The District will operate a school lunch and breakfast program in each attendance center. The school food program services will include hot lunches through participation in the National School Lunch Program and supplementary foods for students during the school day. Students may participate in the school lunch program or may bring their lunches from home and purchase milk and other incidental items at the school.

School food service facilities are provided to serve students and employees when school is in session and during school-related activities. They may also be used under the supervision of the Food Service Director for food service to employee groups, parent-teacher meetings, civic organizations meeting for the purpose of better understanding the schools, and senior citizens in accordance with Board policy.

The school food program is operated on a non-profit basis. The revenues of the school food program will be used only for paying the regular operating costs of the school food program. Supplies of the school food program will only be used for the school food program.

The Board will set, and periodically review, the prices for school lunches, breakfasts, and milk. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation regarding the prices of school lunches, breakfasts, and milk.

It is the responsibility of the Food Service Director to administer the program and to cooperate with the Superintendent for the proper functioning of the school food program.

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Approved: 5/8/89

Reviewed: 11/11/02

Revised: 9/17/07; 6/10/13; 2/11/19

Students enrolled and attending school in the District, who are unable to afford the cost or a portion of the cost of the school lunch and/or breakfast are encouraged to apply for free or reduced school lunch and/or breakfast.

It is the responsibility of the Food Service or Business Director to determine if a student qualifies for free or reduced cost school food services. Students, whom the principal believes are improperly nourished, will not be denied the school food program services simply because the paperwork has not been completed.

Employees, students, and others will be required to pay for meals consumed.

Students who participate in free or reduced price meal programs will not be distinguished in any way from students who pay the regular price; great care shall be taken to protect the anonymity of these students. Their names will not be made known to any person except such staff member or members as needed to make the special arrangements for them.

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Approved: 10/16/72

Reviewed: 11/11/02

Revised: 9/17/07; 6/10/13; 2/11/19

In accordance with state and federal law, the Spirit Lake Community School adopts the following policy to ensure school district employees, families, and students have a shared understanding of expectations regarding meal charges. The policy seeks to allow students to receive the nutrition they need to stay focused during the school day, prevent the overt identification of students with insufficient funds to pay for school meals, and maintain the financial integrity of the nonprofit school nutrition program.

Payment of Meals

Students have use of a meal account. When an account reaches -$50.00, the school district has the option to deny students the ability to charge anything until the negative account balance is paid and additional funds are deposited into the account. In addition, when an account has ANY negative balance, students WILL NOT be allowed to charge seconds, extra milks or a la carte items to their account.  These items will need to be paid in cash until the account has a positive balance. (Families may add money to student accounts via electronic payment through Infinite Campus or send payments to the school offices.)

Students who qualify for free meals shall never be denied a reimbursable meal, even if they have accrued a negative balance from previous purchases. Students with outstanding meal charge debt shall be allowed to purchase a meal if the student pays for the meal when it is received. The school district may provide an alternate meal that meets federal and state requirements to students who have charged the maximum allowance to the student account and cannot pay out of pocket for a meal. The district may charge $1.50 for the alternate meal.

Employees may use a charge account for meals, but may charge no more than $20.00 to this account. When an account reaches this limit, an employee shall not be allowed to charge further meals or a la carte items until the negative account balance is paid.

Negative Account Balances

The school district will make reasonable efforts to notify families when meal account balances are low. Additionally, the school district will make reasonable efforts to collect unpaid meal charges classified as delinquent debt. The school district will coordinate communications with families to resolve the matter of unpaid charges. Families will be notified of an outstanding negative balance once the negative balance reaches -$1.00. Families will be notified by an automated email every day when the balance reaches $20.  Negative balances of more than $50 will be turned over to the principals for collection. Options may include:  collection agencies, small claims court, or any other legal method permitted by law.

Communication of the Policy

The policy and supporting information regarding meal charges shall be provided in writing to:

·      All households at or before the start of each school year;

·      Students and families who transfer into the district, at time of transfer; and

·      All staff responsible for enforcing any aspect of the policy.

 

Records of how and when the policy and supporting information was communicated to households and staff will be retained. The superintendent may develop an administrative process to implement this policy.

