The Board believes inappropriate student conduct causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment, interferes with the rights of others, or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors on school premises. Appropriate classroom behavior allows teachers to communicate more effectively with students.

Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on District property or on property within the jurisdiction of the District; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the District. Consequences for the misconduct will be fair and developmentally appropriate in light of the circumstances.

Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be disciplined for conduct which disrupts or interferes with the education program; conduct which disrupts the orderly and efficient operation of the District or school activity; conduct which disrupts the rights of other students to participate in or obtain their education; conduct that is violent or destructive; or conduct which interrupts the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere. Disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion.

Teachers and/or others who are in charge of a classroom must be the administrators of classroom discipline. Therefore, minor disciplinary offenses are the responsibility and obligation of the classroom teacher. When a situation arises wherein the educational process is substantially interfered with, it then becomes the responsibility of the administration to assist in the disposition of the discipline problem.

Sanctions for Misconduct

The District may impose a range of disciplinary measures for acts of misconduct. Disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion. Discipline will be administered depending on the severity and frequency of the acts of misconduct. The imposition of discipline will be within the discretion of the individual responsible for imposing the discipline. In instances where there has been a violation of the law, as well as school rules, appropriate law enforcement officials will be contacted and may become involved in the District's administration of discipline. The school reserves the right to seek restitution from the parents/guardians of a student or the student for damage caused by the student.

Removal from the classroom means a student is sent to the building principal's office. It is within the discretion of the person in charge of the classroom to remove the student.

Detention means the student's presence is required during non-school hours for disciplinary purposes. The student can be required to appear prior to the beginning of the school day, after school has been dismissed for the day, or on a Saturday. Whether a student will serve detention, and the length of the detention, is within the discretion of the licensed employee disciplining the student or the building principal.

Suspension means; either an in-school suspension, an out-of-school suspension, a restriction from activities or loss of eligibility. An in-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision. An in- school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days. An out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities. An out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten days. A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in other school activities.

Probation means a student is given a conditional suspension of a penalty for a definite period of time in addition to being reprimanded. The conditional suspension will mean the student must meet the conditions and terms for the suspension of the penalty. Failure of the student to meet these conditions and terms will result in immediate reinstatement of the penalty.

Expulsion means an action by the Board to remove a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, for a period of time set by the Board.

This policy is not intended to address the use of therapeutic classrooms or seclusion rooms for students.

Discipline of special education students, including suspensions and expulsions, will comply with the provisions of applicable federal and state laws.

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Approved: 1/9/84                                              Reviewed:  6/10/19                                          Revised: 11/9/09; 5/13/13

Only the board may remove a student from the school environment for more than ten (10) consecutive school days.

Students may be expelled for violations of board policy, school rules or the law. It is within the discretion of the Board to discipline a student by using an expulsion for a single offense or for a series of offenses depending on the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the offense.

It is within the discretion of the Superintendent to recommend to the Board the expulsion of a student for disciplinary purposes. Only the Board may take action to expel a student and to re- admit the student. The principal will keep records of expulsions in addition to the Board's records.

When a student is recommended for expulsion by the Board, the student is provided with:

1. Notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion;
2. Notice of the date, time, and place of the expulsion hearing sufficiently in advance of the hearing; 
3. Notice that the student is entitled to a closed hearing unless an open hearing is specifically requested;
4. The names of the witnesses and an oral or written report on the facts to which each witness testifies unless the witnesses are students whose names may be released at the discretion of the Superintendent;
5. Notice that the student will be given an opportunity to present a defense against the charges and to provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses;
6. Notice that the student has the right to be represented by counsel; and
7. The results and finding of the Board in writing open to the student's inspection.

At the hearing, the student will have all of the rights given in the notice and may give an opening and closing statement in addition to calling witnesses and addressing adverse witnesses. 

After the Board has heard the expulsion matter, it shall go into deliberations. No one who advocated a position at the hearing of the matter should be present during the Board’s deliberations unless the other party or parties are also permitted to attend deliberations.  Following the Board’s deliberations, the Board shall reconvene in open session and render its decision on the Superintendent’ recommendation for expulsion. 

