WACO Community School District

Board Policy 107 — Religious Expression

Implementing Iowa Code § 279.89 (as enacted by Senate File 2231)

I. Leadership and Staff Notification

It is the policy of WACO Community School District that the superintendent of the school district shall annually distribute the most recent version of the “Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer and Religious Expression” produced by the U.S. Department of Education, and distributed by the Iowa Department of Education, to each board member, principal, and teacher (including making available to substitute and student teachers).

II. Constitutionally Protected Prayer

It is the policy of WACO Community School District to allow students and staff to engage in constitutionally protected prayer within the district schools consistent with applicable statutory or case law pertaining to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Accordingly, no board policy will prevent, or otherwise deny participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in district schools, consistent with federal law.

III. Grading Standards

It is the policy of WACO Community School District that religious content in student assignments will be evaluated using the same academic grading standards applied to secular work.

IV. Student Organizations

It is the policy of WACO Community School District that religious student organizations have the same rights, access to facilities, and institutional support as secular student clubs.

V. Professional Development

It is the policy of WACO Community School District to offer professional development opportunities to each employee of the school district regarding constitutionally protected prayer and religious expression in public elementary and secondary schools.

VI. Concerns

Concerns may be directed to the district civil rights coordinator.