NOTICE OF INTENDED ACTION
The Board of Directors of the Mount Pleasant Community School District will take action on the following policies at its next regular board meeting.
| Policy 208: Ad Hoc Committees | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/08/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/08/2022 |
Whenever the board deems it necessary, the board may appoint a committee composed of citizens, employees or students to assist the board. Committees formed by the board are ad hoc committees.
An ad hoc committee may be formed by board resolution which will outline the duties and purpose of the committee. The committee is advisory in nature and has no duty or responsibility other than that specifically stated in the board resolution. The committee will automatically dissolve upon the delivery of its final recommendation to the board or upon completion of the duties outlined in the board resolution. The board will receive the report of the committee for consideration. The board retains the authority to make a final decision on the issue. The committee may be subject to the open meetings law.
The method for selection of committee members will be stated in the board resolution. When possible, and when the necessary expertise required allows, the committee members will be representative of the school district community and will consider the various viewpoints on the issue. The board may designate a board member and the superintendent to serve on an ad hoc committee. The committee will select its own chairperson, unless the board designates otherwise.
| Legal Reference: | Iowa Code §§ 21; 279.8; 280.12(2). 281 I.A.C. 12.3(3), .3(8); .5(8). |
||
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description | ||
| Iowa Code § 21 | Open Meetings | ||
| Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees | ||
| Iowa Code § 280.12 | Uniform School Requirements – School Improvement Advisory Committee | ||
| I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code | Description | ||
| 281 I.A.C. 12.3 | Administration | ||
Cross References
| Code | Description |
| 103 | Long-Range Needs Assessment |
| 103-R(1) | Long-Range Needs Assessment – Regulation |
| 211 | Open Meetings |
| 212 | Closed Sessions |
| 212.01 | Exempt Meetings |
| 215 | Board of Directors’ Records |
| 215-E(1) | Board of Directors’ Records – Board Meeting Minutes |
| 605.01 | Instructional Materials Selection (I, II) |
| 605.01-R(1) | Instructional Materials Selection (I, II) – Selection of Instructional Materials Regulation |
| 707.06 | Audit Committee |
| 900 | Principles and Objectives for Community Relations |
| Policy 402.04: Gifts to Employees | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/09/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/09/2022 |
Employees may receive a gift on behalf of the school district. Employees will not, either directly or indirectly, solicit, accept or receive any gift, series of gifts or an honorarium unless the donor does not meet the definition of “restricted donor” stated below or the gift or honorarium does not meet the definition of gift or honorarium stated below.
A “restricted donor” is defined as a person or other entity which:
- Is seeking to be, or is a party to, any one or any combination of sales, purchases, leases or contracts to, from or with the school district;
- Will be directly and substantially affected financially by the performance or nonperformance of the employee’s official duty in a way that is greater than the effect on the public generally or on a substantial class of persons to which the person belongs as a member of a profession, occupation, industry or region; or
- Is a lobbyist or a client of a lobbyist with respect to matters within the school district’s jurisdiction.
A “gift” is the giving of anything of value in return for which something of equal or greater value is not given or received. However, “gift” does not include any of the following:
- Contributions to a candidate or a candidate’s committee;
- Information material relevant to an employee’s official function, such as books, pamphlets, reports, documents, periodicals or other information that is recorded in a written, audio or visual format;
- Anything received from a person related within the fourth degree by kinship or marriage, unless the donor is acting as an agent or intermediary for another person not so related;
- An inheritance;
- Anything available or distributed to the general public free of charge without regard to the official status of the employee;
- Items received from a charitable, professional, educational or business organization to which the employee belongs as a dues paying member if the items are given to all members of the organization without regard to an individual member’s status or positions held outside of the organization and if the dues paid are not inconsequential when compared to the items received;
- Actual expenses of an employee for food, beverages, travel and lodging for a meeting, which is given in return for participation in a panel or speaking engagement at the meeting when the expenses relate directly to the day or days on which the employee has participation or presentation responsibilities;
- Plaques or items of negligible resale value given as recognition for public service;
- Nonmonetary items with a value of less than three dollars that are received from any one donor during one calendar day;
- Items or services solicited or given to a state, national or regional organization in which the state of Iowa or a school district is a member for purposes of a business or educational conference, seminar or other meeting or solicited by or given for the same purposes to state, national or regional government organizations whose memberships and officers are primarily composed of state or local government officials or employees for purposes of a business or educational conference, seminar or other meeting;
