BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: Principals and Objectives for Community Relations Code No. 900
Successful educational 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 will:
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: March 8, 2022
Revised:
Legal Reference:
Cross Reference:
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: Public Examination of School District Records Code No. 901
Public records of the School District may be viewed by the public during the regular business hours of the administration offices of the School District. These hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays and recesses.
Persons wishing to view the School District's public 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 in wringing, 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 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:
It is the responsibility of teh Board Secretary to maintain accurate and current records of the School District. It is hte responsibility of the Board Secretary to respond in a timely manner to requests for viewing and receiving public informaiton of teh School District.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: March 8, 2022
Revised:
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22.7; 291.6 (2014); 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
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: News Media Relations Code No. 902.1
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 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 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.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: March 8, 2022
Revised:
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8 (2013)
Cross Reference: 902 Press, Radio and Television News Media
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: News Conferences and Interviews Code No. 902.2
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 is 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.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: March 8, 2022
Revised:
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8 (2013)
Cross Reference: 902 Press, Radio and Television News Media
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: News Releases Code No. 902.3
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. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to approve news releases originating within the School District prior to their release.
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.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: March 8, 2022
Revised:
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 (2013). 1980 Op. Att’y Gen. 73; 1952 Op. Att’y Gen. 133
Cross Reference: 902 Press, Radio and Television News Media
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: Live Broadcast or Videotaping Code No. 902.4
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 is within the discretion of the Superintendent to determine whether the request is unduly burdensome and whether the broadcast or videotaping will interfere with or disrupt the school district event.
The School Board has the discretion to enter into an agreement for exclusive video/live broadcasting of school district events. If such an agreement is in place, the terms and conditions of the agreement will prevail.
Videotaping of classroom activities will be allowed at the discretion of the Superintendent. Parents will be notified prior to videotaping of classroom activities.
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.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: September 13, 2016
Revised: March 8, 2022
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 21.4, .7; 22; 279.8 (2013)
Cross Reference: 506.2 Student Directory Information; 902.1 News Media Relations; 903.3 Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: School – Community Groups Code No. 903.1
The Board values the participation and the support of school district-community groups, including, but not limited to, the booster club and parent-teacher organizations, which strive for the betterment of the School District and the educational 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 will confer with the Superintendent 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 are kept seperate from the accounts of the school distrct.
It is the responsibility of the building principal to be the liaison with the school district-community groups affiliated with the building principal’s attendance center.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: September 13, 2016
Revised: March 8, 2022
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8 (2013)
Cross Reference: 903 Public Participation in the School District
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: Community Resource Persons and Volunteers Code No. 903.2
The Board recognizes the valuable resource it has in the members of the School District community. When possible, and in concert with the educational 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 Superintendent.
Volunteers within the district are held to the same high standards of behavior as school employees and will be subject to background checks prior to interacting with students in a volunteer capacity. It is the responsibility of the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee to create regulations necessary to carry out this policy.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: March 8, 2022
Revised: March 8, 2022
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 670 (2013)
Cross Reference: 603.1 Basic Instruction Program; 903.3 Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: Visitors to School District Buildings & Sites Code No. 903.3
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.
Persons who wish to visit a classroom while school is in session are asked to notify the principal and obtain approval from the principal prior to the visit so appropriate arrangements can be made and so class disruption can be minimized. Teachers and other employees will not take time from their duties to discuss matters with visitors.
Visitors will 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 is 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.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: March 8, 2022
Revised:
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 716.7 (2013)
Cross Reference: 902 Press, Radio and Television News Media; 903.2 Community Resource Persons and Volunteers
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: Public Conduct on School Premises Code No. 903.4
The Board expects that students, employees, and visitors will treat each other with respect, engage in responsible behavior, exercise self-discipline, and model fairness, equity, and respect. Individuals violating this policy will be subject to discipline. Students will be disciplined consistent with the student conduct policies. Employees will be disciplined consistent with employee discipline policies and laws. Others will be subject to discipline according to this policy.
