SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

902.1

NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS

 

 

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 (1995).

 

 

Cross Reference:         902  Press, Radio and Television News Media

 

Approved:                   10/19/2000

Reviewed:                 2/17/2020

Revised:                     

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

902.2

NEWS CONFERENCES AND INTERVIEWS

 

 

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 (1995).

 

 

Cross Reference:         902  Press, Radio and Television News Media

 

Approved:                   10/19/2000

Reviewed:                  2/17/2020

Revised:                     

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

902.3

NEWS RELEASES

 

 

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. 

 

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 (1995).

                                    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 73.

                                    1952 Op. Att'y Gen. 133.

 

 

Cross Reference:         902  Press, Radio and Television News Media

 

Approved:                   10/19/2000

Reviewed:                  2/17/2020

Revised:                     

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

902.4

LIVE BROADCAST OR VIDEO RECORDING

 

 

Individuals may request and receive permission to broadcast or video record 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 video recording will interfere with or disrupt the school district event.

 

Video Recording of classroom activities will be allowed at the discretion of the superintendent.  Parents will be notified in the Parent Handbook that videotaping of classroom activities may occur.  To the greatest extent possible, parents will be notified prior to videotaping a specific classroom activity in the Parentletter or letter sent by the classroom teacher.  Parent permission will be required in cases where the student will be individually identified in the video record of the classroom activity.  

 

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.

 

NOTE:  This policy states that prior to video recording of classroom activities, parents will be notified but does not require parental permission.  Notification is not a legal requirement, but it is recommended.  The policy gives the school district the flexibility to have one notice to cover the entire year and can be placed in a parent newsletter or handbook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 21.4, .7; 22; 279.8 (1995).

 

 

Cross Reference:         902.1  News Media Relations

                                    903.3  Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

 

Approved:                   10/19/2000

Reviewed:                   02/17/2020

Revised:                     02/17/2020

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

903.1 - SCHOOL - COMMUNITY GROUPS

The board values the participation and the support of school district community groups, including, but not limited to, booster clubs 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 shall confer with the principal 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 may be kept as part of the accounts of the school district.

It shall be the responsibility of the building principal to be the liaison with the school district-community groups affiliated with the building principal's attendance center.

NOTE:  Boards may want to personalize this policy to reflect the actual groups, organizations and associations within the school district.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 291.13 (1995).

Cross Reference:         903  Public Participation in the School District

Approved:                   10/19/2000

Reviewed:                   02/17/2020

Revised:                     

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

903.2 - COMMUNITY RESOURCE PERSONS AND VOLUNTEERS

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 principal.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 670 (1995).

Cross Reference:         603.1  Basic Instruction Program

                                    903.3  Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

 

Approved:                   10/19/2000

Reviewed:                 02/17/2020

Revised:                     

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

903.3 - VISITORS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS & SITES

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 so appropriate arrangements can be made and so class disruption can be minimized.  Teachers and other employees shall not take time from their duties to discuss matters with visitors.

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.  Children who wish to visit school must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

It shall be the responsibility of employees to report inappropriate conduct.  It shall be 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 shall act to cease the inappropriate conduct.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 716.7 (1995).

Cross Reference:         902    Press, Radio and Television News Media

                                    903.2  Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

Approved:                   10/19/2000

Reviewed:                   02/17/2020

Revised:                     

 

SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS

903.4 - PUBLIC CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PREMISES

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.

Spectators are 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.  Spectators 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.  Spectators, like the student participants, are expected to display mature behavior and sportsmanship.  The failure of spectators 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 without fear of interference, and to permit the sponsors and officials of school sponsored or approved activities to perform their duties without interference, the following provisions are in effect:

·         Abusive, verbal or physical conduct of spectators directed at participants, officials or sponsors of school sponsored or approved activities or at other spectators will not be tolerated.

·         Verbal or physical conduct of spectators that interferes with the performance of students, officials or sponsors of school sponsored or approved activities will not be tolerated.

·         The use of vulgar, or obscene or demeaning expression directed at students, officials or sponsors participating in a school sponsored or approved activity or at other spectators will not be tolerated.

If a spectator at a school sponsored or approved activity becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar, obscene or demeaning expressions, or in any way impedes the performance of an activity, the spectator may be removed from the event by the individual in charge of the event and the superintendent may recommend the exclusion of the spectator at future school sponsored or approved activities. 

Upon recommendation of the superintendent, the board shall cause a notice of exclusion from school sponsored or approved activities to be sent to the spectator involved.  The notice shall advise the spectator of the school district's right to exclude the individual from school district activities and events and the duration of the exclusion.  If the spectator disobeys the school official or district's order, law enforcement authorities may be contacted and asked to remove the spectator.  If a spectator has been notified of exclusion and thereafter attends a school sponsored or approved activity, the spectator shall be advised that his/her attendance will result in prosecution.  The school district may obtain a court order for permanent exclusion from future school sponsored or approved activities.

Approved:       11/4/99

Reviewed:       02/17/2020

Revised:              

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

903.5 - DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS

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 shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the building principals to draft administrative regulations regarding this policy.

NOTE:  The regulation accompanying this policy has been approved by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).  Amendments to or deviation from this regulation should be addressed to local counsel prior to adoption.

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 (1995).

Cross Reference:         502.3  Freedom of Expression

                                    503.1  Student Conduct

                                    504    Student Activities

                                    603.9  Academic Freedom

Approved:                   10/19/2000

Reviewed:                  02/17/2020

Revised:                     

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

903.5R1 - DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS REGULATION

I.                   Guidelines.

Individuals, including students, may have the right to distribute on school premises, at reasonable times and places, unofficial written material, petitions, buttons, badges or other insignia, except expression which:

(a)                is obscene to minors;

(b)               is libelous;

(c)                contains indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd language;

(d)               advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law;

(e)                constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses other people (e.g., threats of violence, defamation of character or of a person's race, religion, gender, disability, age or ethnic origin);

(f)                presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.

Distribution on school premises of material in categories (a) through (d) to any student is prohibited.  Distribution on school premises of material in categories (e) and (f) to a substantial number of students is prohibited.

II.                Procedures.

Anyone wishing to distribute unofficial written material must first submit for approval a copy of the material to the building principal at least twenty-four hours in advance of desired distribution time, together with the following information:

1.                  Name and phone number of the person submitting request and, if a student, the homeroom number;

2.                  Date(s) and time(s) of day of intended display or distribution;

3.                  Location where material will be displayed or distributed;

4.                  The grade(s) of students to whom the display or distribution is intended.

Within twenty-four hours of submission, the principal will render a decision whether the material violates the guidelines in subsection I or the time, place and manner restrictions in subsection III of this policy.  In the event that permission to distribute the material is denied, the person submitting the request should be informed in writing of the reasons for the denial.  Permission to distribute material does not imply approval of its contents by either the school, the administration, the board or the individual reviewing the material submitted.

If the person submitting the request does not receive a response within twenty-four hours of submission, the person shall contact the building principal's office to verify that the lack of response was not due to an inability to locate the person.  If the person has made this verification and there is no response to the request, the material may be distributed in accordance with the time, place and manner provisions in subsection III.

If the person is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal, the person may submit a written request for appeal to the superintendent.  If the person does not receive a response within three school days of submitting the appeal, the person shall contact the  superintendent to verify that the lack of response is not due to an inability to locate the person.  If the person has made this verification and there is no response to the appeal, the material may be distributed in accordance with the time, place and manner provisions in subsection III.

At every level of the process the person submitting the request shall have the right to appear and present the reasons, supported by relevant witnesses and material, as to why distribution of the written material is appropriate.

Permission to distribute material does not imply approval of its contents by either the school district, the board, the administration or the individual reviewing the material submitted.

III.             Time, place and manner of distribution.

The distribution of written material is prohibited when it blocks the safe flow of traffic within corridors and entrance ways of the school or otherwise disrupts school activities.  The distribution of unofficial material shall be limited to a reasonable time, place and manner as follows:

1.                  The material shall be distributed from a table set up for the purpose in a location designated by the principal, which location shall not block the safe flow of traffic or block the corridors or entrance ways, but which shall give reasonable access to students.

2.                  The material shall be distributed either before and/or after the regular instructional day.

3.                  No written material may be distributed during and at the place of a normal school activity if it is reasonably likely to cause a material and substantial disruption of that activity.

IV.             Definitions.

The following definitions apply to the following terms used in this policy:

1.                  "Obscene to minors" is defined as:

(a)                The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the written material, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest of minors of the age to whom distribution is requested;

(b)               The material depicts or describes, in a manner that is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community concerning how such conduct should be presented to minors of the age to whom distribution is requested, sexual conduct such as intimate sexual acts (normal or perverted), masturbation, excretory functions, and lewd exhibition of the genitals; and

(c)                The material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.

2.                  "Minor" means any person under the age of eighteen.

3.                  "Material and substantial disruption" of a normal school activity is defined as follows:

(a)                Where the normal school activity is an educational program of the district for which student attendance is compulsory, "material and substantial disruption" is defined as any disruption which interferes with or impedes the implementation of that program.

(b)               Where the normal school activity is voluntary in nature (including, without limitation, school athletic events, school plays and concerts, and lunch periods), "material and substantial disruption" is defined as student rioting, unlawful seizures of property, widespread shouting or boisterous demonstration, sit-in, stand-in, walk-out, or other related forms of activity.

In order for expression to be considered disruptive, there must exist specific facts upon which the likelihood of disruption can be forecasted including past experience in the school, current events influencing student activities and behavior, and instances of actual or threatened disruption relating to the written material in question.

4.                  "School activities" means any activity of students sponsored by the school and includes, by way of example but not limited to, classroom work, library activities, physical education classes, official assemblies and other similar gatherings, school athletic contests, band concerts, school plays and in-school lunch periods.

5.                  "Unofficial" written material includes all written material except school newspapers, literary magazines, yearbooks, and other publications funded and/or sponsored or authorized by the school.  Examples include leaflets, brochures, flyers, petitions, placards and underground newspapers, whether written by students or others.

6.                  "Libelous" is a false and unprivileged statement about a specific individual that tends to harm the individual's reputation or to lower him/her in the esteem of the community.

7.                  "Distribution" means circulation or dissemination of written material by means of handing out free copies, selling or offering copies for sale and accepting donations for copies.  It includes displaying written material in areas of the school which are generally frequented by students.

V.                Disciplinary action.

Distribution by any student of unofficial written material prohibited in subsection I or in violation of subsection III may be halted, and students may be subject to discipline including suspension and expulsion.  Any other party violating this policy may be requested to leave the school property immediately and, if necessary, local law enforcement officials will be called.

VI.             Notice of policy to students.

A copy of this policy will be published in student handbooks.

Approved:                   10/19/2000

Reviewed:                   02/17/2020

Revised:                     

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

904.1 - TRANSPORTING STUDENTS IN PRIVATE VEHICLES

Generally, transporting students for school purposes shall be 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 shall be within the discretion of the superintendent or principal to determine when this is appropriate.

Individuals transporting students for school purposes in private vehicles must have the permission of the superintendent or principal.  Private vehicles will be used only when proof of insurance has been supplied to the superintendent or principal and when the parents of the students to be transported have given written permission to the superintendent or principal.  The school district assumes no responsibility for those students who ride in private vehicles for school purposes.

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 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 43.

Cross Reference:         401.6  Transporting of Students by Employees

                                    401.7  Employee Travel Compensation

                                    711    Transportation

Approved:                  

Reviewed:       02/17/2020     

Revised:                     

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

904.2 - ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION

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 shall be disallowed.  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 (1995).

 

Cross Reference:         504.5  Student Fund Raising

                                    904    Community Activities Involving Students

 

Approved:                   10/19/2000

Reviewed:                  02/17/2020

Revised:                     

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMUNITY RELATIONS

POLICY 905.1 - COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT

School district facilities and equipment will be made available to local nonprofit entities which promote cultural, educational, civic, community, or recreational activities. "Entity(ies)" will1 include organizations, groups and individuals and their agents. 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.

Entities that wish to use school district facilities or equipment must apply at the WACO School office of the facility requested for rental.  It is the responsibility of the building secretary or Principal or their designee 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 Principal or office secretary or designee 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 may 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 (2007).

1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 561.

1940 Op. Att'y Gen. 232.

1936 Op. Att'y Gen. 196.

Cross Reference:704           Revenue

Approved        6/14/73
Reviewed        02/17/2020
Revised           11/16/15

 

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS
905.1R1 - INDEMNITY AND LIABILITY INSURANCE AGREEMENT

The undersigned, hereafter referred to as "entity," states that it will hold the WACO Community School District, hereafter referred to as "school district," harmless from any and all damages and claims that may arise by reason of any negligence on the part of the entity in the use of any facilities or equipment owned by the school district. In case any action is brought therefore against the school district or any of its officers, employees or agents, the entity will assume full responsibility for the legal defense thereof, and upon its failure to do so on proper notice, the school district reserves the right to defend such action and to charge all costs, including attorneys' fees, to the entity.

The entity agrees to furnish and maintain during the usage of the facilities or equipment owned by the school district such bodily injury and property damage liability insurance as will protect the entity and the school district from claims or damages for personal injury, including accidental death, and from claims for property damages which may arise from the entity's use of the school district's facilities or equipment whether such operations be by the entity or by anyone directly or indirectly employed by the entity.

The entity will furnish the school district with a certificate of insurance acceptable to the school district's insurance carrier before the contract is issued.

Dated at __                                                 , Iowa, this                        day of                                     , __.

 

 

_______________________________                                        ________________________________                    

(Entity)                                                                                                  School District

 

 

By  ­­­­­­­­­­____________________________                                       By                                                                  

                                                                                                                        Office Staff

 

Title___________________________                                         By                                                                                   

                                                                                                                         Principal

Address                                                      

 

                                                                     

                                                 

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

905.2

NICOTINE FREE ENVIRONMENT

 

The use of nicotine products; including, but not limited to, cigarettes, nicotine chew, snus, dissolvables, electronic cigarettes, any electronic or other devices that can be used to deliver nicotine to the person inhaling from the device, any other look-alike products in which the original product would include tobacco and/or nicotine and/or other nicotine products that are not approved by the Federal Drug Administration for tobacco cessation; on district property; including in district building, on district grounds, in district transportation vehicles, or at any district activity; is prohibited.

 

This policy extends to all students, employees, volunteers, and visitors.  This policy applies at all times, including during school-sponsored events and during non-school sponsored events. 

 

Persons violating this policy shall be asked to cease using the tobacco and/or nicotine product, properly dispose of the tobacco and/or nicotine product and refrain from using tobacco and/or nicotine products in the future.  Persons failing to abide by this request hall be required to leave the district premises immediately.

 

It shall be the responsibility of all district personnel and specifically district administrators. to enforce this policy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legal Reference:         Goals 2000:  Educate America Act, Pub. L. No. 103-227, 108 Stat. 125 (1994).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 142B; 279.8, .9; 297 (1995).

 

 

 

 

 

Approved:       7/18/96

Reviewed:      02/17/2020

Revised:          02/17/2020