Original Adopted Date:  5-9-83                                    Last Revised Date:  2-9-04                                                       Last Reviewed Date: 8-12-24

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

Original Adopted Date:  4-13-98                                                       Last Revised Date:  2-9-04                                              Last Reviewed Date: 8-12-24

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

Original Adopted Date:  5-9-83                                      Last Revised Date:  2-9-04                                                            Last Reviewed Date: 8-12-24

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 Medi

Original Adopted Date:  3-9-98                                                      Last Revised Date:                                                               Last Reviewed Date: 8-12-24

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

Original Adopted Date:  5-9-83                                                 Last Revised Date: 8-12-24                                                 Last Reviewed Date: 8-12-24

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

1. Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

2. Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites 

                                   905     Use of School District Facilities and Equipment

Original Adopted Date:  4-13-98                                       Last Revised Date: 8-12-24                                                              Last Reviewed Date: 8-12-24

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

1. Non-School Sponsored Community Groups

2. Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

Original Adopted Date:  3-9-98                                                 Last Revised Date: 8-12-24                                                Last Reviewed Date: 8-12-24

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:

1. Abusive, verbal or physical conduct by the public directed at participants, officials or sponsors of sponsored or approved activities or at other attendees will not be tolerated.

2. Verbal or physical conduct by the public that interferes with the performance of students, officials or sponsors of sponsored or approved activities will not be tolerated.

3. The use of vulgar or obscene language directed at students, officials or sponsors participating in a sponsored or approved  activity or at other attendees will not be tolerated.

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

Original Adopted Date:  5-9-83                                                    Last Revised Date:  5-8-95                                     Last Reviewed Date: 8-12-24

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

Original Adopted Date:  8-24-87                                               Last Revised Date:  8-26-19                                                     Last Reviewed Date: 8-12-24

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 the 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.

Original Adopted Date:  4-13-98                                               Last Revised Date: 8-12-24                                                  Last Reviewed Date: 8-12-24

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.

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.  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 

Original Adopted Date:  5-9-83                                                Last Revised Date: 8-12-24                                            Last Reviewed Date: 8-12-24

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. 

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

Original Adopted Date: 5-9-83                                          Last Revised Date: 8-12-24                                      Last Reviewed Date: 8-12-24

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 building where the use will occur, or Central Office for equipment. It is the responsibility of the board secretary or superintendent 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 superintendent and board secretary 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 with the superintendent.  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 

                                 1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 561.

                                 1940 Op. Att'y Gen. 232.

                                 1936 Op. Att'y Gen. 196.

Cross Reference:     704  Revenue 

Original Adopted Date:  3-13-95                                           Last Revised Date: 8-12-24                                                  Last Reviewed Date: 8-12-24

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 professionals, 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