Individuals are permitted to attend school-sponsored or approved activities or visit school premises only as guests of the School District, and, as a condition, they must comply with the School District’s rules and policies. Individuals will not be allowed to interfere with or disrupt the educational program or activity. Visitors, like the participants, are expected to display mature, responsible behavior. The failure of individuals 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 in the educational program or activities without fear of interference or disruption, and to permit the school officials, employees, and activity sponsors and officials to perform their duties without interference or disruption, the following provisions are in effect:
If an individual becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar, obscene, or demeaning expressions, or in any way interrupts an activity, the individual may be removed from the event by the individual in charge of the event. Law enforcement may be contacted for assistance.
Individuals removed from school premises have the ability to follow the Board’s chain of command and complaint policies should they choose to do so. The exclusion is in effect should the individual choose to appeal the decision of the Superintendent. The term “individual” as used in the policy also includes students and employees.
If an individual has been notified of exclusion, and thereafter tries to enter a school building or attend a sponsored or approved activity, the individual will be advised that his/her attendance will result in prosecution. The School District may obtain a court order for permanent exclusion from the school building or from future school sponsored or approved activities.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: March 8, 2022
Revised: October 9, 2007
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; .66; 716.7 (2013)
Cross Reference: 205 Board Member Liability; 504 Student Activities; 802.6 Vandalism; 903 Public Participation in the School District
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: Distribution of Materials Code No. 903.5
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. Materials approved for distribution by the building principal may be electronically available on the district website or app.
It is the responsibility of the Superintendent, in conjunction with the building principal, to draft administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: September 13, 2016
Revised: March 8, 2022
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 (ith Cir. 1987); Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.22 (2013)
Cross Reference: 502.3 Freedom of Expression; 503.1 Student Conduct; 504 Student Activities; 603.9 Academic Freedom
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Administrative Regulation: Distribution of Materials Code No. 903.5R1
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:
Anyone wishing to distribute unofficial written material must first submit for approval a copy of the material to the elementary principal designee or secondary principals at least twenty-four hours in advance of desired distribution time, together with the following information:
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 will 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 will 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 will have the right to appear and present the reasons, supporting 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.
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 is limited to a reasonable time, place and manner as follows:
The following definitions apply to the following terms used in this policy:
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.
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 properly immediately and, if necessary, local law enforcement officials will be called.
A copy of this policy will be published in student handbooks and posted conspicuously in school buildings.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: March 8, 2022
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: Transporting Students in Private Vehicles Code No. 904.1
Generally, transporting students for school purposes is done in a vehicle owned by the School District and driven by a school bus driver. Students may be transported in private vehicles for school purposes. It is within the discretion of the Superintendent 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. Private vehicles will be used only when:
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. The Superintendent may develop an administrative process to implement this policy.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: March 8, 2022
Revised: September 13, 2016
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
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: Advertising and Promotion Code No. 904.2
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 disallowed. Nonprofit entities and organizations may be allowed to use students, the School District name, or its buildings and sites if the purpose is education-related and prior approval has been obtained from the Superintendent.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: September 13, 2016
Revised: March 8, 2022
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013)
Cross Reference: 504.5 Student Fund Raising; 904 Community Activities Involving Students
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: Community Use of School District Facilities & Equipment Code No. 905.1
School District facilities and equipment will be made available to local nonprofit entities which promote cultural, educational, civic, community, or recreational activities. “Entities” will include organizations, groups, and individuals and their agents. Such use will be permitted only when the use does not interfere with or disrupt the educational 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 who wish to use School District facilities or equipment must apply at the Activities Office and through the online facilities scheduler. It is the responsibility of the Board Secretary, Superintendent, or Activities Director 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, Board Secretary, or Activities Director 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 Activities Director 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 sites must leave the building or site 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 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.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: September 13, 2016
Revised: March 8, 2022
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 8D; 276; 278.1(4); 279.8; 297.9-.11; 123.46 (2013); 1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 561; 1940 Op. Att'y Gen. 232; 1936 Op. Att'y Gen. 196
Cross Reference: 704 Revenue
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Administrative Regulation: Community Use of School District Facilities & Equipment Code No. 905.1R1
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: September 13, 2016
The current form is available online and requires proof of insurance. Contact the Activities Director for more information
https://www.oskycsd.org/activities/facility-rentals
The current form is available online and requires proof of insurance. Contact the Activities Office for more information.
