EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Series 600
Policy Title: Class Size – Class Grouping Code No. 606.1
It is within the sole discretion of the Board to determine the size of classes and to determine how class grouping will occur. The board considers cluster grouping to be an option to minimize the span of abilities the classroom teacher is responsible for instructing. For any specialized cluster of students (examples include: SPED, ELL, TAG, etc.) the class roster will contain no more than 20% of the cluster in any one classroom unless no other options are available.
Classroom compositions will be carefully balanced keeping the following criteria in mind:
It is the responsibility of the building administration to create and maintain balanced class rosters to the fullest extent possible with the superintendent having final decision making authority for the administration.
It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to make a recommendation to the Board on class size based upon the financial condition of the School District, the qualifications of, and number of licensed employees, and other factors deemed relevant to the Board.
Approved: February 24, 2004
Reviewed: December 10, 2019
Revised: December 10, 2019
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3.
Cross Reference: 606.6 Insufficient Classroom Space
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Series 600
Policy Title: School Ceremonies and Observances Code No. 606.2
The School District will continue school ceremonies and observances which have become a tradition and a custom of the education program. These include, but are not limited to, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and observance of holidays, such as Christmas, Halloween, and Easter, by programs and performances. Such ceremonies or observances will have a secular purpose and will not advocate or sponsor a particular religion.
The district will provide and maintain a suitable flagstaff at each school site and raise the Iowa and United States flags each school day as weather conditions permit. The district will display the United States flag and administer the Pledge of Allegiance in each 1st through 12th grade classroom on school days.
Students who do not wish to participate in these activities may be silent during the ceremony or observance or receive permission from the Principal to be excused from the ceremony for religious reasons in compliance with Board policy.
Approved: February 24, 2004
Reviewed: December 10, 2019
Revised: October 12, 2021
Legal Reference: U.S. Const. amend. I.; Lee v. Weisman, 112 S. Ct. 2649 (1992); Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971); Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F; Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985); Iowa Code § 279.8.
Cross Reference: 603 Instructional Curriculum; 604.5 Religious-Based Exclusion From A School Program
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Series 600
Policy Title: Animals in the Classroom Code No. 606.3
Live animals may be allowed in school district facilities only for an educational purpose. Permission from the Principal will be required of anyone wishing to bring an animal into school district facilities, with the exception of professional therapy or emotional support animals that have been properly trained, are handled by a trained handler, are properly insured by the owner, and have been previously approved by the Administration. Appropriate supervision of animals is required when animals are brought into the School District facilities.
The person bringing the animal must furnish transportation for the animal brought to school. Animals will not be allowed to travel to and from the student’s attendance center on the school bus.
It is the responsibility of the Principal to determine appropriate supervision of animals in the classroom.
This policy is not intended to address teh use fo service animals, assistive animals, therapy animals, or emotional support animals on District property.
Approved: February 24, 2004
Reviewed: December 10, 2019
Revised: December 10, 2019
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8
Cross Reference: 507 Student Health and Well-Being
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Series 600
Policy Title: Student Production of Materials and Services Code No. 606.4
Materials and services produced by students at the expense of the School District are to be the property of the School District. Materials and services produced by students at the student’s expense, except for incidental expense to the School District, are to be the property of the student.
It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to determine incidental expense.
Approved: February 24, 2004
Reviewed: December 10, 2019
Revised:
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8
Cross Reference: 408.2 Licensed Employee Publication or Creation of Materials
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Series 600
Policy Title: Student Field Trips and Excursions Code No. 606.5
The Principal may authorize field trips and excursions when such events contribute to the achievement of education goals of the School District. The School District will provide transportation for field trips and excursions.
In authorizing field trips and excursions, the Principal will consider the financial condition of the School District, the educational benefit of the activity, the inherent risks or dangers of the activity, and other factors deemed relevant by the Superintendent. Written parental permission will be required prior to the student’s participation in field trips and excursions. The Board will approve field trips and excursions outside the state or of unusual length or expense.
Field trips and excursions are to be arranged with the Principal well in advance. A detailed schedule and budget must be submitted by the employee. The School District will be responsible for obtaining a substitute teacher if one is needed. Following field trips and excursions, the teacher may be required to submit a written summary of the event.
Approved: February 24, 2004
Reviewed: December 10, 2019
Revised:
Legal Reference: 390C.F.R. Pt. 390.3(f) ; Iowa Code § 279.8; 281 I.A.C. 43.9
Cross Reference: 503.1 Student Conduct; 503.4 Good Conduct Rule; 603 Instructional Curriculum; 711 Transportation
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Series 600
Policy Title: Insufficient Classroom Space Code No. 606.6
Insufficient classroom space is determined on a case-by-case basis. In making its determination whether insufficient classroom space exists, the Board may consider several factors, including but not limited to, the nature of the education program, the grade level, the available licensed employees, the instructional method, the physical space, student-teacher ratios, equipment and materials, facilities either being planned or under construction, facilities planned to be closed, financial condition of the school district and projected to be available, a sharing agreement in force or planned, a bargaining agreement in force, laws or rules governing special education class size, Board-adopted school district goals and objectives, and other factors considered relevant by the Board.
It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to bring this policy to the attention of the Board when needed.
Approved: February 24, 2004
Reviewed: December 10, 2019
Revised: December 10, 2019
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 282.18(13); 281 I.A.C. 17.6(3)
Cross Reference: 103 Long-Range Needs Assessment; 501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District; 606.1 Class Size - Class Grouping