Children who are residents of the school district community will attend the school district without paying tuition.

The residence of a student means the place, abode, or dwelling of the student. Generally, the legal dwelling of minors is the same as their parents. A student may establish a dwelling with someone other than the parents and attend public school in the school district without paying tuition if the primary purpose for residing in the school district is not for the purpose of obtaining a free public education. Further, students who have reached the age of majority and who are still eligible to attend an Iowa secondary school may declare their residence independent of the residence of the parents.

Each case involving the bona fide residence of a student will be decided upon its individual merits by the superintendent.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School, 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).
Mt. Hope School Dist. v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924).
Oshel v. Creston Comm. School Dist., DPI Admin. Doc. 570 (1981).
33 D.P.I. Dec. Rule 80 (1984).
Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4.

Cross Reference:
100 Legal Status of the School Board
 

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 11-20-23
Revised: 11-20-23

 

Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of the school district may be admitted into the school district at the discretion of the superintendent upon application and payment of tuition. The tuition rate is the current per-pupil cost of the school district as computed by the board secretary and as authorized by the Iowa Department of Education.

Resident students whose families move from the school district after the start of a semester and who wish to complete the semester in their former resident school district will be permitted to attend. Students who plan to open enroll to their former nonresident district for the next school year may do so without approval from the board.

Students in grades eleven or twelve who are no longer residents of the school district, but were residents in the preceding school year, may continue to attend school until they graduate without the payment of tuition. These students may be required to identify an adult, who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.

Nonresident students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and who have evidence they will become legal residents of the school district prior to October 1 may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School, 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).
Mt. Hope School Dist. v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924).
Oshel v. Creston Comm. School Dist., DPI Admin. Doc. 570 (1981).
Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.1, .2, .6, .7, .24.

Cross Reference:
 

Approved: 11-15-21  
Reviewed: 11-20-23
Revised: 11-20-23

 

Parents within the school district who have children over age six and under age sixteen by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, will have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board. Students will attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of days.

Students not attending the minimum days must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, referred to the county attorney. Exceptions to this policy include children who:

• have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma;
• are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;
• are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
• are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;
• has an individualized education program that affects the child’s attendance;
• has a plan under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C §794, that affects the child’s attendance;
• are attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;
• are attending an accredited nonpublic school;
• are receiving independent private instruction; or,
• are receiving competent private instruction.

It is the responsibility of the parent of a child to provide evidence of the child's mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child's qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 259A; 279.10-.11; ch. 299; 299A.

Cross Reference:
501 Student Attendance
601.1 School Calendar
604.1 Competent Private Instruction

Approved:11-15-21
Reviewed: 8-19-24
Revised: 8-19-24

 

Children in the school district community will be allowed to enroll in the school district's regular education program beginning at age five. The child must be age five on or prior to September 15 to participate in the school district's kindergarten program. The child must be age six on or prior to September 15 to begin the first grade of the education program.

Before the student may enroll in the district’s education program, the board will require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence of age. It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine what is satisfactory evidence for proof of age.

Prior to enrollment, the child must provide the administration with their health and immunization certificate. Failure to provide this information within the time period set by the superintendent is reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 144.45(5); 282.1, .3, .6.

Cross Reference:
507.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates
607.2 Student Health Services
607.2R1 Student Health Services Regulation

Approved: 11-15-21  
Reviewed: 11-20-23
Revised: 11-20-23

The board will have complete discretion to determine the boundaries for each attendance center, to assign students to the attendance centers.

Parents or guardians of siblings in the same grade level academically in grades kindergarten through grade five may request the siblings be placed in the same or different classrooms. In order to be valid, the request must be made in writing and submitted to the school principal at the time of registration for classes, or within fourteen days after the children’s first day of attendance during the school year. If a valid request is received by the school principal, the request must be honored. While a parent or guardian may make a placement request that siblings be placed together or apart, the district administration retains complete discretion to select the classroom teacher(s) to which siblings are assigned. If after the initial grading period following the placement of siblings in the same or different classrooms the school principal determines the placement is disruptive to the class; the principal may assign one or more of the siblings to different classrooms.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board annually regarding the assigned attendance center for each student. In making the recommendation, the superintendent will consider the geographical layout of the school district, the condition and location of the school district facilities, the location of student population, possible transportation challenges, financial condition of the school district and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent or the board.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 279.11; 282.7-.8.

Cross Reference:
501 Student Attendance

Approved 11-15-21
Reviewed 11-20-23
Revised _______

 

Students who transfer into the school district must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school district.

The school district will request the student's cumulative records from the previous school district. If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the superintendent will make the grade level determination. The superintendent may require testing or other information to determine the grade level. Students expelled or suspended from their previous school district will only be enrolled after approval of the board.

The superintendent will determine the amount of credits to be transferred. If the student has not previously attended an accredited school, it is within the superintendent's discretion to accept or reject credits or grades.

The board may deny admission if the student is not willing to provide the board with the necessary information.

 

 

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 1232g.
Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 282.1, .3, .4; 299A.

Cross Reference:
501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District
505.3 Student Honors and Awards
604.1 Competent Private Instructions
604.10 Online Courses
604.11 Appropriate Use of Learning Platforms

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 11-20-23
Revised: 11-20-23

 

If the student's parents wish to withdraw or transfer the student from school prior to completing and graduating from the education program, they should notify the superintendent in writing as soon as possible of the decision to withdraw or transfer the student from the education program. The student or parent should present this written notice at the office and receive instructions regarding the return of textbooks, library books, locker equipment, hot lunch tickets, etc.

The notice should state the student's final day of attendance. If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the school district will maintain the student's records in the same manner as the records of students who have graduated from the school district.

If the parents wish to have the student's cumulative record sent to the new school district, the parents must notify the superintendent in writing. This notice will include the name of the school district and the person at the new school district to whom the student's cumulative records should be sent. If the new school district requests the student's cumulative records, the school district will forward the cumulative records and notify the parents the records have been sent. The notice will inform the parents of their right to review the records sent.

If the student is of compulsory education age and not transferring to another public school district or an accredited nonpublic school, the parents will notify the superintendent that the student is receiving competent private instruction reports.

 

 

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 1232g.
Iowa Code §§ 274.1; 299.1-.1A; 299A.11

Cross Reference:
501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District 
604.1 Private Instruction

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 11-20-23
Revised: 11-20-23

As part of the school district's records, the daily attendance of each student is recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the board secretary.

It is the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the board secretary, the custodian of school records.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).

Cross Reference:
 

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 11-20-23
Revised: 11-20-23

 

The district believes that traditional, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students. Students who are present in school and engaged active learners take greater ownership over their educational outcomes.  For this reason, it is the priority of the district to foster regular student attendance throughout the school year and reduce barriers to regular attendance for students in the district.

Chronic absenteeism/absences means any absence from school for more than ten percent of the 90 day in the semester established by the district.

Truant/truancy means a child of compulsory attendance age who is absent from school for any reason for at least twenty percent of the 90 days in the semester. Truancy does not apply to the following students who:
have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or has obtained a high school equivalency diploma
are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;
are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;
are attending a private college preparatory school accredited or probationally accredited;
are excused under Iowa Code §299.22; and
are exempt under Iowa Code §299.24.
Students could be subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion.  

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the designated school officials, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.  

 

 

Legal Reference:
34 C.F.R. sec. 300
28 C.F.R. Pt. 35
Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).

Cross Reference:
        501    Student Attendance
        503    Student Discipline
        504    Student Activities
        506    Student Records

Approved 11-15-21   
Reviewed 8-19-24
Revised 8-19-24

 

Students may be allowed to leave the school district facilities when they are not scheduled to be in class.  Students who violate school rules may have this privilege suspended.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 294.4.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).

Cross Reference:
 

Approved: 8-6-81  
Reviewed: 12-18-23
Revised: 12-18-23

 

The board encourages pregnant students to continue to attend the education program as long as they are physically able to do so. The pregnant student is encouraged to notify the principal or the guidance counselor as soon as they are aware of the pregnancy in order for the district to facilitate the student’s equal access to the district’s education programs and activities. The school may require that a pregnant student provide the principal with a written note from her doctor relative to special conditions that might exist and specific suggestions as to how long the student may continue to attend classes. If the student is unable to attend school because of her pregnancy, the student may be excused and arrangements made to continue her studies during their absence. The student will resume classes upon the recommendation of her physician.

 

 

Legal Reference:
34 C. R. § 106.40
Iowa Code §§ 216; 279.8; 280.3.

Cross Reference:
604.2 Individualized Instruction

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 7-23-24
Revised: 7-23-24

 

Students who have attained legal age may continue the education program without payment of tuition as long as they are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and are residents of the school district.

Parents will be allowed to access and view the student's records without written permission from the student if the student is still a dependent for tax purposes. In most cases, with the discretion of the principal or the superintendent, the student will be able to make decisions and sign documents rather than requiring parental permission or signature.

 

 

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 1232g.
Iowa Code §§ 22; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4; 599.1; 622.10.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

Cross Reference:
 

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 12-18-23
Revised: 12-18-23

 

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a sending district. As a sending district, the board will allow resident students who meet the requirements to open enroll to another public school district.

Parents requesting open enrollment out of the school district for their student will notify the sending and receiving school district no later than March 1 in the school year preceding the first year desired for open enrollment. The notice is made on forms provided by the Department of Education. The forms are available at the central administration office.

Parents of children who will begin kindergarten in the school district are exempt from the open enrollment March 1 deadline. Parents of children who will begin kindergarten and prekindergarten children enrolled in special education programs and included in the district’s basic enrollment will file in the same manner set forth above by September 1 parents who have good cause as defined by law for failing to meet the March 1 deadline may make and open enrollment request by September 1 unless another deadline applies.

The receiving district will approve or deny open enrollment requests according to the timelines established by law. The parents may withdraw the open enrollment request prior to the start of the school year. The receiving district's superintendent will notify the parents and sending school district by mail within five days of the school district's action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.

Subject to applicable laws, the board may approve a student's request to allow the receiving district to enter the school district for the purposes of transportation.

An open enrollment request out of the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The determining factor for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the receiving school district is appropriate for the student's needs. The area education agency director of special education serving the receiving district will determine whether the program is appropriate. The special education student will remain in the school district until the final determination is made.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to maintain open enrollment request applications and notice forms. It will also be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1.
281 I.A.C. 17.

Cross Reference:
501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District 
501 Student Attendance
506 Student Records

Approved: 11-15-21  
Reviewed: 7-23-24
Revised: 7-23-24

 

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a receiving district. As a receiving district, the board will allow nonresident students, who meet the legal requirements, to open enroll into the school district. The board will have complete discretion to determine the attendance center of the students attending the school district under open enrollment.

The superintendent will take action on the open enrollment request.

The superintendent will notify the sending school district and parents within five days of the school district's action to approve or deny the open enrollment request. The board, at the regularly scheduled meeting, will review applications with the following considerations:

• Open enrollment requests into the school district will not be approved if insufficient classroom space exists.
• Open enrollment requests into the school district will also not be approved for students who have been suspended or expelled by the administration or the board of the school district the student is or was attending until the student has been reinstated into the school district from which the student was suspended or expelled. Once the student is reinstated, the student's open enrollment request will be considered in the same manner as other open enrollment requests provided the required timelines are met.
• The District reserves the right to deny continued open enrollment to any student who meets the definition of truant. The district will notify the truant student’s parent or guardian and district of residence of the decision to deny enrollment in the future in accordance with applicable laws.

Open enrollment requests into the school district that, if denied, would result in students from the same nuclear family being enrolled in different school districts, will be given highest priority. The board, in its discretion, may waive the insufficient classroom space reason for denial for students of the same nuclear family to prevent the division of a nuclear family between two school districts. Other open enrollment requests into the school district are considered in the order received by the school district with the first open enrollment request given a higher priority than the second open enrollment request and so forth.

Generally, students in grades nine through twelve open enrolling into the school district will not be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, only in accordance with applicable laws.

Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved by the (board or superintendent) are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement.

If an open enrolled student’s primary residence is closer to the receiving district’s attendance center than the distance from the student’s primary residence to the ending attendance center, the sending district will allow the student’s receiving district to send school vehicles no more than two miles into the sending district’s boundaries to pick up the student.

An open enrollment request into the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The determining factors for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the school district is appropriate for the student's needs and whether the enrollment of the special education student will cause the class size to exceed the maximum allowed. The area education agency director of special education serving the school district will determine whether the program is appropriate. The special education student will remain in the sending district until the final determination is made. For children requiring special education, the receiving district will complete and provide the resident district the documentation needed to seek Medicaid reimbursement for eligible services.