BUILDING AND SITES
Series 900
Policy Title: Tobacco/Nicotine/Smoke-Free Environment Code No. 905.2
School district facilities and grounds, including school vehicles, are off limits for tobacco or nicotine use, including the use of look-a-likes where the original would include tobacco or nicotine. This requirement extends to students, employees, and visitors. This policy applies at all times, including school-sponsored and nonschool-sponsored events. Persons failing to abide by this request are required to extinguish their smoking material, dispose of the tobacco, nicotine, or other product, or leave the school district premises immediately. It is the responsibility of Administration to enforce this policy.
Approved: October 14, 2003
Reviewed: March 11, 2022
Revised: September 13, 2016
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 (2013).
Cross Reference: 903.4 Public Conduct on School Premises; 905.1 Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment
WEAPONS IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT Code No. 905.3
he board believes weapons, other dangerous objects and look-a-likes in school district facilities and at school district-approved events cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.
All weapons, dangerous objects and look-a-likes are prohibited to be carried, possessed, transported or otherwise stored on school district property and to school district-approved events. Exceptions to this policy include weapons carried by the following individuals in performance of their official duties:
· law enforcement;
· military personnel;
· corrections officers;
· individuals approved in writing by the Superintendent, and;
· students and individuals approved in writing by the Superintendent who are actively engaging in a school district approved firearms safety course, hunter education course or shooting sports activity.
Individuals found to be in violation of this district policy will be required to immediately remove the weapon, dangerous object or look-a-likes from the school district property or event. Students found to be in violation of this policy or any other board policies related to weapons will be subject to disciplinary proceedings.
Note: In 2021, the legislature made changes to decriminalize the carrying of firearms on campus by certain individuals if certain circumstances are met. However, much like creating tobacco-free campuses, schools maintain the authority to choose whether to place additional limitations on the carrying of firearms on district property as needed to protect the health and safety of students and staff.
Legal Reference: 18 U.S.C. § 921
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21B; 483A.27(11), 724
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)
Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
507 Student Health and Well-Being
Approved August 10, 2021
Reviewed March 8, 2022
Revised
SCHOOL COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Series 1000
Administrative Regulation Title: Use of George Daily Community Auditorium Code No. 1004.2A
Auditorium: $50.00/day or 10% of ticket sales, whichever is greater.
Black Box: $25.00/day up to a maximum of $75/wk. or 10% of ticket sales (performances in the Black Box), whichever is greater.
Community/Board Meeting Room: (To be determined by the school).
In addition to the above rental fees the following fees apply:
Maintenance: $1.00/hr.
Utilities: $2.00/hr.
Equipment Supervisor: $20.00/hr. (may substitute G.D.C.A. Technical Crew members @ $7.00/hr./crew member.
Custodian: $16.00/hr.
Insurance: $1.00/day
Individuals, groups and organizations that rent or use the Auditorium, Black Box or Community Meeting/Board Room will be held financially responsible for any and all damage caused to the structure, equipment or furnishings over and above what would be expected during normal use.
Individuals, groups and organizations that rent or use the Auditorium, Black Box or Community Meeting/Board Room shall not operate internal combustion engines or any of other equipment that may be considered hazardous inside any part of the facility.
Approved: April 13, 2004
Reviewed: March 8, 2022
Revised: