a request to the school board for school board approval.
The building principal and/or the activities director will be the liaison with the non-school sponsored groups affiliated with the respective attendance center or activities program.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8
Cross Reference: 903 Public Participation in the School District
905 Use of School District Facilities and Equipment
Approved: 5-9-83
Reviewed: 11-14-94, 2-9-04, 12-8-08, 8-26-19
Revised: 3-9-98, 2-24-14, 08-27-18
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 volunteer or to assist employees in duties other than teaching. The school district may officially recognize the contributions made by volunteers.
An adult volunteer is defined as any adult that is not a school employee or a currently attending district student, who may work during the school day or during a school sponsored activity that could include individual, small or large group student activities. Individuals not directly working with students may still be defined as adult volunteers if the work is performed repeatedly over a significant period of time.
Persons wishing to volunteer for school-sponsored activities must submit an application form to the district Human Resource Coordinator and undergo a background check. The background check will include: Social Security Number Verification & Address History, County Criminal Records Search, Federal Criminal Records Search, National Criminal Database Alias Search & Government Watch List, Sex Offender Records Search, and Iowa Child & Dependent Adult Abuse Registry Information Search.
The district Human Resources Coordinator will review any criminal convictions contained on the background check report and compare them to the Iowa Board of Education Examiners criminal conviction disqualification list for teacher licensure. If a volunteer applicant has a criminal conviction on his/her background check report that is contained within the Iowa Board of Education Examiners criminal convictions disqualification list, the volunteer applicant will be disqualified from volunteering for school-sponsored activities in the district.
Any convictions not on the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners criminal convictions disqualification list will be reviewed by the administration for a decision about whether or not the applicant can volunteer.
An individual who is disqualified from volunteering for school-sponsored activities in the district may appeal his/her disqualification to the school board in an open session of a school board meeting by completing the appropriate appeal form.
The district will cover the complete cost of the background check. The district will accept donations for the cost of background checks.
Prior to being allowed to volunteer for school-sponsored activities, all approved volunteers must sign and return to the district Human Resource Coordinator a copy of the Volunteer Code of Conduct signifying knowledge and acceptance of district expectations for volunteers.
The approval to volunteer for-school sponsored activities will be effective for two years from the date of approval. Individuals wishing to continue to volunteer after the two-year period must resubmit a volunteer application and the necessary information in order to conduct another background check.
In order to meet the needs of students or the district in an emergency situation, the superintendent may temporarily waive requirements for the volunteer application and background check process until the emergency is over.
Recruitment, training, utilization, and the maintenance of records for the purposes of insurance coverage and/or recognition of school district volunteers are the responsibility of the superintendent.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.80; 670
Cross Reference: 603.1 Basic Instruction Program
903.1 Non-School Sponsored Community Groups
903.3 Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites
Approved: 5-9-83
Reviewed: 6-11-01, 2-9-04, 12-8-08, 2-24-14, 8-26-19
Revised: 4-10-95, 08-27-18
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 or his/her designee of their presence in the facility upon arrival and sign in.
An adult visitor is defined as any adult that is not a school employee or currently attending district student who visits school during the school day for an isolated event or attends a school- sponsored activity. The visitor shall not have responsibility for children.
Persons who wish to visit a classroom while school is in session shall make prior arrangements with the school office so class disruption can be minimized.
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.
It shall be 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.
All student visitors must have prior approval from the building principal.
All visitors during school hours shall wear appropriate badges identifying them as visitors.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 716.7
Cross Reference: 902 Press, Radio and Television News Media
Approved: 4-13-98
Reviewed: 9-13-99, 12-8-08, 2-24-14, 8-26-19
Revised: 2-9-04, 8-27-18
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.
The public is 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. The public 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. The public, like the student participants, are expected to display mature behavior and sportsmanship. The failure to do so is not only disruptive but is 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:
If an attendee at a sponsored or approved activity becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar or obscene language, or in any way impedes the performance of an activity, the attendee may be removed from the event by the individual in charge of the event and the superintendent may recommend the exclusion of the attendee at future sponsored or approved activities.
Upon recommendation of the superintendent, the board shall cause a notice of exclusion from activities to be sent to the attendee involved. The notice shall advise the attendee of the district's right to exclude the individual from school district activities and events and the duration of the exclusion. If the attendee disobeys the district's order, law enforcement authorities will be contacted and asked to remove the attendee. If an attendee has been notified of exclusion and thereafter attends a sponsored or approved activity, the attendee shall be advised that his/her attendance will result in prosecution.