The policies of the school district will apply to students attending the school district under open enrollment.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1.
281 I.A.C. 17.

Cross Reference:
501.6 Student Transfers In
501.7 Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals
501.14 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District
606.6 Insufficient Classroom Space

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 7-23-24
Revised: 7-23-24

 

The Central Springs Community School District believes all students should have access to a free, appropriate public education. The district will ensure that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as other children and youth.

The term "homeless children and youth" means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes:

Children and youth who are:

• Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (sometimes referred to as "doubled up");
• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
• Living in emergency or transitional shelters; or
• Abandoned in hospitals.
• Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
• Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
• Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

To help ensure that homeless children and youth have a full opportunity to enroll, attend, and succeed at school, the board shall:

• Designate the Guidance Counselors as the local homeless children and youth liaisons;
• Provide training opportunities for staff so staff may help identify and meet the needs of homeless children and youth;
• Remove barriers, including those associated with fees, fines, and absences, to the identification, enrollment, retention, attendance and/or success in school for homeless children and youth;
• Ensure collaboration and coordination with other service providers;
• Ensure transportation is provided in accordance with legal requirements;
• Provide school stability in school assignment according to the child's best interests;
• Ensure the privacy of student records, as provided by applicable law, including information about a homeless child or youth's living situation;
• Engage in the dispute resolution process for decisions relating to the educational placement of homeless children and youth as provided by applicable law; and
• Prohibit the segregation of a homeless child or youth from other students enrolled in the district.

The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 6301.
42 U.S.C. § 11302.
42 U.S.C. §§ 11431 et seq.
281 I.A.C. 33.

Cross Reference:
503.3 Fines - Fees - Charges
507.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates
603.3 Special Education
711.1 Student School Transportation Eligibility

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 12-18-23
Revised: 12-18-23

 

The board believes inappropriate student appearance causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors.

Students are expected to adhere to standards of cleanliness and dress that are compatible with the requirements of a good learning environment. The standards will be those generally acceptable to the community as appropriate in a school setting.

The board expects students to be clean and well-groomed and wear clothes in good repair and appropriate for the time, place and occasion. Clothing or other apparel promoting products illegal for use by minors and clothing displaying obscene material, profanity, or reference to prohibited conduct are disallowed. While the primary responsibility for appearance lies with the students and their parents, appearance disruptive to the education program will not be tolerated. When, in the judgment of a principal, a student's appearance or mode of dress disrupts the educational process or constitutes a threat to health or safety, the student may be required to make modifications.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).
Bethal School District v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).
Tinker v. Des Moines Ind. Comm. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969).
Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).
Torvik v. Decorah Community School, 453 F.2d 779 (8th Cir. 1972).
Turley v. Adel Community School District, 322 F.Supp. 402 (S.D. Iowa 1971).
Sims v. Colfax Comm. School Dist., 307 F.Supp. 485 (Iowa 1970).
Iowa Code § 279.8.

Cross Reference:

Approved: 11-15-21  
Reviewed: 1-15-24
Revised: 1-15-24

 

Students will treat school district property with the care and the respect they would treat their own property. Students found to have destroyed or otherwise harmed school district property may be required to reimburse the school district.

They may be subject to discipline under board policy and the school district rules and regulations. They may also be referred to local law enforcement authorities.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative rules regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 282.4, .5; 613.16.

Cross Reference:
802.1 Maintenance Schedule

Approved: 11-15-21  
Reviewed: 1-15-24
Revised: 1-15-24

 

Student Expression

It is the goal of the district to protect the educational environment for all students to help ensure it is free from substantial disruption or infringement upon their rights. Student expression should be appropriate to ensure that the students learn and meet the goals of the school activity and that the potential audience is not exposed to material that may be harmful or inappropriate for their level of maturity.

While students will generally be allowed to express their viewpoints and opinions, in certain qualifying circumstances, student speech may require administrative regulation to help ensure the safety and welfare of the school community. The district may regulate speech that: causes or is reasonably anticipated to cause a material and substantial disruption to the education environment; infringes upon the rights of others; is obscene or lewd; is school sponsored; and/or promotes illegal activity. The administration, when making this judgment, will consider whether the activity in which the expression was made is school-sponsored and whether review or prohibition of the students' speech furthers an educational purpose. The expression must be done in a reasonable time, place, and manner that is not disruptive to the orderly and efficient operation of the school district.

The superintendent may develop procedures for safely addressing qualifying types of mass protests by students, including walkins and walk-outs. Walk-ins occur when students leave their learning environments during school hours and gather in a group or groups with the purpose of promoting a belief or beliefs. Walk-outs occur when students leave their learning environments during school hours and gather in a group or groups off district property with the purpose of promoting a belief or beliefs.

The superintendent is encouraged to obtain feedback from community stakeholders in the development of these procedures. The goal of the procedures shall be to address student safety, maintain the education environment and promote communication during demonstrations while remaining viewpoint neutral.

Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures. Employees are responsible for helping to ensure students' expression is in keeping with this policy. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

Student Publications

Students may produce official school publications as part of the curriculum under the supervision of a faculty advisor and the principal.  Official school publications include material produced in journalism, newspaper, yearbook, or writing classes and distributed to the student body either free or for a fee.

Any expression made by students, including student expression in official school publications, is not an expression of official school policy.  The school district, the board, and the employees or officials are not liable in any civil or criminal action for any student expression made or published by students unless the employees or officials have interfered with or altered the content of the student speech or expression.  The liability, if any, is only to the extent of the interference or alteration of the speech or expression.

Official school publications are free from prior restraint by employees or officials except as provided by law.  A faculty advisor will supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with the law including, but not limited to, the restrictions against unlawful speech.  The production of official school publications is guided by the law and by the ethical standards adopted by professional associations or societies of journalism.

Persons, other than students, who believe they have been aggrieved by student expression in a student-produced official school publication will follow the grievance procedure outlined in board policy 213.1.  Students who believe their freedom of expression in a student-produced official school publication has been restricted will follow the grievance procedure outlined in board policy 502.4.

The superintendent is responsible for developing a student publications code.  This code will include, but not be limited to, reasonable rules including time, place, and manner of restrictions.  The superintendent will also be responsible for distributing this policy and the student publications code to the students and their parents.

 

 

Legal Reference:
U.S. Const. amend. I.
Iowa Const. art. I (sec. 7)
Morse v. Frederick, 551 U.S. 393 (2007)
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).
Bethel School District v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).
New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985).
Tinker v. Des Moines Ind. Comm. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969).
Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.22

Cross Reference:
102 Equal Educational Opportunity
603.9 Academic Freedom
903.5 Distribution of Materials

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 1-15-24
Revised: 1-15-24

 

Creating an environment where students feel comfortable addressing their concerns in a meaningful manner is vital to the learning process. It is the goal of the board to resolve student complaints at the lowest organizational level. Student complaints and grievances regarding board policy or administrative regulations and or other matters should be addressed first to the student's teacher or another licensed employee, other than the administration, for resolution of the complaint. It is the goal of the board to resolve student complaints at the lowest organizational level.

If the complaint cannot be resolved by a student’s teacher or other licensed employee, the student may discuss the matter with the principal within 10 days of the employee's decision. If the matter cannot be resolved by the principal, the student may discuss it with the superintendent within 10 days after speaking with the principal.

If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved by the superintendent, the student may ask to have the matter placed on the board agenda of a regularly scheduled board meeting in compliance with board policy. The board retains discretion as to whether to consider or take action on any complaint.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 279.8.

Cross Reference:
210.8 Board Meeting Agenda
213 Public Participation in Board Meetings
 

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 1-15-24
Revised: 1-15-24

 

Student lockers are the property of the school district. Students will use the lockers assigned to them by the school district for storing their school materials and personal belongings necessary for attendance at school. It is the responsibility of students to keep their assigned lockers clean and undamaged.

To ensure students are properly maintaining their assigned lockers, the principal of the building may periodically inspect all or a random selection of lockers. Either students or another individual will be present during the inspection of lockers. Student lockers may also be searched, at any time and without advance notice, in compliance with board policy regulating search and seizure.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.14; 808A.

Cross Reference:
801.1 Maintenance Schedule 

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 1-15-24
Revised: 1-15-24

 

The board believes weapons, other dangerous objects and look-a-likes in school district facilities 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.

School district facilities are not an appropriate place for weapons, dangerous objects and look-a-likes. Weapons and other dangerous objects and look-a-likes will be taken from students and others who bring them onto the school district property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the school district or from students who are within the control of the school district.

Parents of students found to possess weapons, dangerous objects or look-a-likes on school property are notified of the incident. Possession or confiscation of weapons, dangerous objects or look-a-likes will be reported to law enforcement officials, and students will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

Students bringing firearms to school or knowingly possessing firearms at school will be expelled for not less than one year. The superintendent has the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for students on a case-by-case basis. For purposes of this portion of this policy, the term "firearm" includes, but is not limited to, any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon, any explosive, incendiary or poison gas, or otherwise defined by applicable law.

Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials or other individuals specifically authorized by the board are exempt from this policy. Students and individuals approved in writing by the superintendent who are actively engaging in a school district approved firearms safety course, hunter education course or shooting sports activity are exempt for this policy. The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement the policy and communicate with law enforcement relevant exemptions to this policy as appropriate.

 

 

Legal Reference:
18 U.S.C. § 921
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21B; 483A.27(11), 724
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

Cross Reference:
 

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 8-19-24
Revised: 8-19-24

 

The board believes it is imperative to promote the health and well-being of all students in the district.  The district will provide a substance use prevention program and set restrictions on substance use by students in accordance with applicable law.

The board prohibits the distribution, dispensing, manufacture, possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco/nicotine products, other controlled substances, or "look alike" substances that appear to be tobacco/nicotine products,, alcohol or controlled substances by students 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 the misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district. “Controlled substances” in this policy refers to the misuse of both licit and illicit drugs. 

The board believes such illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials generally cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors.

Violation of this policy by students will result in disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion. Use, purchase or being in possession of, tobacco/nicotine products for those under the age of twenty-one, may be reported to the local law enforcement authorities. Possession, use or being under the influence of, alcohol and/or of a controlled substance may also be reported to the local law enforcement authorities. 

Students who violate the terms of this policy may be required to satisfactorily complete a substance abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by the school board. If such student fails to satisfactorily complete such a program, the student
may be subject to discipline including suspension or expulsion.

The board believes the substance use  program will include:

• Age-appropriate, evidence-based substance use prevention curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through twelve, which address the legal, social, and health consequences of tobacco, drug and alcohol use and which provide information about effective techniques for resisting social pressure to use tobacco, drugs or alcohol;
• A statement to students that the use of controlled substances, tobacco/nicotine products and/or alcohol   and/or alcohol is wrong and harmful to student wellbeing;
• Standards of conduct for students that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, being under the influence of or distribution of controlled substances, tobacco/nicotine products and/or alcohol on school premises or as part of any of its activities;
• A clear statement that disciplinary sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the policy and a description of those sanctions;
• A statement that students may be required to complete a substance use evaluation to determine whether substance use disorder treatment is recommended and, if recommended, successfully complete an appropriate rehabilitation program;
• Information about drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs available to students;
• A requirement that parents and students be given a copy of the standards of conduct and the statement of disciplinary sanctions required; and,
• Notification to parents and students that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
 

 

Legal Reference:
34 C.F.R. Pt. 86.
Iowa Code §§ 123.46; 124; 279.8, .9; 453A.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6); .5(3)(e), .5(4)(e), .5(5)(e).

Cross Reference:
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
507 Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:11-15-21  
Reviewed: 2-19-24
Revised: 2-19-24

 

School district property is held in public trust by the board. School district authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student areas based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a school district policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated. The search is in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline in the schools, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students, employees and visitors to the school district facilities. The furnishing of a locker, desk or other facility or space owned by the school and provided as a courtesy to a student, even if the student provides the lock for it, will not create a protected student area and will not give rise to an expectation of privacy with respect to the locker, desk, or other facility.

School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search. Items of contraband may include, but are not limited to, nonprescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco/nicotine, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property. Such items are not to be possessed by a student while they are 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. Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion and may be reported to local law enforcement officials. The board believes that illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials may cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:
U.S. Const. amend. IV.
New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985).
Cason v. Cook, 810 F.2d 188 (8th Cir. 1987), cert. den., 482 U.S. 930 (1987).
Iowa Code ch. 808A.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

Cross Reference:
905.2 Tobacco/Nicotine-Free Environment

Approved:11-15-21
Reviewed: 2-19-24
Revised: 2-19-24

 

Generally, students may not be interviewed during the school day by persons other than parents and school district officials and employees.

Requests from law enforcement officers and from persons other than parents, school district officials, and employees to interview students are made through the principal's office. Upon receiving a request, it is the responsibility of the principal to determine whether the request will be granted. Generally, prior to granting a request, the principal will attempt to contact the parents to inform them of the request and to ask them to be present.

If a child abuse investigator wishes to interview a student, the principal will defer to the investigator's judgment as to whether the student should be interviewed independently from the student's parents, whether the school is the most appropriate setting for the interview, and who will be present during the interview.

Students will not be taken from school without the consent of the principal and without proper warrant.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 232; 280.17.
281 I.A.C. 102.
441 I.A.C. 9.2; 155; 175.

Cross Reference:
402.2 Child Abuse Reporting
502.10 Use of Motor Vehicles
902.4 Students and the News Media

Approved:11-15-21  
Reviewed: 2-19-24
Revised: 2-19-24

 

The board recognizes the convenience to families and students of having students drive to and park at their school attendance center. Driving a motor vehicle to and parking it at the student's attendance center is a privilege.

Students who drive to and park at their school attendance center shall only drive to and park at their designated attendance center(s) or at another district's attendance center for the purpose of attending extracurricular activities. Students may not loiter around or be in their vehicle during the school day without permission from the principal. Students shall leave their attendance center when there is no longer a legitimate reason for them to be at their attendance center. Students who drive shall enter and leave the parking lot by the routes designated by the principal.

Students who live within one mile of school, and would not otherwise be eligible for a student driving permit, may be eligible for a student driving permit, for driving to and from school and school activities and practices.

Students who wish to drive to and park at their school attendance center shall comply with the rules and regulations established by the building principal. Failure to comply with this policy or the school district rules shall be reason for revocation of school driving and parking privileges as well as other disciplinary action including suspension and expulsion.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 321.

Cross Reference:
502.9 Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 10-21-24
Revised: 10-21-24

 

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 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 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 school 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. The superintendent/designee may assign additional lawful consequences, including but not limited to removal from activities, when such action is necessary to maintain order and/or protect the safety of students, staff, and/or other members of the school community. 

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

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. 

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 consecutive school days unless due process is provided as required by federal and state law. 

A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in 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.

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

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

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
 

 

 

Legal Reference:
Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).
Brands v. Sheldon Community School District, 671 F. Supp. 627 (N.D. Iowa 1987).
Sims v. Colfax Comm. School Dist., 307 F. Supp. 485 (Iowa 1970).
Bunger v. Iowa High School Athletic Assn., 197 N.W.2d 555 (Iowa 1972).
Board of Directors of Ind. School Dist. of Waterloo v. Green, 259 Iowa 1260, 147 N.W.2d 854 (1967).
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 282.3, 282.4, 282.5; 708.1.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

Cross Reference:
501 Student Attendance
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
504 Student Activities
506.3 Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students
603.3 Special Education
903.5 Distribution of Materials

Approved 11-15-21  
Reviewed 12-18-23
Revised  12-18-23

 

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 readmit 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. 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;

3. An opportunity to present a defense against the charges and provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses on the student's behalf;

4. The right to be represented by counsel; and,

5. The results and finding of the board in writing open to the student's inspection.

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 longterm 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 school district.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).
Wood v. Strickland, 420 U.S. 308 (1975).
Southeast Warren Comm. School District v. Dept. of Public Instruction, 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979).
Iowa Code §§ 21.5; 282.3, .4, .5.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

Cross Reference:
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 12-18-23
Revised: 12-18-23

 

The board believes students should respect school 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. It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 256.7(20); 279.8; 280.10, .11; 282.6; 285.1; 301.1.
281 I.A.C. 18.2.

Cross Reference:
501.16 Homeless Children & Youth
 

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 3-19-24
Revised: _____

 

Participation in school activities is a privilege. School activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and abilities in the students during their school years and for their lifetimes.

Students who participate in extracurricular 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 extracurricular activities must conduct themselves in accordance with board policy and must refrain from activities which are illegal, immoral or unhealthy.

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

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop rules and regulations for school activities. Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Bunger v. Iowa High School Athletic Assn., 197 N.W.2d 555 (Iowa 1972).
In re Jason Clark, 1 D.P.I. App. Dec. 167 (1978).
Iowa Code §§ 280.13, .13A.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6); 36.15(1).

Cross Reference:
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities

Approved:11-15-21
Reviewed: _____
Revised: _____

 

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 704.3.

-- For the protection of property as provided for in IOWA CODE section 704.4 or 704.5.

-- 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.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Ingraham v. Wright, 430 U.S. 651 (1977).
Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).
Tinkham v. Kole, 252 Iowa 1303, 110 N.W.2d 258 (1961).
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6); 103.

Cross Reference:
402.3 Abuse of Students by School District Employees
503.6 Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students Series

Approved 11-15-21 
Reviewed 4-15-24
Revised 4-15-24

 

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.

Legal Reference:    
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21.
281 I.A.C. 103.

Cross Reference:
402.3 Abuse of Students by School District Employees
503.5 Corporal Punishment

Approved 11-15-21   
Reviewed 4-15-24
Revised 4-15-24

 

It is the goal of the district to provide a safe and supportive educational environment in which all students may learn.  As part of creating that safe educational environment, no employee of the district will provide false or misleading information to the parent/guardian of a student regarding that student’s gender identity or intention to transition to a gender that is different from their birth certificate or certificate issued upon adoption.   

If a student makes a request to a licensed employee to accommodate a gender identity, name, or pronoun that is different than what was assigned to the student in the student’s registration forms or records, the licensed employee is required by Iowa law to report the request to an administrator. The school administrator receiving the report is required by Iowa law to report the request to the student’s parent/guardian.  This requirement also applies to all nicknames.

To maintain compliance with Iowa law and also provide efficiency in the reporting requirements listed above, the Superintendent will provide the opportunity for parents and guardians to list in the student’s registration paperwork any and all nicknames used for students.

Legal Reference:

Cross Reference:

Approved:8-21-23
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 279.79, subsection 1).

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 279.79, subsection 3).

District Response to a Threat or Incident of Violence by a Student

Reporting a Threat of Violence or Incidence 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 279.79, 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

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).

Escalating Responses of Disciplinary Action by Grade Band
The district reserves the right to determine the level of disciplinary action corresponding to the severity of threat of incident of violence.

Incident Levels

Incident levels must escalate, with Level 1 being less severe than Level 3 incidents. However, the District maintains discretion in applying the level of discipline appropriate for an incident. Because no definition could encompass all possible threats or incidents, the administration has discretion in determining which level to assign the incident after looking at the nature of the incident as well as the age, grade level, and maturity of the student.

Considerations for Determining the Maturity of the Student

The District believes that gauging the maturity of a student is subject to interpretation and best left to the licensed employees who interact most closely with the student on a regular basis.  Assessing a student’s maturity level is based on individual characteristics unique to each student. Therefore, in making a determination about the maturity of a student, the administration may consult with the student’s classroom teacher and other relevant licensed staff. 

Credibility of Threats

Not all statements of threat by children are credible. The district will consider whether the student had the plan, capacity and wherewithal to carry out the threat.

Considerations for Determining Whether the Off-Campus Threat of Violence or Incident of Violence Will Directly Affect the Good Order, Efficient Management and Welfare of the School District

The District recognizes that students maintain First Amendment rights to free expression both within school and outside. However, free speech protections are not absolute and do not extend to true threats of violence toward an individual or a group of individuals. In considering whether a threat or incident of violence will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district necessitating the need for investigation, the administration will consider, among other things, the following factors:

•           The specificity of the threat for time, location or individual(s) targeted;

•           The reasonable likelihood of the student’s ability to carry out the threat;

•           The reasonable likelihood that the threat will interfere with the operation of the educational environment.

In addition to the notification requirements in policy, the administration will apprise the parents or guardians of any student who suffered violence or a threat of violence, of the rights to file complaints under any other relevant board policies including but not limited to anti-bullying/anti-harassment and Title IX

The response requires an individualized education program, IEP meeting, if the student has an IEP; however; administrator discretion is available to not hold an IEP meeting if the student’s IEP allows for the range of staff response necessary to deal with the issue and the severity of the incident are factors.  

 

Grades PK-3

Level of Disciplinary Action	Escalating Response
Level 1	•      Requires parent or guardian notification. •      Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP. •      Responses may include any of the following: o    Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; o  When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; o    Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); o    Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); o    Detention; and/or o    Temporary removal from class. •            Unless the first offense is unusually serious, the administrator will avoid permanent removal from a class.
Level 2	•      Requires parent or guardian notification. •      Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. •            Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP. •            Responses to the incident may include the following: o    Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; o  When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; o    Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); o    Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); o    Detention; o    Temporary removal from extracurricular activities; o    Temporary removal from class; o    In-school suspension; o    Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or o  Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate.
Level 3	•      Requires parent or guardian notification. •      Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. •   Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP. •            Responses to an incident may include the following: o    Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; o  When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; o    Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); o    Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s). o    Detention; o    Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities; o    Temporary or permanent removal from class; o    In-school suspension; o    Out-of-school suspension; o    Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; o  Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or o    Recommendation for expulsion.

 

Grades 4-5

Level of Disciplinary Action	Escalating Response
Level 1	•      Requires parent or guardian notification. •      Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP. •      Responses to an incident may include the following: o    Parent or guardian conference that may include the student, when appropriate; o  When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; o    Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); o    Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); o    Detention; and/or o    Temporary removal from class. •            Unless the first offense is unusually serious, the administrator will avoid permanent removal from a class.
Level 2	•      Requires parent or guardian notification. •      Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. •            Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP. •      Response to an incident may include, but are not limited to, the following: o    Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; o  When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; o    Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); o    Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); o    Detention; o    Temporary removal from extracurricular activities; o    Temporary removal from class; o    In-school suspension; o    Out of-school suspension;   o    Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or o  Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate.
Level 3	•      Requires parent or guardian notification. •      Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. •            Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP. •            Response to an incident may include the following: o    Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; o  When appropriate and with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; o    Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); o    Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); o    Detention; o    Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities; o    Temporary or permanent removal from class; o    In-school suspension; o    Out-of-school suspension; o    Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or o  Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or o    Recommendation for expulsion.

 

Grades 6-8

Level of Disciplinary Action	Escalating Response
Level 1	•      Requires parent or guardian notification. •      Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP. •      Responses to an incident may include the following: o    Parent or guardian conference that may include the student, when appropriate; o  When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; o    Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); o    Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); o    Detention; and/or o    Temporary removal from class.
Level 2	•      Requires parent or guardian notification. •      Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. •      Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP. •      Responses to an incident may include, but are not limited to, the following: o    Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; o  When appropriate and with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; o    Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); o    Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); o    Detention; o    Temporary removal from extracurricular activities; o    Temporary removal from class; o    In-school suspension; o    Out-of-school suspension; o    Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or o  Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate.
Level 3	•      Requires parent or guardian notification. •      Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. •            Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP. •            Response to an incident may include the following: o    Parent or guardian conference that may include the student, when appropriate; o  When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; o    Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); o    Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); o    Detention; o    Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities; o    Temporary or permanent removal from class; o    In-school suspension; o    Out-of-school suspension; o    Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; o  Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or o    Recommendation for expulsion.

 

Grades 9-12

Level of Disciplinary Action	Escalating Response
Level 1	•      Requires parent or guardian notification. •      Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP. •      Responses to an incident may include, but are not limited to, the following: o    Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; o  When appropriate and with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; o    Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); o    Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); o    Detention; o    Temporary removal from extracurricular activities; o    Temporary removal from class; o    In-school suspension; and/or o    Suspension of transportation, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle.
Level 2	•      Requires parent or guardian notification. •      Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. •            Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP. •            Response to an incident may include the following: o    Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; o  When appropriate and with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; o    Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); o    Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); o    Detention; o    Temporary removal from extracurricular activities; o    Temporary removal from class; o    In-school suspension; o    Out-of-school suspension; o    Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or o  Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate.
Level 3	•      Requires parent or guardian notification. •      Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. •            Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP. •            Response to an incident may include the following: o    Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; o    When appropriate and with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; o    Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); o    Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); o    Detention; o    Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities; o    Temporary or permanent removal from class; o    In-school suspension; o    Out-of-school suspension; o    Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; o  Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or o    Recommendation for expulsion.

 

Definitions (consistent with the Department’s Data Dictionary 2022-23)

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 non-school day. Whether a student will serve detention, and the length of the detention, is within the discretion of the licensed employee or the building principal disciplining the student.

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.

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.

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 consecutive school days unless due process is provided as required by federal and state law.

A restriction from school activities means a student will not attend school and classes and practice and  will not participate in school activities.

Placement in an alternate learning environment means placement of a student in an environment established apart from the regular educational program that includes rules, staff and resources designed to accommodate student needs and to provide a comprehensive education consistent with the student learning goals and content standards established by the school district.

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.

 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §279.79

Cross Reference:
502 Series- Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Series - Student Discipline

Approved 12-18-23
Reviewed  
Revised

 

The student council provides for student activities, serves as a training experience for student leaders, promotes the common good, gives students a share in the management of the school, develops high ideals of personal conduct, acts as a clearinghouse for student activities, seeks to interest students in school district affairs and helps solve problems that may arise. Members of the council are student representatives who have direct access to the administration.

The principal, in conjunction with the students and licensed employees, will set forth the guidelines for the student government's elections, operations, and other elements of the government.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 279.8.

Cross Reference:
 

Approved: 11-15-21  
Reviewed: 5-20-24
Revised: 5-20-24

 

Secondary school student-initiated, noncurriculum-related groups and student curriculum-related groups, upon receiving permission from the principal, may use school facilities for group meetings during non-instructional time.

Non-instructional time will mean any time before the first period of the day and after the last period of the day in which any student attends class. Meetings will not interfere with the orderly conduct of the education program or other school district operations. It is within the discretion of the principal to determine whether the meetings will interfere with the orderly conduct of the education program or other school district operations. Activities relating to and part of the education program will have priority over the activities of another organization.

 

Curriculum-Related Organizations

It will also be the responsibility of the principal to determine whether a student group is curriculum-related. One or more of the following questions will be answered affirmatively if the group is curriculum-related:

• Is the subject matter of the group actually taught in a regularly offered course?
• Will the subject matter of the group soon be taught in a regularly offered course?
• Does the subject matter of the group concern the body of courses as a whole?
• Is participation in the group required for a particular course?
• Does participation in the group result in academic credit?

Secondary school curriculum-related student organizations may use the school district facilities for meetings and other purposes before and after the instructional school day. Employees are assigned to monitor approved meetings and may interact with curriculum-related organizations.

 

Noncurriculum-Related Organizations

Student-initiated, noncurriculum-related organizations are provided access to meeting space and school district facilities. Only students may attend and participate in meetings of noncurriculum-related groups. Such attendance is strictly voluntary and student-initiated. As a means of determining whether a student's attendance is voluntary, the principal may require parental consent for the student to attend the meetings.

Employees will be assigned to monitor approved meetings. Employees will not participate in the meeting or assist in planning, criticizing, or encouraging attendance. Only students may be involved in and attend the noncurriculum group's meetings.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Westside Community Board of Education v Mergens, 496 U.S. 226 (1990).
Bender v. Williamsport Area Community School District, 741 F.2d 538 (3d Cir. 1984), vacated and remanded on other grounds, 475 U.S. 534 (1986).
20 U.S.C. §§ 4071-4074.
Iowa Code §§ 287; 297.9.

Cross Reference:

Approved: ___11-15-21 
Reviewed: 5-20-24
Revised: 5-20-24

 

Students, as part of the education program, may participate in contests or other public and private events approved by the superintendent that will be of benefit to the student and the education program. Performance at such events is a privilege.

Students, who perform at such events, serve as ambassadors of the school district and must conduct themselves in the same manner as required in the regular school day. Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be subject to disciplinary measures.

Students will be allowed to perform in these events only with proper permission and supervision and when the events do not disrupt the education program or other school district operations. The events must be approved by the superintendent, unless it involves unusual travel and expense, in which case the board must approve of the performance.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. In developing the administrative regulations, these guidelines should be followed:

• Performances by student groups below the high school level should be allowed on a very limited basis;
• All groups of students should have an opportunity to participate; and,
• Extensive travel by one group of students should be discouraged.

It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether the event will benefit the education program and the participating students. Contests or other performances by students unapproved by the superintendent are the responsibility of the parent and the student.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).
Iowa Code §§ 280.13-.14.
281 I.A.C. 12.6.

Cross Reference:
503.4 Good Conduct Rule

Approved: 11-15-21  
Reviewed: 5-20-24
Revised: 5-20-24

 

Participation in school activities is a privilege. School activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and ability in the students during their school years and for their lifetime.

Students will have an opportunity to participate in a school activity unless the activity is not offered or the student cannot participate for disciplinary reasons. If the activity is an intramural or interscholastic athletic activity, students of the opposite sex will have a comparable opportunity for participation. Comparable opportunity does not guarantee boys and girls will be allowed to play on each other's teams when there are athletic activities available that will allow both boys and girls to reap the benefits of school activities, which are the promotion of additional interests and abilities in the students.

Student activity events must be approved by the superintendent unless they involve unusual travel expense, in which case the board will take action. The events must not disrupt the education program or other school district operations.

A high school student who participates in school sponsored athletics may participate in a non-school sponsored sport during the same season with approval of the Head Coach, Activities Director and Superintendent.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for each school activity. These regulations will include, but not be limited to, when physical examinations will be required, how and when parents will be informed about the risk of the activity, academic requirements, and proof of insurance on the student participating in certain activities. Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.

 

 

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1683; 1685-1686.
34 C.F.R. Pt. 106.41.
Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 280.13-.14.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6), 12.6, 36.15(7).

Cross Reference:
507.09 Wellness
507.09-R(1) Wellness - Regulation

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 5-20-24
Revised: 5-20-24

 

Students will receive a progress report at the end of each grading period. Students who are doing poorly, the district will attempt to communicate with them and their parents prior to the end of the grading period  in order to have an opportunity to improve their grade. The board encourages the notification of students who have made marked improvement prior to the end of the grading period. 

Parent-teacher-student conferences will be scheduled each semester. Progress reports may be issued at the P-T-S Conference. Report cards will be issued at the end of each grading period. The same procedures are followed for students in special education. 

Parents, teachers, or principals may request a conference for students in grades kindergarten through twelve in addition to the scheduled conference time. Parents and students are encouraged to discuss the student's progress or other matters with the student's teacher.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .41; 280, 284.12.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4), 12.3(6), .5(16).

Cross Reference:

Approved:11-15-21 
Reviewed: 7-23-24
Revised: 7-23-24

 

Students will be promoted to the next grade level at the end of each school year based on the student's achievement, age, maturity, emotional stability, and social adjustment.

The district shall adhere to the following:

• Retention/Promotion in kindergarten – eighth grade: The retention of a student will be determined based upon the judgment of the district’s professional staff. When it becomes evident a student in grades kindergarten through eight may be retained in a grade level for an additional year, the parents will be informed prior to making the retention decision. It is within the sole discretion of the district to retain students in their current grade level and to deny promotion to a student.
• Retention/Promotion in ninth – twelfth grade: Students in grades nine through twelve will be informed of the required course work necessary to be promoted each year. When it becomes evident a student in these grades will be unable to meet the minimum credit requirements for the year, the student and parents will be informed. It is within the sole discretion of the district to retain students in their current grade level and to deny promotion to a student.
• Acceleration in kindergarten – twelfth grade: Students in grades kindergarten through twelve with exceptional talents may, with the permission of the principal and parents, take classes beyond their current grade level. Enrichment opportunities outside the school district may be allowed when they do not conflict with the school district's graduation requirements.
• Retention or Acceleration in kindergarten – twelfth grade may also occur in additional instances as provided by law.

For students in grades kindergarten through sixth, if a student is not reading at a proficient level, the district will notify a student’s parent or guardian of the student’s reading level, and the option for parents to request that the student be retained in the student’s current grade level for the subsequent school year.  The district is prohibited from promoting a student to the next grade level if the student is not reading proficiently, and the student’s parent or guardian requests the student be retained at their current grade level for the next year.

Any student or parent who is not satisfied with the decision of the district’s professional staff my seek recourse through policy 502.4 – Student Complaints and Grievances.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .41; 279.8.
281 I.A.C. 12.5(16).

Cross Reference:
603.2 Summer School Instruction

Approved: 11-15-21  
Reviewed: 8-19-24
Revised: 8-19-24

 

Any regularly enrolled student may be considered for honors or awards awarded by the school. Qualifications for such awards shall be established by professional school personnel who have been delegated the responsibility by the building principal.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 279.8.

Cross Reference:

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 6-17-24
Revised: 6-17-24

 

A comprehensive testing program is established and maintained to evaluate the education program of the school district and to assist in providing guidance or counseling services to students and their families.

No student is required, as part of any applicable program, funded by the United State Department of Education, to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation that reveals information concerning:

• political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student's parent or guardian:
• mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family;
• sex behavior or attitudes;
• illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
• critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;
• legally recognized, privileged and analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers;
• religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or student's parent or guardian; or
• income,(other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program);

without the prior consent of the student (if the student is an adult or emancipated minor), or in the case of an unemancipated minor, without the prior written consent of the parent.

Prior to an employee or contractor of the district providing information on a student enrolled in the district on any survey related to the social or emotional abilities, competencies or characteristics of the student; the district will provide the parent/guardian of the student detailed information related to the survey and obtain written consent of the parent/guardian of the student.  This includes the person who created the survey, the person who sponsors the survey, how the information generated by the survey is used and how information generated by the survey is stored. This requirement will not prohibit a district employee from answering questions related to a student enrolled in the district as part of developing or implementing an individualized education program for the student.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

It is the responsibility of the board to review and approve the evaluation and testing program.

 

 

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 1232h.
Iowa Code §§ 279.79;280.3.

Cross Reference:
607.2 Student Health Services

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 6-17-24
Revised: 6-17-24

 

Students must successfully complete the courses required by the Board and Iowa Department of Education in order to graduate.  
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure that students complete grades one through twelve and that high school students complete 48 credits prior to graduation plus one credit of citizenship per semester of attendance.  The following credits will be required for graduation:
 

Language Arts     8 credits including successful completion of the following:
English 9  (year-long course)
English 10  (year-long course)
English 11  (year-long course)
Senior English sequence from one of the following:  
English 12 (year-long course ) 
Creative Writing (year-long course )
NIACC Composition I and NIACC Composition II 

Mathematics    6 credits

Science          6 credits including 
Physical Science (year-long course for Freshmen) 
Biology (year-long course for Sophomores)
One additional year of elective science course:
Ecology
Anatomy & Physiology
Chemistry
Physics

Social Studies    6 credits including: 
World History (year-long course for Sophomores)
U.S. History (year-long course for Juniors)
Government (semester course for Seniors)
Economics (semester course for Seniors)
 

Personal Finance        1 credit
PE             4 credits
Electives         17 credits
Citizenship        1 credit per semester of attendance required
 

The Superintendent of Schools, assisted by the professional staff, shall recommend graduation requirements to the Board of Directors for approval by the Board.
Tuition and transportation will be provided by the student for courses taken anywhere but Central Springs High School.  An exception to this rule is explained in Post-Secondary Enrollment Options - 602.10.
 

One unit is equal to two credits or a full-year course.  Classes that meet daily for a one period or a block every other day for a semester will give one credit towards requirements.
 

The required courses of study will be reviewed by the board annually.
 

Prior to graduation, the district will advise students on how to successfully complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
 

A student that has not fully completed the requirements will not be allowed to go through the graduation ceremonies or has had disciplinary consequences, or outstanding fees/fines, will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies.
 

Graduation requirements for special education students will include successful completion of four years of English, three years of Math, three years of Social Studies, and three years of Science.
 

Students who complete a regular session in the Legislative Page Program of the general assembly at the state capitol will be credited for ½ credit of social studies.
Students enrolled in a junior officers’ training corp will receive ⅛ physical education credit for each semester the student is enrolled in the program.

Legal Reference:  
Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A;  41; 279.8; 280.3, 280.14 (2019). 281 I.A.C. 12.2, .12.5; 12.3(5)

Cross Reference:  

Approved 11-15-21  
Reviewed 6-17-24
Revised 6-17-24

 

Generally, students will be required to complete the necessary course work and graduate from high school at the end of grade twelve. Students may graduate prior to this time if they meet the minimum graduation requirements stated in board policy.

A student who graduates early will no longer be considered a student and will become an alumnus of the school district. However, the student who graduates early may participate in commencement exercises.

 

 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(5); 12(5)

Cross Reference:

Approved: 11-15-21
Reviewed: 6-17-24
Revised: 6-17-24