In addition to these procedures, a special education student must be provided with additional procedures. A determination should be made of whether the student is actually guilty of the misconduct. A staffing team should determine whether the student's behavior is caused by the student's disability and whether the conduct is the result of inappropriate placement. Discussions and conclusions of this meeting should be recorded.

If the special education student's conduct is not caused by the disability, the student may be expelled or suspended for a long-term period following written notice to the parent and pursuant to the school district's expulsion hearing procedures. If the misconduct is caused by the disability and a change in placement is recommended, the change must be made pursuant to the placement procedures used by the District. 

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Approved:  1/9/73                           Reviewed: 6/10/19                              Revised:  11//9/09; 5/13/13; 7/14/25

The Board believes students should respect District property and assist in its preservation for future use by others. Students may be assessed fines, charges, or fees for the materials needed in a course, for overdue school materials, for participating in activities, or for misuse of school property.

The Superintendent will inform the Board of the dollar amount to be charged to students or others for fines, charges, or fees annually. Parents of students meeting specific financial eligibility standards will be eligible for a waiver of student fees or a reduction of student fees based upon the request of the parent. Fines or charges assessed for damage or loss to school property are not fees and will not be waived.

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Approved: 8/12/96                             Reviewed:  6/10/19                                       Revised: 11/9/09; 5/13/13; 7/14/25

Spirit Lake High School offers a variety of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities for high school students, designed to enhance their classroom education. Participation in school extra- curricular and co-curricular activities is a privilege. School activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and abilities in the students during their school years and for a lifetime.

Students who participate in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities serve as ambassadors of the school district throughout the calendar year, whether away from school or at school. Students who wish to have the privilege of participating in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities must conduct themselves in accordance with good conduct policy and must refrain from activities which are illegal, immoral, or unhealthy. Good conduct policy information is found in the high school handbook.

Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be subject to disciplinary measures. The principal shall keep records of violations of the good conduct rule.

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Approved: 11/15/67                                  Reviewed:   6/10/19                                        Revised: 6/11/12; 5/13/13, 7/11/18; 7/14/25

The use of corporal punishment, mechanical restraint and/or prone restraint is prohibited in all schools.  Corporal punishment is defined as the intentional physical punishment of a student.  It includes the use of unreasonable or unnecessary physical force or physical contact made with the intent to harm or cause pain.  No employee is prohibited from any of the following which are not considered corporal punishment:

• Using reasonable and necessary force, not designed or intended to cause pain, in order to accomplish any of the following:

  • To quell a disturbance or prevent an act that threatens physical harm to any person.

  • To obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object(s) within a student's control.

  • For the purposes of self-defense or defense of others as provided for in Iowa Code section 704.03.

  • For the protection of property as provided for in IOWA CODE section 704.04 or 704.05.

  • To remove a disruptive student from class or any area of school premises or from school-sponsored activities off school premises.

  • To protect a student from the self-infliction of harm.

  • To protect the safety of others.
     

• Using incidental, minor, or reasonable physical contact to maintain order and control.

Mechanical restraint means the use of a device as a means of restricting a student’s freedom of movement. Mechanical restraint does not mean a device used by a trained individual for specific approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the device was designed and, if applicable, prescribed, including restraints for medical immobilization, adaptive devices or mechanical supports used to allow greater freedom of mobility than would be possible without use of such devices or mechanical supports; and vehicle safety restraints when used as intended during the transport of a student in a moving vehicle.  

Prone restraint means any restraint in which the student is held face down on the floor.  

Reasonable force should be commensurate with the circumstances of the situation.  The following factors should be considered in using reasonable physical force for the reasons stated in this policy:

1. The size and physical, mental, and psychological condition of the student;

2. The nature of the student's behavior or misconduct provoking the use of physical force;

3. The instrumentality used in applying the physical force;

4. The extent and nature of resulting injury to the student, if any, including mental and psychological injury;

5. The motivation of the school employee using physical force.

Upon request, the student's parents are given an explanation of the reasons for physical force.

Approved: 7/14/25                            Reviewed:                                              Revised:

It is the goal of the district that all students can learn and grow in a safe and peaceful environment that nurtures the student and models respect for oneself and others.  On occasion, trained district employees and others may have to use behavior management interventions, physical restraint and/or seclusion of students.  The goal of these interventions is to promote the dignity, care, safety, welfare and security of each child and the school community.  With this objective in mind, the district will prioritize the use of the least restrictive behavioral interventions appropriate for the situation. 

Physical restraint means a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move the student’s arms, legs, body, or head freely.  Physical restraint does not mean a technique used by trained school personnel, or used by a student, for the specific and approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the technique was designed and, if applicable, prescribed.  Physical restraint does not include instructional strategies, such as physically guiding a student during an educational task, hand-shaking, hugging, or other non-disciplinary physical contact.  

Seclusion means the involuntary confinement of a child in a seclusion room or area from which the child is prevented or prohibited from leaving; however, preventing a child from leaving a classroom or school building are not considered seclusion.  Seclusion does not include instances when a school employee is present within the room and providing services to the child, such as crisis intervention or instruction.  

Physical restraint or seclusion is reasonable or necessary only:

• To prevent or terminate an imminent threat of bodily injury to the student or others; or

• To prevent serious damage to property of significant monetary value or significant nonmonetary value or importance; or

• When the student’s actions seriously disrupt the learning environment or when physical restraint or seclusion is necessary to ensure the safety of the student or others; and

• When less restrictive alternatives to seclusion or physical restraint would not be effective, would not be feasible under the circumstances, or have failed in preventing or terminating the imminent threat or behavior; and

• When the physical restraint or seclusion complies with all applicable laws.

Prior to using physical restraint or seclusion, employees must receive training in accordance with the law.  Any individual who is not employed by the district but whose duties could require the individual to use or be present during the use of physical restraint or seclusion on a student will be invited to participate in the same training offered to employees on this topic.  

When required by law, the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee will ensure a post-occurrence debriefing meeting is held, maintain documentation and fulfill all reporting requirements for each occurrence of physical restraint or seclusion as required by law.  

Approved:  7/14/25                                   Reviewed:                                          Revised:

Discipline Policy 

Discipline is designed to promote behavior that will enable students to learn and successfully participate in their educational and social environments. The district discipline policy for students who make a threat of violence or commit an act of violence is developed to help students understand their obligations to others in the school setting, secure the safety of all students, staff and the community, and to correct student behavior if a violation occurs (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604, sec. 7, new section 279.79A). 

Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting their age, grade level, and maturity, and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district. Consequences for the misconduct will be fair and tailored to the age, grade level and maturity of the student. Discipline and other responses to threats or incidents of violence by a student with a disability, including removal from a class, placement in a therapeutic classroom, suspensions, and expulsions, will comply with the provisions of applicable federal and state laws including, but not limited to, the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79A).

District Response to a Threat or Incident of Violence

In the case of any threat of violence or incident of violence that results in injury, property damage or assault by a student, the teacher will report to the school principal or lead administrator within 24 hours of the incident. The principal or lead administrator will notify the parent or guardian of the student(s) who threatened or perpetrated an act of violence and the student(s) who the threatened or perpetrated act of violence was made against within 24 hours after receipt of the teacher’s report and complete an investigation of the incident as soon as possible. The classroom teacher may also notify the parent or guardian of the student who made the threat or caused the incident, and the parent or guardian of the student against whom the threat or incident was directed (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 4).

An investigation will be initiated by the principal or lead administrator upon learning of an incident of violence or threat of violence through any credible means. If the principal or lead administrator finds that an incident of violence or threat of violence did occur, the administrator will determine the level of threat or incident by considering all aspects of the situation, including the student's intent and knowledge of the impact of their actions, their developmental level and context of the incident. The resolution will focus on identifying the cause behind the behavior and appropriate corrective action (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79A, subsections 1 and 4). 

A student who makes a threat of violence, causes an incident of violence that results in injury or property damage, or who commits an assault, will be subject to escalating levels of discipline for each occurrence. When appropriate, referrals will be made to local law enforcement. The district retains the authority to assign the level of disciplinary measures appropriate to the severity of the threat of violence or incident of violence (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 5). 

Threat of Violence 

Threat of violence means a written, verbal, electronic or behavioral message that either explicitly or implicitly expresses an intention to inflict emotional or physical injury, property damage, or assault.

Incident of Violence

Incident of violence means the intentional use of physical force or power against oneself, another person, a group or community or property resulting in injury, property damage or assault. Injury means “physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical condition.” State v. McKee, 312 N.W.2d 907, 913 (Iowa 1981). 

Property Damage 

Property damage means any destruction, damage, impairment or alteration of property to which the individual does not have a right to take such an action. Property means real property, which includes any real estate, building, or fixture attached to a building or structure, and personal property, which includes intangible property (Iowa Code section 4.1(21)). 

Assault

Assault means when, without justification, a student does any of the following: 

     an act which is intended to cause pain or injury to, or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive.       to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate               physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or                        intentionally points any firearm toward another or displays in a threatening manner any dangerous weapon toward another. 

The act is not an assault when the person doing any of the above and the other person are voluntary participants in a sport, social or other activity, not in itself criminal, when the act is a reasonably foreseeable incident of such sport or activity, and does not create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or breach of the peace (Following Iowa Code section 708.1).

____________________________________________________________________________________

Approved:   4/14/24                              Reviewed:                                               Revised: 7/14/25

In order to promote the best educational experience, students should feel connected to their educational environment and to others in the school community. Building meaningful connections can occur in a variety of ways. Technology has advanced peoples' ability to connect with one another across a variety of virtual platforms, and when used appropriately, adds value to the learning environment. However, it is vital to the developmental health and growth of students that the district provides opportunities for students to connect with peers and other members of their school community in-person whenever possible. In-person learning and interactions teach vital life and social skills that students will need for their continued success in the community. 

For this reason, student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time is prohibited. Students have access to district-owned electronic devices as appropriate for the instructional needs of the learning environment and authorized by the classroom teacher. Parents or guardians who need to communicate with students during instructional time may contact the school building office.

Instructional time is defined to mean periods of classroom instruction from the beginning of class bell until the end of class bell and includes lunch, recess, and passing periods at the elementary and middle school.

Personal electronic devices means any device that is capable of electronically communicating, sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing and/or displaying information and data. This may include but is not limited to electronic communication equipment, mobile phones, smart phones, video game devices and portable media players. With the exception of the elementary, students may wear smart or electronic watches but may not use any communication applications or features that are prohibited from use on other electronic devices and all notifications must be turned off. Personal electronic devices that have been specifically authorized under a current individual education plan (IEP), a Section 504 plan, or an Individual Health Plan (IHP) are exempt from this policy. 

Parents or guardians of students may request to building level administration that a student retain access to the student's personal electronic device during instructional time if the parent or guardian can establish there is a legitimate reason related to the student's mental or physical health for the student to retain access during instructional time. This reason must be tied to the student's multi-tiered system of support framework. Any denials may be appealed to the Superintendent, who will be the final decision maker on the request. 

Students who choose to use personal electronic devices outside instructional time but while on school property, at school-sponsored events, or in a manner that may impact the educational environment must use these devices in accordance with all applicable laws and board policies. Students who violate this policy may face disciplinary consequences up to and including suspension or expulsion. 

Approved: 7/14/25             Reviewed:                 Revised:

The Board recognizes the importance of maintaining student records and preserving their confidentiality. For purposes of this policy and other policies relating to student records, student is defined as an enrolled individual in a pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, including children in school district-sponsored child care programs.

Student records containing personally identifiable information are kept confidential at collection, storage, disclosure, and destruction stages. The Board secretary is the custodian of student records. Student records may be maintained in the central administration office or administrative office of the student's attendance center.

Parents and eligible students will have access to the student's records during the regular business hours of the District. An eligible student is a student who has reached eighteen years of age or is attending an institution of post-secondary education at the post high school level. Parents of an eligible student are provided access to the student records only with the written permission of the eligible student unless the eligible student is defined as a dependent by the Internal Revenue Code. In that case, the parents may be provided access without the written permission of the student. A representative of the parents or eligible student, who has received written permission from the parents or eligible student, may inspect and review a special education student's records. Parents, other than parents of an eligible student, may be denied access to a student's records if the District has a court order stating such or when the District has been advised under the appropriate laws that the parents may not access the student records. Parents may inspect an instrument used for the purpose of collection of student personal information prior to the instrument’s use.

A student record may contain information on more than one student. Parents will have the right to access the information relating to their student or to be informed of the information. Eligible students will also have the right to access the information relating to themselves or be informed of the information.

Parents and eligible students will have a right to access the student's records upon request without unnecessary delay and in no instance more than forty-five (45) calendar days after the request is made. Parents, an eligible student or an authorized representative of the parents will have the right to access the student's records prior to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting or hearing.

Copies of student records will be provided if failure to do so would effectively prevent the parents or student from exercising the right to access the student records. Fees for copies of the records are waived if it would prevent the parents or student from accessing the records. A fee may not be charged to search or retrieve information from student records.

Upon the request of parents or an eligible student, the District will provide an explanation and interpretation of the student records and a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained or used by the District.

If the parents or an eligible student believes the information in the student record is inaccurate, misleading or violates the privacy or other rights of the student, the parents or an eligible student may request that the District amend the student records. The District will decide whether to amend the student records within a reasonable time after receipt of the request. If the District determines an amendment is made to the student record, the District will make the amendment and inform the parents or the eligible student of the decision in writing.

If the District determines that amendment of the student's record is not appropriate, it will inform the parents or the eligible student of their right to a hearing before the hearing officer provided by the District. If the parents' and the eligible student's request to amend the student record is further denied following the hearing, the parents or the eligible student are informed that they have a right to place an explanatory letter in the student record commenting on the District's decision and/or setting forth the reasoning for disagreeing with the District. Additions to the student's records will become a part of the student record and be maintained like other student records. If the District discloses the student records, the explanation by the parents will also be disclosed. Student records may be disclosed in limited circumstances without parental or eligible student's written permission. When a disclosure is made without parental or eligible student’s written permission, it is disclosed on the condition that the student record will not be disclosed to a third party without the written permission of the parents or the eligible student. This disclosure may be made to the following individuals or under the following circumstances:

1. to school officials within the District and AEA personnel whom the superintendent has determined to have a legitimate educational interest, including, but not limited to, Board members, employees, school attorney, auditor, health professionals, and individuals serving official school committees;

2. to officials of another school District in which the student wishes to enroll, provided the other school District notifies the parents the student records are being sent and the parents have an opportunity to receive a copy of the records and challenge the contents of the records unless the annual notification includes a provision that records will automatically be transferred to new school Districts;

3. to the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education or state and local educational authorities;

4. in connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received if the information is necessary to receive the financial aid;

5. to organizations and/or their authorized representatives conducting audits, evaluations and/or studies to evaluate the effectiveness of education programs, provided the district has a written agreement with the organization conducting the audit, evaluation and/or study;

6. to accrediting organizations;

7. to parents of a dependent student as defined in the Internal Revenue Code;

8. to comply with a court order or judicially issued subpoena consistent with an interagency agreement between the District and juvenile justice agencies;

9. in connection with a health or safety emergency;

10. to authorized representatives of the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representative from the Food and Nutrition Service for the purposes of conducting program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements of state and local educational and other agencies and institutions receiving funding for or providing a school lunch program for which the results will be reported in an aggregate form that does not identify any individual, provided that the data collected shall be protected in a manner that will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents to anyone other than those authorized under this paragraph and any personally identifiable data shall be destroyed when the data are no longer needed for program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements;

11. to an agency caseworker or other representative of a state or local child welfare agency or tribal organization authorized to access a student’s case plan when such agency or organization is legally responsible for the care and protection of the student, provided that the education records or the personally identifiable information contained in such records of the student will not be disclosed by such agency or organization, except to an individual or entity engaged in addressing the student’s education needs and authorized by such agency or organization to receive such disclosure and such disclosure is consistent with the state or tribal laws applicable to protecting the confidentiality of a student’s education records; or

12. as directory information.

The Superintendent will keep a list of the individuals and their positions who are authorized to view a special education student's records without the permission of the parents or the eligible student. Individuals not listed are not allowed access without parental or an eligible student's written permission. This list must be current and available for public inspection and updated as changes occur.

The Superintendent will also keep a list of individuals, agencies, and organizations which have requested or obtained access to a student's records, the date access was given and their legitimate educational interest or purpose for which they were authorized to view the records. The Superintendent, however, does not need to keep a list of the parents, authorized educational employees, officers and agencies of the District who have accessed the student's records. This list for a student record may be accessed by the parents, the eligible student, and the custodian of student records.

Permanent student records, including a student's name, address, phone number, grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed and year completed may be maintained without time limitation. Permanent student records will be kept in a fire-safe vault. When personally identifiable information, other than permanent student records, no longer needs to be maintained by the District to provide educational services to a special education student, the parents or eligible student are notified. This notice is normally given after a student graduates or otherwise leaves the District. If the parents or eligible student request that the personally identifiable information be destroyed, the District will destroy the records. Prior to the destruction of the records, the District must inform the parents or eligible student the records may be needed by the parents or eligible student for social security benefits or other purposes. In the absence of parents or an eligible student's request to destroy the records, the District must maintain the records for at least three years after an individual is determined to be no longer eligible for special education.

The District will cooperate with the juvenile justice system in sharing information contained in permanent student records regarding students who have become involved with the juvenile justice system. The District will enter into an interagency agreement with the juvenile justice agencies involved.

The purpose of the agreement is to allow for the sharing of information prior to a student's adjudication in order to promote and collaborate between the District and the agencies to improve school safety, reduce alcohol and illegal drug use, reduce truancy, reduce in-school and out-of-school suspensions, and to support alternatives to in-school and out-of-school suspensions and expulsions which provide structured and well supervised educational programs supplemented by coordinated and appropriate services designed to correct behaviors that lead to truancy, suspension, and expulsions and to support students in successfully completing their education.

The District may share any information with the agencies contained in a student's permanent record which is directly related to the juvenile justice system's ability to effectively serve the student. Prior to adjudication, information contained in the permanent record may be disclosed by the District to the parties without parental consent or court order. Information contained in a student's permanent record may be disclosed by the District to the agencies after adjudication only with parental consent or a court order. Information shared pursuant to the agreement is used solely for determining the programs and services appropriate to the needs of the student or student's family or coordinating the delivery of programs and services to the student or student's family. Information shared under the agreement is not admissible in any court proceedings, which take place prior to a disposition hearing, unless written consent is obtained from a student's parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian.

Confidential information shared between the District and the agencies will remain confidential and will not be shared with any other person, unless otherwise provided by law. Information shared under the agreement is not admissible in any court proceedings, which take place prior to a disposition hearing, unless written consent is obtained from a student's parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian. The District may discontinue information sharing with an agency if the District determines that the agency has violated the intent or letter of the agreement. Agencies will contact the principal of the attendance center where the student is currently or was enrolled. The principal will then forward copies of the records within 10 business days of the request.

The District will provide training or instruction to employees about parents' and eligible students' rights under this policy. Employees will also be informed about the procedures for carrying out this policy.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to annually notify parents and eligible students of their right to inspect and review the student's records. The notice is given in a parents' or eligible student's native language. Should the District collect personal information from students for the purposes of marketing or selling that information, the District will annually notify parents of such activity.

The notice will include a statement that the parents have a right to file a complaint alleging the District failed to comply with this policy. Complaints are forwarded to Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.

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Approved: 1/13/93                             Reviewed: 6/10/19                                                 Revised: 8/13/12; 5/13/13

To: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________________

Board Secretary, Custodian of Records

 Spirit Lake Community School District

I, the undersigned, believe certain student records of a student, ___________________________ (full legal name of student), a student at Spirit Lake Community School District to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights under state and federal law.

The student records which I believe are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights under state and federal law are: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The reason(s) I believe these student records to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights under state and federal law are: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I have the following relationship to the student: _______________________________________

I understand that I will be notified in writing of the time and place of the hearing; that I will be notified in writing of the decision; and I have the right to appeal the decision by so notifying the hearing officer in writing within ten days after my receipt of the decision or a right to place a statement in my child's record stating I disagree with the decision and why.

________________________________________    __________________________________________   

(Signature)                                                                   (Address)

 ______________________________________        ______________________________________

(Printed Name)                                                             (City, State, Zip Code)

 ______________________________________

(Phone Number)

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Student records are all official records, files, and data directly related to students, including all material incorporated into each student's cumulative record folder and intended for school use or to be available to parties outside the school or school system specifically including, but not necessarily limited to: dates of attendance; academic work completed; level of achievement (grades, standardized test scores); attendance data; scores on standardized intelligence, aptitude, and psychological tests; interest inventory results; health data; family background information; teacher or counselor ratings and observations; and verified reports of serious or recurrent behavior patterns.

The intent of this regulation is to establish procedures for granting requests from parents for access to their child's records, use of the data, and procedures for its transmittal within forty-five (45) calendar days.

1. Access to Records
   
   1. The parent or legal guardian of a student will have access to these records upon written request to the Board secretary and/or building administrator. The parent or legal guardian will have the opportunity to receive an interpretation of the records, have the right to question the data, and, if a difference of opinion is noted, shall be permitted to file a letter in the cumulative folder stating the dissenting person's position. If further challenge is made to the record, the normal appeal procedures established by school policy will be followed.
   2. A student, eighteen (18) years or older, has the right to determine who, outside the school system, has access to the records. Parents of students who are eighteen (18) years or older, but still dependents for income tax purposes may access the student's records without prior permission of the student.
   3. School officials having access to student records are defined as having a legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, AEA employee, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as disciplinary or grievance committee or student assistance team or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
2. Release of Information to External Parties
   
   1. To release student records to other school(s) in which the student intends to enroll, the parent, legal guardian or eligible student must be notified of the transfer and the kinds of information being released unless the District annually notifies parents that the records will be sent automatically.
   2. Student records may be released to official education and other government agencies only if allowed by state or federal law.
   3. To release student records to other persons or agencies, written consent and/or authorization shall be given by the parent, legal guardian or a student of majority age. This consent and/or authorization form will state which records are released, to whom they are released, and the reason for the release. A copy of the specific records being released will be made available to the person signing the release form if requested.
   4. Before furnishing student records in compliance with judicial orders or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena, the District will make a reasonable attempt to notify the parents, legal guardian or eligible student are notified in advance.
   5. Student records may be shared with juvenile justice agencies with which the District has an interagency agreement. This information is shared without prior parental consent. The agreement is a public document available for inspection.
3.  Hearing Procedures
   
   1. Upon parental request, the District will hold a hearing regarding the content of a student's records which the parent believes to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the privacy rights of students.
   2. The hearing will be held within a reasonable time after receipt of the parent or eligible student's request. The parent or eligible student will receive reasonable advance notice of date, time, and place of the hearing.
   3. The hearing officer may be an employee of the District so long as the employee does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.
   4. The parents or eligible student will be given a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues. The parent or eligible student may be represented by an individual of their choice at their own expense.
   5. The hearing officer will render a written decision within a reasonable period after the hearing. The decision will be based upon evidence presented at the hearing and must include a summary of the evidence and the reasons for the decision.
   6. The parents may appeal the hearing officer’s decision to the superintendent within five (5) calendar days if the superintendent does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.
   7. The parents may appeal the superintendent's decision, or the hearing officer’s decision if the superintendent was unable to hear the appeal, to the Board within five (5) calendar days. It is within the discretion of the Board to hear the appeal.

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The undersigned hereby requests permission to examine and/or receive copies of the Spirit Lake Community School District's official student records of:

____________________________________                       _____________________________

(Legal Name of Student)                                                       (Date of Birth)

The undersigned requests to examine and/or receive copies of the following official student records of the above student:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

The undersigned certifies that they are the parent and/or legal guardian or of the above student or that they are the above student.

The undersigned (check one):

( ) does want copies of the above-stated student records. I understand that the District may

     charge me a reasonable fee for copies.

 ( ) does not want copies of the above-stated student records.

___________________________________

(Signature)

___________________________________

(Printed Name)

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The undersigned hereby authorizes the ___________________ Community School District and any of its agents to release official student records of:

__________________________________________            _____________________________

(Legal Name of Student)                                                        (Date of Birth)

__________________________________________            _____________________________

(Name of Last School Attended)                                            (Dates of Attendance)

The undersigned specifically authorizes the release of the following official student records of the above student: (If no records are specified, the undersigned authorized the release of all student records of the above student.) ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

The reason for the authorization:______________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Copies of the records shall be furnished to the following (check all that apply):

( ) the undersigned

( ) the student

( ) other (please specify:_____________________________________________________________________________

The undersigned has the following relationship to the student: _______________________________________________

______________________________________        ___________________________________

(Signature)                                                                   (Address)

______________________________________        ___________________________________

(Printed Name)                                                            (City, State, Zip Code)

                                                                                     ___________________________________

                                                                                    (Phone Number)

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Student directory information is designed to be used internally within the school District. For purposes of this policy and other policies relating to student directory information, student is defined as an enrolled individual in a pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, including children in school district-sponsored child care programs. Directory information is defined in the annual notice. It may include the student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, e- mail address, grade level, enrollment status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, student ID number that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), user ID or other unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), photograph and other likeness, and other similar information.

The District may designate that certain directory information is available to specific parties and/or for a specific purpose.

Prior to developing a student directory or to giving general information to the public, parents of students, and parents of children homeschooled in the school district, will be given notice annually of the intent to develop a directory or to give out general information and have the opportunity to deny the inclusion of their child's information in the directory or in the general information about the students.

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to provide notice and to determine the method of notice that will inform parents.

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The student handbook or similar publication given to each student which contains general information about the school shall contain the following statement, which shall be published at least annually in a prominent place or in a newspaper of general circulation in the District:

The following information may be released to the public as follows in regard to any individual student of the District as needed. Any student over the age of eighteen or parent not wanting this information released to the public must make objection in writing by October 1st of this school year to the principal. The objection needs to be renewed annually.

Name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, e-mail address, grade level, enrollment status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, student ID number that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), user ID or other unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), photograph and other likeness, and other similar information.

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You have the right to refuse the designation of any or all of the categories of personally identifiable information as directory information with respect to your student provided that you notify the District in writing prior to the start of the school year or upon admission to the District. If you desire to make such a refusal, please complete and return the slip attached to this notice.

If you have no objection to the use of student information, you do not need to take any action.

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RETURN THIS FORM

Student Name:__________________________________________ Date of Birth: ____________________________

School: ________________________________________________ Grade: _________________

______________________________________________                 ________________________

(Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian/Custodian of Child)                     (Date)

This form must be returned to your child's school no later than __________________, 20______.

Additional forms are available at your child's school.

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Approved:                                        Reviewed:  6/10/19                                          Revised: 5/13/13

Student library circulation records are designed to be used internally to assist in the orderly administration of District libraries. As a general rule, student library circulation records are considered confidential records and will not be released without parental consent. Individuals who may access such records include a student's parents, the student, school officials, authorized government officials from the U.S. Comptroller General, the Secretary of Education, the Commissioner and Director of the National Institute of Education, and the Assistant Secretary for Education and State Education Department.

Appropriate authorities in a health or safety emergency may access the student's library circulation records without the approval or the notification of the student's parents. Parents may not access records, without the student's permission, of a student who has reached the age of majority or who is attending a post-secondary educational institution unless the student is considered a dependent for tax purposes.

It is the teacher-librarian's responsibility, as the person maintaining the student library circulation records, to approve requests for access to student library circulation records. Students' library circulation records may be accessed during the regular business hours of the District. If copies of documents are requested, a fee for such copying is charged.

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