- Funeral flowers or memorials to a church or nonprofit organization;
- Gifts other than food, beverages, travel and lodging received by an employee which are received from a person who is a citizen of a country other than the United States and is given during a ceremonial presentation or as a result of a custom of the other country and is of personal value only to the employee
- Gifts which are given to an employee for the employee’s wedding or twenty-fifth or fiftieth wedding anniversary;
- Items or services received by members or representatives of members as part of a regularly scheduled event that is part of a business or educational conference, seminar or other meeting that is sponsored and directed by any state, national or regional government organization in which the state of Iowa or a political subdivision of the state of Iowa is a member or received at such an event by members or representatives of members of state, national or regional government organizations whose memberships and officers are primarily composed of state or local government officials or employees;
- Payment of salary or expenses by the school district for the cost of attending a meeting of a subunit of an agency when the employee whose expenses are being paid serves on a board, commission, committee, council or other subunit of the agency and the employee is not entitled to receive compensation or reimbursement of expenses from the school district for attending the meeting; or
- Actual registration costs for informational meetings or sessions which assist a public official or public employee in the performance of the person’s official functions. The costs of food, drink, lodging and travel are not “registration costs” under this paragraph. Meetings or sessions which a public official or public employee attends for personal or professional licensing purposes are not “informational meetings or sessions which assist a public official or public employee in the performance of the person’s official functions” under this paragraph.
An “honorarium” is anything of value that is accepted by, or on behalf of, an employee as consideration for an appearance, speech or article. An honorarium does not include any of the following:
- Actual expenses of an employee for registration, food, beverages, travel or lodging for a meeting, which is given in return for participation in a panel or speaking engagement at a meeting when the expenses relate directly to the day or days on which the employee has participation or presentation responsibilities;
- A nonmonetary gift or series of nonmonetary gifts donated within thirty days to a public body, an educational or charitable organization or the Iowa department of general services; or
- A payment made to an employee for services rendered as part of a private business, trade or profession in which the employee is engaged if the payment is commensurate with the actual services rendered and is not being made because of the person’s status as an employee of the district, but, rather, because of some special expertise or other qualification.
It is the responsibility of each employee to know when it is appropriate to accept or reject gifts or an honorarium.
NOTE: This policy is a reflection of the current Iowa law regarding gifts to school district employees.
| Legal Reference: | Iowa Code ch. 68B |
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 68B | Government Ethics and Lobbying |
Cross References
| Code | Description |
| 217 | Gifts to Board of Directors |
| 401.02 | Employee Conflict of Interest |
| 704.04 | Gifts – Grants – Bequests |
| Policy 900: Principles and Objectives for Community Relations | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/10/2022 |
Successful education 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:
- Provide access to school district records;
- Inform the school district community of the school district’s goals, objectives, achievements, and needs;
- Invite the input of the school district community; and,
- Encourage cooperation between the school district and the school district community.
Cross References
| Code | Description |
| 208 | Ad Hoc Committees |
| 208-E(1) | Ad Hoc Committees – Exhibit |
| 508.02 | Open Night |
| 711.06 | Transportation of Nonschool Groups (I & II) |
| Policy 901: Public Examination of School District Records | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Revised Date: 06/23/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 06/23/2022 |
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 8:00a.m. to 3:30p.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 by telephone or in writing, including electronically. The school district may require pre-payment of the costs prior to copy and mailing.
Persons wanting copies may be assessed a reasonable fee for the copy. Persons wanting compilation of information may be assessed a reasonable fee for the time of the employee to review and compile the requested information. The district will make every effort to provide the public record requested at no cost other than copying costs for a record which takes less than thirty minutes to produce.
Costs for legal services utilized for the redaction or review of legally protected confidential information may also be assessed to the individual requesting the records. 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:
- Security procedures
- Emergency preparedness procedures
- Evacuation procedures
- Security codes and passwords
It is the responsibility of the board secretary to maintain accurate and current records of the school district. It is the responsibility of the board secretary to respond in a timely manner to requests for viewing and receiving public information of the school district.
NOTE: This is a mandatory policy and is consistent with the Iowa public records law regarding access to, copying of and charging for copies of public records. By law, individuals have a right to access public records during the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. unless the board sets other hours. IASB recommends that the board establish specific hours in board policy, and blanks are provided in the first paragraph for that purpose.
|
Legal Reference: |
Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22.7; 291.6. |
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 21.4 | Public Notice |
| Iowa Code § 22.7 | Confidential Records |
| Iowa Code § 291.6 | Board Officers – Duties of Secretary |
Cross References
| Policy 902.01: News Media Relations | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/10/2022 |
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.
| Legal Reference: | Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8. |
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 21.4 | Public Notice |
| Iowa Code § 22 | Open Records |
| Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees |
Cross References
| Code | Description |
| 200.04 | Board Member Social Media Engagement |
| 901 | Public Examination of School District Records |
| 902.04 | Live Broadcast or Recording |
| Policy 902.04: Live Broadcast or Recording | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/10/2022 |
Individuals may broadcast or 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 recording will interfere with or disrupt the school district event.
Recording of classroom activities will be allowed at the discretion of the superintendent. Parents will be notified prior to recording 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.
NOTE: This policy states that prior to recording of classroom activities, parents will be notified but does not require parental permission. Notification is not a legal requirement, but it is recommended.
| Legal Reference: | Iowa Code §§ 21.4, .7; 22; 279.8. |
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 21.4 | Public Notice |
| Iowa Code § 22 | Open Records |
| Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees |
| Iowa Code § 21.7 | Rules of Conduct at Meetings |
Cross References
| Code | Description |
| 506.02 | Student Directory Information |
| 506.02-R(1) | Student Directory Information – Use of Directory Information |
| 506.02-E(1) | Student Directory Information – Authorization for Releasing Student Directory Information |
| 902.01 | News Media Relations |
| 903.03 | Visitors to School District Buildings & Sites |
| Policy 903.01: School – Community Groups | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/10/2022 |
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 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 will confer with the superintendent to assist the group in purchasing goods or services to meet the school district’s needs.
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.
| Legal Reference: | Iowa Code §§ 279.8 |
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees |
| Policy 903.02: Community Resource Persons and Volunteers | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/10/2022 |
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 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 the 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.
This is a mandatory policy.
| Legal Reference: | Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 670. |
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees |
| Iowa Code § 670 | Tort Liability of Gov’t Subdivisions |
Cross References
| Policy 903.03: Visitors to School District Buildings & Sites | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/10/2022 |
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.
This is a mandatory policy.
| Legal Reference: | Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 716.7. |
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees |
| Iowa Code § 716.7 | Trespass – Defined |
Cross References
| Code | Description |
| 902.04 | Live Broadcast or Recording |
| 903.02 | Community Resource Persons and Volunteers |
| Policy 903.04: Public Conduct on School Premises | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/10/2022 |
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 education 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 education 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:
- Abusive, verbal or physical conduct of individuals directed at students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities or at other individuals will not be tolerated.
- Verbal or physical conduct of individuals that interferes with the performance of students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities will not be tolerated.
- The use of vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression directed at students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities participating in a sponsored or approved activity or at other individuals will not be tolerated.
If an individual becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression, 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 attends 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.
NOTE: This policy reflects the Iowa civility and trespass law, and outlines a school district’s authority to enforce the law. The first paragraph of the policy addressing civility is mandatory, but the remaining portions are optional. Boards can amend the language as needed to fit their individual needs. For more detailed discussion of this issue, see IASB’s Policy Primer, Vol. 20 #2- September 13, 2007.
| Legal Reference: | Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .66; 716.7. |
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 279.66 | Directors – Powers and Duties – Personal Conduct Standards |
| Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees |
| Iowa Code § 716.7 | Trespass – Defined |
Cross References
| Code | Description |
| 205 | Board Member Liability |
| 802.06 | Vandalism |
| 905.02 | Nicotine/Tobacco-Free Environment |
| Policy 903.05: Distribution of Materials | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/10/2022 |
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 is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the building principals to draft administrative regulations regarding this policy.
This is a mandatory 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. |
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees |
| Iowa Code § 280.22 | Student Exercise of Free Expression |
| U.S. Supreme Court | Description |
| 393 U.S. 503 | Tinker v Des Moines Ind. Comm. Sch. Dist. (1969) |
| 469 U.S. 325 | New Jersey T.L.O |
| 478 U.S. 675 | Bethel School District v Fraser (1986) |
| 484 U.S. 260 | Hazelwood School District v Kuhlmeier (1988) |
| Case Law | Description |
| Bethal School Dist. v. Fraser | 478 U.S. 675 (1986) |
| Bystrom v. Fridley HS | 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987) |
| Hazelwood School Dist v. Kuhlmeier | 484 U.S. 260 (1988) |
| New Jersey v. T.L.O. | 469 U.S. 325 (1985) |
| Tinker v. Des Moines ICSD | 393 U.S. 503 (1969) |
Cross References
| Code | Description |
| 502.03 | Student Expression and Student Publications Code |
| 502.03-R(1) | Student Expression and Student Publications Code – Regulation |
| 503.01 | Student Conduct |
| 503.01-R(1) | Student Conduct – Regulation |
| 603.09 | Academic Freedom |
| 603.09-R(1) | Academic Freedom – Teaching Controversial Issues |
| Policy 904.01: Transporting Students in Private Vehicles | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/10/2022 |
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.
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.
| Legal Reference: | Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 285; 321. 281 I.A.C. 43. |
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees |
| Iowa Code § 285 | Transportation Aid |
| Iowa Code § 321 | Motor Vehicles |
Cross References
| Code | Description |
| 401.07 | Employee Travel Compensation |
| Policy 905.01: Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/10/2022 |
School district facilities and equipment will be made available to local nonprofit entities which promote cultural, educational, civic, community, or recreational activities. “Entity(ies)” will include organizations, groups and individuals and their agents. Any district employee using district-owned property or facilities for a use outside their duties as an employee is doing so as a community member, and not as a district employee. Prior to using district resources for activities outside the scope of their job duties, employees must meet the requirements to be considered a qualifying entity. 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. It is within the discretion of the superintendent to allow use of school district facilities and equipment on Sundays.
Entities that wish to use school district facilities or equipment must apply at the District Office. It is the responsibility of the board secretary or superintendent 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 and board secretary to provide application forms, and draw up the contract for use of school district facilities and equipment.
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. |
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 123.46 | Consumption/Intoxication in Public |
| Iowa Code § 276 | Community Education |
| Iowa Code § 278.1 | Power of Electors |
| Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees |
| Iowa Code § 297 | School Houses/Sites |
| Iowa Code § 8D | ICN |
Cross References
| Code | Description |
| 705.04 | Expenditures for a Public Purpose |
| 705.04-R(1) | Expenditures for a Public Purpose – Use of Public Funds Regulation |
| 905.02 | Nicotine/Tobacco-Free Environment |
| Policy 905.02: Nicotine/Tobacco-Free Environment | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/10/2022 |
Tobacco and nicotine use is prohibited on school district facilities and grounds, including school vehicles. 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 the administration to enforce this policy.
This is a mandatory policy.
NOTE: According to Iowa law, all school grounds are smoke free.
| Legal Reference: | 20 U.S.C. 608 Iowa Code §§ 142D; 279.8, .9; 297. |
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 142D | Smoke-Free Air Act |
| Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees |
| Iowa Code § 279.9 | Directors – Powers and Duties – Controlled Substances |
| Iowa Code § 297 | School Houses/Sites |
Cross References
| Code | Description | |||
| 502.08 | Search and Seizure | |||
| 502.08-R(1) | Search and Seizure – Regulation | |||
| 502.08-E(1) | Search and Seizure – Checklist | |||
| 903.04 | Public Conduct on School Premises | |||
| 905.01 | Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment | |||
| 905.01-R(1) | Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment – Regulation | |||
| 905.01-R(2) | Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment – Fees Schedule | |||
| 905.01-E(1) | Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment – Application Form | |||
| 905.01-E(2) | Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment – Indemnity and Liability Insurance Agreement | |||
|
Policy 905.03: Weapons in the School District |
Status: ADOPTED | |||
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Revised Date: 06/18/2024 | Last Reviewed Date: 06/18/2024 | ||||
The 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;
- 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; and
- [School security officers and/or school resource officers in accordance with all applicable laws.]
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. Employees found in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.
This is a mandatory policy.
| Legal Reference: | 18 U.S.C. § 921 Iowa Code §§ 279.8; .84; 280.21B; 483A.27(11), 724 281 I.A.C. 12.3(6) |
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees |
| Iowa Code § 280.21B | Expulsion-weapons |
| Iowa Code § 483A.27 | Hunter Education Program |
| Iowa Code § 724 | Weapons |
| I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code | Description |
| 281 I.A.C. 12.3 | Administration |
| U.S.C. – United States Code | Description |
| 18 U.S.C. § 921 | Crimes – Criminal Procedures – Firearms |
| Regulation 903.05-R(1): Distribution of Materials – Regulation | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/10/2022 |
- 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:
- is obscene to minors;
- is libelous;
- contains indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd language;
- advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law;
- 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);
- 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 (1) through (4) to any student is prohibited. Distribution on school premises of material in categories (5) and (6) 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:
- Name and phone number of the person submitting request and, if a student, the homeroom number;
- Date(s) and time(s) of day of intended display or distribution;
- Location where material will be displayed or distributed;
- 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 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, 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 is limited to a reasonable time, place and manner as follows:
- The material will be distributed from a table set up for the purpose in a location designated by the principal, which location will not block the safe flow of traffic or block the corridors or entrance ways, but which will give reasonable access to students.
- The material will be distributed either before and/or after the regular instructional day.
- 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.
- Definitions.
The following definitions apply to the following terms used in this policy:
- “Obscene to minors” is defined as:
- 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;
- 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
- The material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.
- “Minor” means any person under the age of eighteen.
- “Material and substantial disruption” of a normal school activity is defined as follows:
-
- 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.
- 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.
- “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.
- “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.
- “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.
- “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.
- 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.
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees |
| Iowa Code § 280.22 | Student Exercise of Free Expression |
| U.S. Supreme Court | Description |
| 393 U.S. 503 | Tinker v Des Moines Ind. Comm. Sch. Dist. (1969) |
| 469 U.S. 325 | New Jersey T.L.O |
| 478 U.S. 675 | Bethel School District v Fraser (1986) |
| 484 U.S. 260 | Hazelwood School District v Kuhlmeier (1988) |
| Case Law | Description |
| Bethal School Dist. v. Fraser | 478 U.S. 675 (1986) |
| Bystrom v. Fridley HS | 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987) |
| Hazelwood School Dist v. Kuhlmeier | 484 U.S. 260 (1988) |
| New Jersey v. T.L.O. | 469 U.S. 325 (1985) |
| Tinker v. Des Moines ICSD | 393 U.S. 503 (1969) |
Cross References
| Code | Description |
| 502.03 | Student Expression and Student Publications Code |
| 502.03-R(1) | Student Expression and Student Publications Code – Regulation |
| 503.01 | Student Conduct |
| 503.01-R(1) | Student Conduct – Regulation |
| 603.09 | Academic Freedom |
| 603.09-R(1) | Academic Freedom – Teaching Controversial Issues |
| Regulation 905.01-R(1): Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment – Regulation | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/10/2022 |
- Alcoholic beverages will not be brought to or consumed on school grounds.
- Smoking is prohibited in school district facilities and on school district grounds, including in private vehicles.
- After a school district facility, site, or equipment has been used by an entity, cleaning, including restoring the facility, site or equipment to the condition it was in prior to its use. The fee charged to the entity for the use of the facility, site, or equipment may include these costs. However, if excessive costs are involved in cleaning or otherwise restoring the facility, site, or equipment to the condition it was in prior to its use, the board reserves the right to charge the entity for these excessive costs.
- Entities are required to stay within the area of the school district facility or site and use only the school district equipment authorized by the school district for use by the entity. Other school district facilities, sites, or areas in the school district building or equipment are off limits to the entity.
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
| Iowa Code § 123.46 | Consumption/Intoxication in Public |
| Iowa Code § 276 | Community Education |
| Iowa Code § 278.1 | Power of Electors |
| Iowa Code § 279.8 | Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees |
| Iowa Code § 297 | School Houses/Sites |
| Iowa Code § 8D | ICN |
Cross References
| Code | Description |
| 705.04 | Expenditures for a Public Purpose |
| 705.04-R(1) | Expenditures for a Public Purpose – Use of Public Funds Regulation |
| 905.02 | Nicotine/Tobacco-Free Environment |
| Regulation 905.01-R(2): Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment – Fees Schedule | Status: ADOPTED |
| Original Adopted Date: 03/10/2022 | Last Reviewed Date: 03/10/2022 |
| Rates for Use of Buildings and Sites
Mount Pleasant Community High School Gymnasium $200 (4 hour block) Commons Area $25 per hour ($125 per day) Media Center $25 per hour ($125 per day) Classroom $10 per hour ($50 per day)
Mount Pleasant Middle School Gymnasium $20 ($125 per day) Classroom $10 per hour ($50 per day)
Elementary Schools Gymnasium $15 ($50 per day) Classroom $10 per hour ($50 per day)
Central Campus Gymnasium $200 (4 hour block) Howe Commons $25 per hour ($125 per day) Chapel Aud. $200 (4 hour block)
|
Written comments may be sent to Superintendent John Henriksen, 400 East Madison Street, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 52641.