 

 

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Approved: 6/12/17                           Reviewed: 11/13/2017; 2/11/19                          Revised: 11/13/17

Elementary and middle school students living more than two (2) miles from their designated school attendance centers and high school students living more than three (3) miles from their designated attendance centers are entitled to transportation to and from their attendance center at the expense of the District.

Transportation of students who require special education services will generally be provided as for other students, when appropriate. Specialized transportation of a student to and from a special education instructional service is a function of that service and, therefore, an appropriate expenditure of special education instructional funds generated through the weighting plan or IDEA federal funds designated for special education purposes.

Transportation of a student to and from a special education support service is a function of that service, and shall be specified in the individualized education program (IEP) or the individualized family service plan (IFSP). When the IEP or IFSP team determines that unique transportation arrangements are required and the arrangements are specified in the IEP or IFSP, the District will provide one or more of the following transportation arrangements for instructional services and the AEA for support services:

· Transportation from the student's residence to the location of the special education and back to the student's residence, or child care placement for students below the age of six.

· Special assistance or adaptations in getting the student to and from and on and off the vehicle, en route to and from the special education.

· Reimbursement of the actual costs of transportation when by mutual agreement the parents provide transportation for the student to and from the special education.

The District is not required to provide reimbursement to parents who elect to provide transportation in lieu of agency-provided transportation.

A student may be required, at the Board's discretion, to meet a school vehicle without reimbursement up to three-fourths (3/4) of a mile. The Board may require the parent to transport their children up to two (2) miles to connect with school bus vehicles at the expense of the District when conditions deem it advisable. It is within the discretion of the Board to determine such conditions.

Parents of students who live where transportation by bus is impracticable or unavailable may be required to furnish transportation to and from the designated attendance center at the expense of the District. Parents, who transport their children at the expense of the school district, are reimbursed at the rate per mile established by the state.

Transportation arrangements made by agreement with a neighboring District will follow the terms of the agreement. Students, who choose to attend a school in a District other than their resident school district, will provide transportation to and from the school at their own expense.

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Approved: 9/17/72

Reviewed: 2/11/19

Revised: 9/17/07; 6/10/13

The Board in its discretion may provide District transportation for extracurricular activities including, but not limited to, transporting student participants and other students to and from extracurricular events.

Students participating in extracurricular events, other than those held at District facilities, may be transported to the extracurricular event by District transportation vehicles or by another means approved by the Superintendent. Students attending extracurricular events, other than those held at District facilities may be transported to the extracurricular event by District transportation vehicles.

Students, who are provided transportation in District transportation vehicles for extracurricular events, will ride both to and from the event in the school vehicle unless arrangements have been made with the supervising staff member or building principal prior to the event. A student's parent may personally appear and request to transport the student home from a school-sponsored event in which the student traveled to the event on a District transportation vehicle.

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to make a recommendation to the Board as to whether the District will provide the transportation authorized in this policy. In making the recommendation to the Board, the Superintendent will consider the financial condition of the District, the number of students who would qualify for such transportation, and other factors the Board or Superintendent deem relevant.

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Approved: 3/10/87

Reviewed:

Revised: 9/17/07; 6/10/13; 2/11/19

Transportation to and from the student's attendance center for summer school instructional programs is within the discretion of the Board. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation regarding transportation of students in summer school instructional programs at the expense of the District. In making the recommendation to the Board, the superintendent will consider the financial condition of the District, the number of students involved in summer school programs, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board or the superintendent.

 

The District may use school vehicles for transportation to and from summer extracurricular activities. The superintendent will make a recommendation to the Board regarding their use.

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Approved: 11/14/67

Reviewed:

Revised: 9/17/07; 6/10/13; 2/11/19

District transportation will not operate when weather conditions due to fog, rain, snow or other natural elements make it unsafe to do so. Because weather conditions may vary around the District and may change quickly, the best judgment possible with the information available will be used.

The final judgment as to when conditions are unsafe to operate will be made by the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee. The superintendent or the superintendent’s designee will be assisted by the actual "on location" decisions and reports of the District’s drivers.

When, in the judgment of the bus driver, weather conditions are so poor as to present a hazard when loading or unloading students, the driver will radio the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee for instructions. If radio contact is not possible, the driver will proceed to the next stop which does not present a hazard and make telephone contact personally, with the assistance of a student rider, monitor, or other person.

When school is cancelled because of weather anywhere in the District, all schools will be closed. Commercial radio, television, website and/or automated phone service will be used to notify employees and students when school is cancelled or temporarily delayed.

When weather conditions deteriorate during the day after school has begun, cancellation notices will be announced in a manner as provided above. Students will be returned to their regular drop-off sites, unless weather conditions prevent it. In that case, students will be kept at or returned to school until they are picked up by the parents.

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Approved: 9/15/80

Reviewed: 2/11/19

Revised: 9/17/07; 6/10/13

The Board authorizes the use of video cameras on school transportation as a means to monitor and maintain a safe environment for students and employees. The video cameras may be used to record activity on vehicles used for transportation to and from school, field trips, curricular events and extracurricular events. The contents of the video recordings may be used as evidence in a student and/or employee disciplinary proceeding.

Student Records

The content of the video recordings of student activity while using school transportation may be a student record subject to board policy and administrative regulations regarding confidential student records. Only those persons with a legitimate educational purpose may view a video recording of a student using school transportation. In most instances, those individuals with a legitimate educational purpose may be the superintendent, building principal, transportation director, bus driver and special education staffing team. A video recording recorded during a school-sponsored trip, such as an athletic event, may also be accessible to the sponsor or coach of the activity. If the content of the video recording becomes the subject of a student disciplinary proceeding, it may be treated like other evidence in the proceeding.

 

Employee Records

The content of the video recordings of employee activity while using school transportation may be an employment record, kept in the employee’s personnel file, subject to board policy and administrative regulations regarding confidential personnel records.

 

Notices

The District will annually provide the following notice to students and parents:

The Spirit Lake Community School District Board of Directors has authorized the use of video cameras on school district buses. The video cameras will be used to monitor student behavior to maintain order on the school buses to promote and maintain a safe environment. Students and parents are hereby notified that the content of the videotapes may be used in a student disciplinary proceeding. The content of the videotapes are confidential student records and will be retained with other student records. Videotapes will only be retained if necessary for use in a student disciplinary proceeding or other matter as determined necessary by the administration. Parents may request to view videotapes of their child if the videotapes are used in a disciplinary proceeding involving their child.

 

The District will annually provide the following notice to employees:

The Spirit Lake Community School District Board of Directors has authorized the use of video cameras on school district buses. The video cameras will be used to monitor student and employee behavior to maintain order on the school buses to promote and maintain a safe environment. Employees are hereby notified that the content of the videotapes may be used in an employee disciplinary proceeding. The content of the videotapes may be confidential records and will be retained in the employee’s personnel file. Videotapes will only be retained if necessary for use in an employee disciplinary proceeding or other matter as determined necessary by the administration. Employees may request to view videotapes of their child if the videotapes are placed in the employee’s personnel file.

The following notice will also be placed on all school buses equipped with a video camera:

This bus is equipped with a video/audio monitoring system.

Review of Videotapes

The school district will review videotapes when necessary as a result of an incident reported by a bus driver, student/parent and/or employee.

Viewing of videotapes is limited to the individuals having a legitimate purpose. A written log will be kept of those individuals viewing the videotapes stating the time, name of individual viewing and the date the videotape was viewed.

Video Monitoring System

Video cameras will be used on only a select number of school district buses. Determination of how video cameras will be used and which school buses will be equipped with video equipment will be made by the superintendent in consultation with the building principals and transportation director.

Students and employees are prohibited from tampering with the video cameras on the school buses. Students and employees found in violation of this regulation will be disciplined in accordance with District policies, and may be required to reimburse the District for any repairs or replacement necessary as a result of the tampering.

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Approved:

Reviewed: 2/11/19

Revised: 6/10/13

The District will conduct school bus safe riding practices instruction and emergency safety drills at least twice during the school year for students who utilize District transportation.

Each District vehicle will have a regular emergency safety drill as well as a plan for helping those students who require special assistance to safety during an emergency. This will include, but not be limited to, students with disabilities.

District vehicle drivers are required to attend each safety drill. Employees are responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed during an emergency, as well as safe riding practices.

All school personnel and designees must wear seat belts while operating school and private vehicles for school functions. All school personnel must use the tire protective cage when inflating or deflating a tire used on school buses and tractors.

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Approved: 9/17/07

Reviewed: 2/11/19

Revised: 6/10/13

The Board shall carry insurance on all school owned, leased or borrowed motor vehicles, including buses. The following type and amounts of insurance should be carried:

Comprehensive Auto Liability Insurance

Bodily Injury & Property Damage (at least)	$2,000,000 Single Limit
Medical Payments (at least)	$5,000 Each person
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (at least) Accident Auto Physical Damage Insurance	$1,000,000 Each Accident

All covered vehicles are afforded actual cash value comprehensive and $1,000 collision deductible as recommended by our insurance representative.

The automobile liability and medical payment insurance shall provide coverage for all activities and during all time periods as specified by the Board in accordance with the law.

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Approved: 11/14/67

Reviewed: 12/8/03

Revised: 9/17/07; 6/10/13; 2/11/19

The Board has sole discretion to determine the method to be utilized for transporting non-resident school students. Non-resident students paying tuition may be transported on an established public school vehicle route as long as such transportation does not interfere with resident public students' transportation. Non-resident students will obtain the permission of the superintendent or designee prior to being transported by the District.

Parents of resident students who provide transportation for their children attending a non-public school accredited by the Iowa Department of Education will be reimbursed at the established state rate. This reimbursement is paid only if the District receives the funds from the state. If less than the amount of funds necessary to fully reimburse parents of the non-public students is received by the school district, the funds will be prorated.

Continued transportation of non-resident students on a public school vehicle route will be subject to resident public school students' transportation needs. The superintendent will make a recommendation to the Board regarding the method to be used. In making a recommendation to the Board, the superintendent will consider the number of students to be transported, the capacity of the school vehicles, the financial condition of the District and other factors deemed relevant by the Board or the superintendent.

Non-resident students are subject to the same conduct regulations as resident public students as prescribed by Board policy, and to other policies, rules, or regulations developed by the District regarding transportation of students by the District.

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Approved: 5/8/89

Reviewed:

Revised: 9/17/07; 6/10/13; 2/11/19

District vehicles may be made available to local non-profit entities which promote cultural. educational, civic, community, or recreational activities for transporting to and from non-school- sponsored activities within the state as long as the transportation does not interfere with or disrupt the education program of the District and does not interfere with or delay the transportation of students. The local non-profit entity must pay the cost of using the District vehicle as per the current fee schedule.

Prior to making the District transportation vehicle available to the local non-profit entity, the school bus signs shall be covered and the flashing warning lamps and the stop arm made inoperable.

Any use of District vehicles by non-school groups shall be subject to the following guidelines:

1. Requests must be made a minimum of one (1) week in advance. If the request interferes or conflicts with District use of the vehicle, the request will be denied. The final decision of whether a request will be granted is within the discretion of the administration.
2. Requests must be made by recognized youth organizations and/or groups or organizations sponsoring projects in the interest of the local community, state or national benefit or welfare.
3. The rental period will be negotiated directly with the administration.
4. Adult chaperones may be required to accompany the bus driver and riders.
5. All requests will be charged bus and driver fees.
6. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are prohibited on school district vehicles.
7. Whenever damage caused by vandalism or carelessness results, the group shall reimburse the school district for cost of repairs and may be denied further use of District vehicles.

 

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Approved: 11/20/90

Reviewed: 2/11/19

Revised: 9/17/07; 6/10/13

It is the goal of Spirit Lake Community School District Transportation Department to provide the safest student transportation possible. Beginning in 2020-2021, the District is purchasing school buses equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts. The District requires that all students riding a school district bus equipped with seat belts wear seat belts while the bus is in motion.

All students will receive instruction on the proper use of seat belts during the twice annual bus safety drills. Drivers are not responsible (i.e. liable) for students wearing seat belts while riding. Drivers are responsible for instructing students to put on seat belts prior to bus departure.

Students who may require assistance in using seat belts should ask the bus driver for help, so that all students are safely belted in their seat before the bus is in motion. Drivers will announce prior to the bus leaving that each student needs to be in their seat with the seat belt fastened.

Students refusing to use seat belts create a safety concern for themselves and others, and are subject to school district disciplinary actions. Repeated refusal to wear seat belts can result in suspension from bus riding privileges.

 

 

 

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Approved: 9/14/20                                      Reviewed:                                      Revised: