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 will be the spokesperson for the board, and the superintendent will be 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 (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 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 will 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 (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 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.
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 (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 is 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 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.
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