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: 3-9-98
Reviewed: 12-8-08, 2-24-14, 8-26-19
Revised: 2-9-04
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 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: 5-9-83
Reviewed: 10-26-87, 6-11-01, 2-9-04, 12-8-08, 2-24-14, 8-26-19
Revised: 5-8-95
The Mid-Prairie Board of Directors encourages joint fund-raising activities by the Athletic, Fine Arts and Student Boosters organizations to enhance the curriculum and enrich the educational experiences of its students. To the extent determined by superintendent, the Board of Directors will match, from the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) fund, the funds provided by the booster groups above for the purposes cited above.
During August of each year, the Board of Directors will determine the total amount of matching funds available for booster group use during the school year. The total amount will be divided equally between the three booster groups and be available during the school year for appropriate PPEL matching fund expenditures.
All requests for matching funds shall be accompanied by the required forms before any matching fund expenditure by any booster group can be made. Matching fund expenditure requests at or below the superintendent purchasing authorization limit as specified in Board Policy 705.1 may be approved by the superintendent. Matching fund expenditure requests above the superintendent purchasing authorization limit as specified in Board Policy 705.1 shall need school board approval.
Funds gained by the booster groups through other grant opportunities will not be eligible for district matching funds. However, district matching funds may be used for other granting possibilities if the district matching funds are matched by monies directly raised by the booster group for another grant application. In this instance, district approval is needed prior to the submission of the other grant application.
Designated matching funds allocations may be carried over for up to 3 school years with superintendent annual approval. Booster groups wishing to carry over matching fund allocations more than 3 years shall only be able to do so with school board approval. In no instance shall a matching fund allocation be carried over for more than 5 years.
The superintendent shall be responsible for creating administrative regulations governing the matching fund expenditure process.
Adopted: 8-24-87
Reviewed: 11-14-94, 2-24-14
Revised: 12-12-94, 3-19-01, 12-8-08, 8-26-19
Generally, transporting students for school purposes is done in a vehicle owned by the school district and driven by a school employee. Students may be transported in private vehicles for school purposes. It is within the discretion of the superintendent or his/her designee to determine when this is appropriate.
School Employees transporting students for school purposes in private vehicles must have the permission of the superintendent. Students securing rides with other student or other individuals to off-site schools or school activities do so at their own risk.
This policy statement applies to transportation of students for school purposes in addition to transporting students to and from their designated attendance center. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 285; 321
281 I.A.C. 43.
Cross Reference: 401.6 Transporting of Students by Employees
401.7 Employee Travel Compensation
711 Transportation
Approved: 4-13-98
Reviewed: 11-10-08, 2-24-14, 8-26-19
Revised: 2-9-04
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 allowed with permission of the superintendent or his/her designee, if the purpose is educationally related and prior approval has been obtained from the superintendent.
Nothing in this policy shall be construed as disallowing all items of a promotional nature being displayed in the buildings and sites. The use of promotional items shall be at the discretion of the superintendent and his/her designee.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8
Cross Reference: 504.5 Student Fund Raising
904 Community Activities Involving Students
Approved: 5-9-83
Reviewed: 10-26-87, 2-9-04, 8-26-19
Revised: 5-8-95, 6-11-01, 6-10-02, 11-10-08
The buildings, sites, equipment and vehicles of the school district shall be made available for a fee to nonprofit and profit entities which promote cultural, educational, civic, community, or recreational activities. Such use shall be permitted only when the use does not interfere with or disrupt the education program or school-related activity, and the use is consistent with state law. The activity must end no later than midnight nor start earlier than 6:00 a.m. unless prior written approval is given by the superintendent. It is within the discretion of the superintendent to deny use of the buildings, sites, equipment and vehicles to any group. It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to allow use of school district facilities and equipment on Sundays.
Organizations, individuals, and other entities who wish to use the school district property must apply through a building principal or the district’s Activities or Transportation Directors. It shall be the responsibility of the building principal or the Activities or Transportation Director to determine whether the school district facility, site, equipment or vehicle requested is available and whether the application for use meets board policy and administrative regulations. It shall be the responsibility of the building principal or Activities or Transportation Director to provide application forms, obtain proof of insurance, and draw up the contract for use of school district property.
It shall be up to the discretion of the building principal or the Activities or Transportation Director to determine whether an activity needs to be supervised by a district employee. In all cases, indeterminate of whether supervision by a district employee is determined to be necessary, a district employee must be directly responsible for the activity. No employee shall accept a fee from the user. If appropriate, the school district employee may be paid by the school district.
Entities that use school buildings, sites or vehicles, must leave the building, site or vehicle in the same condition it was in prior to its use. Entities that use school district equipment must return the equipment in the same working condition it was in prior to its use. Inappropriate use of school district facilities, sites, equipment or vehicles may result in additional fees charged to, or the inability of, the entity to use school district facilities, sites, equipment or vehicles in the future.
It shall be 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
1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 561.
1940 Op. Att'y Gen. 232.
1936 Op. Att'y Gen. 196.
Cross Reference: 704 Revenue
Approved: 5-9-83
Reviewed: 10-26-87, 11-9-87, 2-9-04, 11-10-08, 2-24-14
Revised: 4-10-95, 6-11-01, 1-13-03, 8-26-19
School District premises, including school vehicles, are off limits for smoking and the use of tobacco products. This requirement extends to employees and visitors. This policy applies at all times, including school-sponsored and non-school sponsored events. Persons failing to abide by this request are required to extinguish their smoking material and cease the use of tobacco products or leave the school district premises immediately. It shall be the responsibility of the administration to enforce this policy.
Any employee or student who is found to violate said prohibition of tobacco/nicotine, except when authorized by appropriate medical professional, use in Mid-Prairie buildings and grounds shall be subject to disciplinary action by the school administration.
Legal Reference: Goals 2000: Educate America Act, Pub. L. No. 103-227, 108 Stat. 125 (1994).
House File 2212, Iowa General Assembly (2008)
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
Adopted: 3-13-95
Reviewed: 11-10-08, 2-24-14, 8-26-19
Revised: 2-9-98, 2-9-04
The following policy applies to the extent not preempted by federal or state regulatory jurisdiction regarding unmanned aircrafts. For purposes of this policy, the term “unmanned aircraft” means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
The Mid-Prairie Community School District believes in maintaining the safety, security, and privacy of students, employees, and visitors. In keeping with this belief, the use or possession of unmanned aircrafts is prohibited on district property or in the space above the property that reasonably can be considered part of the district property.
The superintendent may make an exception to this policy in specific cases where the circumstances warrant such exception. In such situations and prior to approval, unmanned aircraft operators shall:
If the unmanned aircrafts are operated as part of the district curriculum or Activities Program, prior to adoption either inside or outside district buildings, district employees, coaches and sponsors shall work with district administration to ensure the appropriate insurance, registration, authorizations and rules, are in place.
Unmanned aircrafts shall be operated in accordance with Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union policy.
Failure to abide by this policy may result in local, state, and federal penalties if applicable.
Legal Reference: FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, P.L. 112-95, Title III, Subtitle B. Model Aircraft Operating Standards, FFA AC No. 91-57A (Sept. 2, 2015).
OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL, FED. AVIATION ADMIN., State and Local
Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Fact Sheet (Dec. 17, 2015). Iowa Code § 279.8.
IHSAA Drone Policy
Cross Reference: 602.1 Curriculum Development Approved: 8-8-16
Reviewed: 8-26-19
Revised: 11-22-21
The district believes that student learning is the heart of its core mission. While traditional in-person teaching continues to provide the greatest learning opportunity to all students, there may be rare and unusual circumstances that prevent the school community from convening in traditional in-person settings. At times of a public emergency declared by federal, state or local officials, the district will seek guidance and recommendations from federal, state and local agencies to assist in determining the safety of convening traditional in-person learning.
During a declared public emergency, the school board delegates to the Superintendent the authority to determine whether to close school buildings to traditional in-person learning if the Superintendent determines in-person learning would hinder the health and safety of the school community. The district will instead utilize remote or hybrid learning opportunities permitted by law.
Following guidance and recommendations from federal, state, and local agencies when reasonably possible, the administration will create regulations related to district operations during a public emergency, including, but not limited to, student, employee and visitor safety and security; the use and safeguarding of district property; public meetings and events, and when applicable, measures to prevent or slow the spread of infectious disease.
These measures will be enforced for the period of time of the public emergency, or until the [school board and] superintendent, in consultation with federal, state and local agencies determine it is appropriate for the safety measures to end.
Legal Reference: Senate File 2310
Iowa Code ch. 279.8
Cross Reference: 403.3 Communicable Diseases - Employees
506 Student Records
507 Student Health and Well-Being
Approved: 8-10-2020
Reviewed:
Revised: