PRINCIPLES and OBJECTIVES FOR COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Successful education programs require the support of the community. The Board recognizes this support is dependent on the District community's understanding of and participation in the efforts, goals, and programs of the District.
The superintendent shall be responsible for initiating and administering a continuous program of communication within the community. The superintendent shall utilize school personnel and media in discharging this responsibility.
In striving to obtain the support of the District community, the Board will:
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Approved: 11/14/67 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 12/12/11; 7/8/13; 10/13/25 |
Public records of the District may be viewed by the public during the regular business hours of the administration offices of the District. These hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays and recesses.
Persons wishing to view the District’s public records should contact the Board secretary, as custodian of district records or their designee, and make arrangements for the viewing. The Board secretary, as custodian of district records or their designee, should 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 submitting a request for said records in writing, including submitting an electronic request. The District may require pre-payment of the costs prior to copying and mailing.
Persons wanting copies may be assessed a fee for the copy. Persons wanting compilation of information may be assessed a fee for the time of the employee to review and compile the requested information. Costs fro 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 District will only occur when the event is sponsored by the District.
Records defined by law as confidential records may be viewed or copied only in accordance with the law. Pursuant to Iowa law, the board has determined certain records need to be confidential as their disclosure could jeopardize the safety of persons or property and include, but are not limited to, the following:
It is the responsibility of the Board secretary to maintain accurate and current records of the District. It is the responsibility of the Board secretary,as custodian of district records or their designee, to respond in a timely manner to requests for viewing and receiving public information of the District.
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Approved: 2/12/90 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 12/12/11; 7/8/13; 10/13/25 |
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 news 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 District. It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in consultation with the Board president as appropriate, to respond to inquiries from the news media about the District.
Members of the news media seeking information about the 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 District.
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Approved: 2/12/90 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 12/12/11; 7/8/13; 10/13/25 |
The Board president, on behalf of the Board, and/or the superintendent on behalf of the District, may hold a news conference or respond to a request for an interview with the news media. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the Board apprised of news conferences and interviews.
News conferences and interviews planned or pre-arranged for District activities shall include a representative of the Board and the superintendent. News conferences for issues requiring an immediate response may be held by the superintendent. It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether a news conference or interview shall be held to provide an immediate response to an issue.
District personnel shall refer interview requests and information requests from the news media to the superintendent. District personnel may be interviewed or provide information about District matters only after receiving permission from the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee. It shall be within the discretion of the Superintendent to allow news media to interview and to receive information from District personnel.
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Approved: 2/12/90 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 12/12/11; 7/8/13; 10/13/25 |
The Superintendent will determine when a news release about internal District and Board matters will be issued. In making this determination, the superintendent will strive to keep the media and the District community accurately and objectively informed. Further, the superintendent will strive to create and maintain a positive image for the District.
It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to approve news releases originating within the District prior to their release.
News releases will be prepared and disseminated to news media in the District community. Questions about news releases will be directed to the Superintendent.
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Approved: 11/14/67 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 12/12/11; 7/8/13; 10/13/25 |
The Board values the participation and the support of District-community groups, including, but not limited to, the booster club and parent organizations, which strive for the betterment of the District and the educational program. The Board will work closely with these groups.
Prior to any purchase of, or fundraising for the purchase of goods or services for the District, the group will confer with the appropriate administrator to assist the group in purchasing goods or services to meet the District’s needs.
It is the responsibility of the building principal/and or activity director to be the liaison with District-community groups affiliated with the building principal’s attendance center.
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Approved: 11/14/67 |
Reviewed: |
Revised: 1/9/12; 7/8/13; 4/8/19; 10/13/25
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The Board recognizes the valuable resource it has in the members of the District community. District administrators may ask members of the District community to make presentations to the students and/or to assist employees in duties other than teaching when the volunteering would be appropriate considering the needs of the educational program. The volunteer may be asked to agree to a criminal background check and/or a sexual abuse check. The 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 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 may 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.
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Approved: 1/8/07 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 1/9/12; 7/8/13; 10/13/25 |
The following individuals may be recognized with a life-time pass to all District activities held in/on District facilities and/or grounds:
Residents sixty (60) years of age and older may obtain a life-time pass to all District activities held in/on District facilities and/or grounds upon the resident’s request at the administration office.
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Approved: 9/17/84 Reviewed: 1/14/02 Revised: 1/9/12; 7/8/13; 3/9/15; 4/8/19; 10/13/25
The Board shall work with the other local governmental entities, colleges and universities, technical schools, businesses and industries, private schools, educational associations, local community organizations and associations, and other school districts to provide additional education opportunities for the students in the District. As part of this cooperative relationship, the Board may include these entities in the District communications program.
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Approved: 2/12/90 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 2/13/12; 7/8/13; 10/13/25 |
The Board welcomes the interest of parents and other members of the District community and invites them to visit school buildings and sites. Visitors, which include persons other than employees or students, must notify the building principal and/or the Superintendent of their presence in the facility upon arrival.
Persons who wish to visit a classroom while school is in session must notify the classroom teacher and/or principal and obtain approval from the principal and/or class room teacher prior to the visit so appropriate arrangements can be made and so class disruption can be minimized. If a person notifies the classroom teacher prior to a visit, the classroom teacher shall obtain approval from the principal.
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.
Children who wish to visit school must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Teachers and other employees shall take time from their duties to discuss matters with visitors, as their schedules allow.
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Approved: 11/14/67 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 1/9/12; 7/8/13; 10/13/25 |
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 and the law. Employees will be disciplined consistent with employee discipline policies and the law. 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 District, and, as a condition, they must comply with the 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 District, and the entire community.
The following provisions are in effect to protect the rights of students to participate in the educational program or activities without fear of interference or disruption and to permit the school officials, employees, and activity sponsors and officials to perform their duties without interference or disruption:
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 their attendance will result in prosecution. The District may obtain a court order for permanent exclusion from the school building or from future school sponsored or approved activities.
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Approved: 1/8/07 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 1/9/12; 7/8/13; 10/13/25 |
The Board recognizes that students, employees, parents or citizens may want to distribute materials within the District that are non-curricular. Non-curricular materials to be distributed must be approved by the building principal and meet certain standards prior to their distribution.
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Approved: 1/8/07 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 2/13/12; 7/8/13; 10/13/25 |
I. Guidelines
Individuals, including students, have the right to exercise freedom of speech. This includes the right to distribute on school grounds, at reasonable times and places, unofficial written material, petitions, buttons, badges or other insignia, except expression which:
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a) |
is obscene to minors; |
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b) |
is libelous; |
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c) |
contains indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd language; |
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d) |
advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law; |
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e) |
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); |
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f) |
presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution or display, 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 or display on school premises of material in categories (a) through (d) above to any student is prohibited. Distribution or display on school premises of material in categories (e) and (f) above 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 (24) hours in advance of the desired distribution or display time, together with the following information:
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1. |
The name and phone number of the person submitting the request, and if the person is a student, the student’s grade and homeroom; |
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2. |
The date(s) and time(s) of day of the intended display or distribution; |
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3. |
The location(s) where the material will be displayed or distributed; |
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4. |
The grade(s) of the students to whom the display or distribution is intended. |
Within twenty-four (24) 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 or display 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 (24) hours of submission, the person shall 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 shall 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 shall have the right to appear and present the reasons, supported by relevant witnesses and material, as to why distribution or display of the written material is appropriate.
Permission to distribute or display 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 or display of written materials is prohibited when it negatively affects the safetyof students on school premises or otherwise disrupts school activities. The distribution or displayof unofficial material shall be limited to a reasonable time, place, and manner as follows:
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1. |
The material shall be displayed at or distributed from a table set up for the purpose in a location designated by the principal. The location shall not block the safe flow of traffic, block the corridors or entrance ways or negatively affect the safety of students and shall give reasonable access to students. |
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2. |
The material shall be distributed or displayed either before and/or after the regular instructional day |
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3. |
No written material may be displayed or distributed during and at the place of a normal school activity if it is reasonably likely to cause a material and substantial disruption of the activity. |
IV. Definitions
The following definitions apply to the terms used in this policy:
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1. |
“Obscene to minors” is defined as:
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2. |
“Minor” means any person under the age of eighteen. |
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3. |
“Material and substantial disruption” of a normal school activity is defined as follows:
In order for expression to be considered disruptive, there must exist specific facts upon which the likelihood of disruption can be forecast 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. |
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4. |
“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. |
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5. |
“School premises” means District property and/or property within the jurisdiction of the District and District owned and/or operated transportation. “School premises” includes, but is not limited to, school buildings, school grounds, school busses, and locations under the jurisdiction of the District where school activities are held. |
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6. |
“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, fliers, petitions, placards, and underground newspapers, whether written by students or others. |
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7. |
“Libelous” is a false and unprivileged statement about a specific individual that tends to harm the individual’s reputation or to lower him or her in the esteem of the community. |
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8. |
“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. |
V. 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 premises immediately, and if necessary, local law enforcement officials will be contacted.
VI. Notice of Policy to Students
A copy of this policy will be published in student handbooks or posted conspicuously in school buildings.
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Approved: 7/8/13 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 10/13/25 |
The use of students’ names and/or likeness, employees’ names and/or likeness, the District name and/or likeness, and/or District buildings and sites for advertising and promoting products and/or services of entities and organizations operating for a profit is prohibited unless prior approval has been obtained from the Board.
Nonprofit entities and organizations may be allowed to use students’ names and/or likeness, employees’ names and/or likeness, the District name and/or likeness, and/or District buildings and sites if the purpose is educationally related, it is permitted under the law and prior approval has been obtained from the superintendent.
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Approved: 11/14/67 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 2/13/12; 7/8/13; 10/13/25 |
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.
All requests for the use of District facilities and/or equipment shall be made through the district office or website. It is the responsibility of the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee to determine whether the District facility and/or equipment is available and whether the potential user’s application meets all necessary requirements.
Entities that use school district buildings, 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.
No facility or equipment may be used that conflicts with the educational program. The superintendent or the superintendent’s designee reserves the right to deny use of the buildings/facilities and/or equipment to any individual and/or group.
There are three classifications of community (non-school) use of District facilities and/or equipment. These classifications have been established for the purpose of determining rental charges and other fees.
1. Open Gyms: The gymnasiums may be opened before and after school hours, on weekends and during the summer at the discretion of the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee. The school employee opening the gym is responsible for locking it. There will be no direct supervision provided by the District, and the individuals utilizing the gymnasium during this time shall be responsible for all supervision. There will be no charge for the use of the gymnasium during these times.
2. General: The District facilities and/or equipment’s use is for purposes that are educational, charitable, and/or of general community interest. Such events must be open to the public in general with no admission charged or contributions taken. A custodian shall be present in the building. There will be no basic charge except for custodial help above what is regularly assigned to the building.
3. Commercial: The District facilities and/or equipment are used by business or commercial organizations, which includes community and locally-sponsored non- community groups requesting the use of school facilities for fund-raising purposes that are not necessarily devoted to educational, charitable, or community interest activities. Admission may be charged or contributions received. There will be a charge for this use, as outlined below.
The use of District facilities and/or equipment by an organization operated for private gain, or any other purpose involving private gain, shall be permitted only when:
1. Such use is sponsored by some organization that is not operated for private gain;
2. Such use will not benefit principally the organization that is operated for private gain;
3. A worthy education, civic, or charitable purpose will be served;
4. A substantial group in the community will be benefited; or
5. Alternative facilities are unavailable or available only at undue cost or convenience.
The Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee shall have sole discretion to determine whether an organization operated for private gain, or any other purpose involving private gain, shall be permitted to use District facilities and/or equipment.
All rentals of the District facilities and/or equipment are handled through the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee. A group using any District facilities and/or equipment will be charged for each morning, afternoon, or evening session the facility is used.
Basic charges for heat, lights, and space will be as follows:
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Open Gym |
General |
Commercial |
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Any classroom |
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NC |
$ 20.00 |
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Cafeteria or Multipurpose Room w/o kitchen |
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NC |
$ 50.00 |
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Cafeteria or Multipurpose Room with kitchen |
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NC |
$ 85.00 |
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Any Media Center |
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NC |
$ 50.00 |
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Gymnasium |
NC |
NC |
$150.00 |
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Athletic Fields |
NC |
NC |
$150.00 |
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Tailgate Plaza |
NC | $500.00 |
* The District reserves the right to adjust fees for special circumstances.
Separate and additional charges may be assessed for cooks and custodial maintenance service as follows:
Supervision of the use of facilities shall be accomplished by appropriate personnel as designated by the superintendent or the building administrator.
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Approved: 8/9/82 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 9/19/11; 7/8/13; 10/13/25 |
Facility/Equipment Requested:_____________________________________________________
Date of Event:__________________________________ Alternate Date:___________________
Set Up Time:_________________ Start Time: __________________ End Time: ____________
Group Title: _________________________ Purpose of Activity:________________________
Admission charged? ____Yes ____No ________ Amount______________ For Profit? _____
Contact Person: _________________________________ No. people expected ____________
Address: ________________________________ __________________________________
Phone: (Business) __________________________ (Home) _____________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________________
CUSTODIAL SERVICES NEEDED: To Open ____ To Close ____ During use____
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
_____ Bleachers _____ Lunch Tables _____Volleyball nets
_____ Chairs _____Writing Tables _____ Basketball hoops
_____ Dressing Rooms _____Shower Rooms _____ Media Equip:
_____Microphones _____Podium _____Stage Lights
Other: ___________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
The undersigned user makes application for the use of the school district facility or equipment as designated below. Please refer to policy 905.01 regarding proper use of school facilities and equipment. The entity hereby agrees to follow all applicable Board policies and the law in its use of District facilities and/or equipment. The user specifically agrees to follow the following rules:
1. NO SMOKING in school buildings or on school grounds.
2. Only the group requesting the use of facilities is to be in the school buildings.
3. The hold-harmless agreement below must be signed by a person representing the group before the use of the facilities and/or equipment.
HOLD-HARMLESS AGREEMENT:
The undersigned, hereafter referred to as “entity,” states that it will hold the Spirit Lake Community School District, hereafter referred to as “District,” its employees, officers, agents, and/or representatives harmless from any and all damages and claims that may arise in connection with the entity’s use of any facilities and/or equipment owned by the District whether such damages and claims pertain to the entity itself or its guests. In case any action is brought against the District or any of its officers, employees or agents, and/or representatives the entity will assume full responsibility for the legal defense thereof, and upon its failure to do so upon proper notice, the District reserves the right to defend such action and to recover all costs, including attorneys’ fees, from the entity.
Signature:______________________________________ Date: ________________________
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DISTRICT OFFICE USE ONLY: ____Approved ____Disapproved
______________________________________________________________________ Supt/Principal
If approved: $_______________ Use fee $__________ Custodial fee $______________ Total fees
____________________Recorded _________________Date
Please send fee to Business Manager, Spirit Lake Community Schools, 2701 Hill Avenue, Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360 within thirty (30) days.
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Approved: |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 7/8/13; 10/13/25 |
The Spirit Lake Community School District is a tobacco/nicotine free district property.
The use of tobacco and nicotine products; including, but not limited to, cigarettes, nicotine chew, snus, dissolvables, vaping devices and/or other nicotine products that are not approved by the Federal Drug Administration for tobacco cessation; on District property or within 300 feet; including in District buildings, on District grounds, in District transportation vehicles, or at any District activity; is prohibited.
This policy extends to all students, employees, volunteers and visitors. This policy applies at all times, including during school-sponsored events and during non-school-sponsored events.
Persons violating this policy shall be asked to cease using the tobacco and/or nicotine product, properly dispose of the tobacco and/or nicotine product and refrain from using tobacco and/or nicotine products in the future. Persons failing to abide by this request shall be required to leave the District premises immediately.
It is the district’s intention to provide education, encouragement and assistance for all students, employees and community members in making a personal choice to refrain from tobacco/nicotine use while within or upon any/all district property. This will allow students, employees and community members to share the responsibility for creating a healthy environment, in which we all live, learn and grow. It will be the right and responsibility of all students, employees and community members to observe and support this policy through personal commitment and advocacy.
It shall be the responsibility of all District personnel, and specifically District administrators, to enforce this policy.
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Approved: 2/12/90 |
Reviewed: 1/14/02 |
Revised: 11/16/11; 7/8/13; 7/14/14; 4/8/19; 12/9/19; 10/13/25 |
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:
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.
The district may choose to allow designated staff members to carry firearms on school grounds in accordance with all applicable laws and requirements. The identities of staff members so designated will be considered confidential. Designated staff will strictly adhere to all applicable laws, policies and regulations. Failure to adhere may result in discipline up to and including termination of employment. The Superintendent will create regulations necessary to carry out this policy.
Approved: 10/13/25 Reviewed: Revised:
The Spirit Lake Community School District is committed to providing a safe and orderly environment for staff, students, and visitors to the school district. With that commitment in mind, this policy sets expectations for use of drones (UAS) that might impact the delivery of education and impact district resources. The following policy applies to the extent not preempted by federal or state regulatory jurisdiction regarding unmanned aircrafts. For purposes of the policy, the term "unmanned aircraft" means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
Use of Drones on Spirit Lake school property, or in the space above the property that reasonably can be considered part of the district property, is prohibited without prior approval. Prior approval must be requested in writing and may be approved by the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee. The Superintendent or superintendent’s designee shall determine whether the request is appropriate and safe. This approval is granted on a case-by-case basis and the superintendent’s decision is final. The following conditions must be met for approval:
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1. |
Written request for drone operation must occur in advance (at least 48 hours or 2 days) prior to planned use. Drone operation requires providing the district with a copy of registration with the FAA, including certification of authorization, or the necessary 333 exemption, as issued by the FAA when required by law. If the area over which the drone is anticipated to fly is within five nautical miles of an airport, the UAS operator shall provide a letter of agreement that the airport has authorized permission to operate within the territory of the five miles. |
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2. |
A signed agreement, Exhibit 906E1, holding the Spirit Lake Community School District harmless from any claims of harm to individuals or damage to property. |
| 3. | Proof of insurance with liability limits of not less than $1 million that identifies the Spirit Lake Community School District as additionally insured inclusive of, but not limited to, primary/non-contributory and waiver of subrogation language supporting an endorsed additional insured status. |
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4. |
The district will follow any Iowa High School Athletic Association rules regarding drone use during IHSSA regulated events, as required. |
The Superintendent, or Superintendent’s designee, shall refuse admission to or demand removal of any individual or group attempting or intending to use a drone without authorization. The Superintendent, or designee, may suspend play of athletic or other competitions, if necessary, pending removal of the unauthorized individual and drone from prohibited areas. Flying of a drone in a reckless manner is a violation of Federal laws and FAA regulations and could result in civil fines or criminal action. The Superintendent, or superintendent’s designee, may report such activity that endangers other aircraft, people on the ground, or district property, to local law enforcement. Failure to abide by this policy may result in local, state and federal penalties if applicable.
If unmanned aircrafts are operated as part of the district curriculum, prior to adoption of the curriculum, district employees shall work with district administration to ensure the appropriate insurance, registration and authorizations are in place.
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Approved: 12/12/16 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 10/13/25 |
The undersigned states that it will hold the Spirit Lake School District, hereafter referred to as "school district," harmless from any and all damages and claims that may arise by reason of any negligence on the part of the user in the use of any unmanned aircraft system on school grounds.
In case any action is brought therefore against the school district or any of its officers, employees or agents, the user will assume full responsibility for the legal defense thereof, and upon its failure to do so on proper notice, the school district reserves the right to defend such action and to charge all costs, including attorneys' fees, to the entity.
The entity agrees to furnish and maintain during the usage of unmanned aircraft on school grounds such bodily injury and property damage liability insurance as will protect the entity and the school district from claims or damages for personal injury, including accidental death, and from claims for property damages which may arise from the user’s use of unmanned aircraft on school grounds.
The entity will furnish the school district with a certificate of insurance, with liability limits of not less than $1,000,000, before the contract is issued.
Dated at _____________________________________, Iowa, this ______day of __________________________, 20______
Spirit Lake School District
By__________________________________________________ By __________________________________________________ Superintendent
Title________________________________________________ By ___________________________________________________ Secretary
Address _____________________________________________________________________
The district believes that student learning is the heart of its core mission. While traditional in-person teaching continues to provide the greatest learning opportunity to all students, there may be rare and unusual circumstances that prevent the school community from convening in traditional in-person settings. At times of a public emergency declared by federal, state or local officials, the district will seek guidance and recommendations from federal, state and local agencies to assist in determining the safety of convening traditional in-person learning.
During a declared public emergency, the school board delegates to the Superintendent the authority to determine whether to close school buildings to traditional in-person learning if the Superintendent determines in-person learning would hinder the health and safety of the school community. The district will instead utilize remote or hybrid learning opportunities permitted by law.
Following guidance and recommendations from federal, state, and local agencies when reasonably possible, the administration will create regulations related to district operations during a public emergency, including, but not limited to, student, employee and visitor safety and security; the use and safeguarding of district property; public meetings and events, and when applicable, measures to prevent or slow the spread of infectious disease.
These measures will be enforced for the period of time of the public emergency, or until the superintendent, in consultation with federal, state and local agencies, determine it is appropriate for the safety measures to end.
Approved: 10/13/25 Reviewed: Revised:
During a public health emergency, the district will seek guidance and recommendations from federal, state and local agencies that monitor and respond to the emergency. The district will follow any mandatory closures or other mandatory measures imposed by such agencies.
The Superintendent, in conjunction with relevant government agencies and/or athletic and activity associations, will determine under what circumstances the district will restrict or cancel in-person learning, student events or activities including sporting events, extracurricular clubs or meetings for students, and the use of district facilities by outside organizations.
The district will promote and follow other recommended measures and guidance from federal, state and local agencies to the extent reasonably practicable under the circumstances. These measures may include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Approved: 10/13/25 Reviewed: Revised: