Code No. 900

PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES FOR COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Successful education programs require the support of the school district community. The board addresses the importance of the role of the school district community in the school district in this series of the policy manual. The board recognizes this support is dependent on the school district community’s understanding of participation in the efforts, goals, problems and programs of the school district.

In this section, the board sets out its policies defining its relationship with the school district community. In striving to obtain the support of the school district community, the board will:

• Provide access to school district records;
• Inform the school district community of the school district’s goals, objectives, achievements, and needs;
• Invite the input of the school district community; and,
• Encourage cooperation between the school district and the school district community.

Approved: 3/13/2013

Reviewed: 4/24/2024

Revised: 5/08/2013
Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No.  901

PUBLIC EXAMINATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICT RECORDS

Public records of the school district may be viewed by the public during the regular business hours of the administration offices of the school district.

Persons wishing to view the school district's public records will contact the board secretary and make arrangements for the viewing.  The board secretary will make arrangements for viewing the records as soon as practicable, depending on the nature of the request.

Persons may request copies of public records by telephone or in writing, including electronically.  The school district may require pre-payment of the costs prior to copy and mailing.

Persons wanting copies may be assessed a reasonable fee for the copy.  Persons wanting compilation of information may be assessed a reasonable fee for the time of the employee to review and compile the requested information.  The district will make every effort to provide the public record requested at no cost other than copying costs for a record which takes less than thirty minutes to produce.

Costs for legal services utilized for the redaction or review of legally protected confidential information may also be assessed to the individual requesting the records.  Printing of materials for the public at the expense of the school district will only occur when the event is sponsored by the school district.

Pursuant to Iowa law, the board has determined certain records need to be confidential as their disclosure could jeopardize the safety of persons or property and include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Security procedures
• Emergency preparedness procedures
• Evacuation procedures
• Security codes and passwords

It is the responsibility of the board secretary to maintain accurate and current records of the school district.  It is the responsibility of the board secretary to respond in a timely manner to requests for viewing and receiving public information of the school district.

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy and is consistent with the Iowa public records law regarding access to, copying of and charging for copies of public records.  

Legal Reference:          
Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22.7; 291.6.

Cross Reference:          
215      Board of Directors' Records

215E1 Board of Directors' Records-Board Meeting Minutes
401.5   Employee Records
506      Student Records

506.1 Student Records Access

506.2 Student Directory Information

605.2 Instructional and Library Materials Inspection and Display
708      Care, Maintenance, and Disposal of School District Records
902.1   News Media Relations

Approved: 3/13/2013, Reviewed: 7/11/2018, Revised: 4/24/2024
Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No.  902.1

NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS

The board recognizes and supports the value of open, fair and honest communication with the news media.  The board will maintain a cooperative relationship with the news media. As part of this cooperative relationship, the board and the media will develop a means for sharing information while respecting each party's limitations.

Members of the news media are encouraged and welcome to attend open board meetings.  The board president is the spokesperson for the board, and the superintendent is the spokesperson for the school district.  It is the responsibility of the board president and superintendent to respond to inquiries from the news media about the school district.

Members of the news media seeking information about the school district will direct their inquiries to the superintendent.  The superintendent will accurately and objectively provide the facts and board positions in response to inquiries from the news media about the school district. 

Legal Reference:          
Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8 (2011).

Cross Reference:          
902      Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved: 3/13/2013, Reviewed: 4/24/2024, Revised: 5/08/2013
Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No.  902.2

NEWS CONFERENCES AND INTERVIEWS

The superintendent, on behalf of the board and the school district, may hold a news conference or respond to a request for an interview with the news media.

The superintendent will respond accurately, openly, honestly, and objectively to inquiries from the news media about the school district.

News conferences and interviews planned or pre-arranged for school district activities will include the board and the superintendent.  News conferences for issues requiring an immediate response may be held by the superintendent. It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether a news conference or interview is held to provide an immediate response to an issue.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of news conferences and interviews.

Legal Reference:          
Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8 (2011).

Cross Reference:        
902      Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved: 3/13/2013, Reviewed: 4/24/2024, Revised: 5/08/2013
Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No.  902.2

NEWS CONFERENCES AND INTERVIEWS

The superintendent, on behalf of the board and the school district, may hold a news conference or respond to a request for an interview with the news media.

The superintendent will respond accurately, openly, honestly, and objectively to inquiries from the news media about the school district.

News conferences and interviews planned or pre-arranged for school district activities will include the board and the superintendent.  News conferences for issues requiring an immediate response may be held by the superintendent. It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether a news conference or interview is held to provide an immediate response to an issue.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of news conferences and interviews.

Legal Reference:          
Widmer v. Reitzler, 182 N.W.2d 177 (Iowa 1970).
Dobrovolny v. Reinhardt, 173 N.W.2d 837 (Iowa 1970).
Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22.2.

Approved: 3/13/2013

Reviewed: 7/11/2018

Revised: 4/24/2024
Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No.  902.4

LIVE BROADCAST OR VIDEOTAPING

Individuals may broadcast or record public school district events, including open board meetings, as long as it does not interfere with, or disrupt, the school district event and it does not create an undue burden in adapting the buildings and sites to accommodate the request.

It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether the request is unduly burdensome and whether the broadcast or recording will interfere with or disrupt the school district event.

Recording of classroom activities will be allowed at the discretion of the superintendent.  Parents will be notified prior to recording of classroom activities.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations outlining the procedures for making the request and the rules for operation if the request is granted.

NOTE:  This policy states that prior to recording of classroom activities, parents will be notified but does not require parental permission.  Notification is not a legal requirement, but it is recommended.  The policy gives the school district the flexibility to have one notice to cover the entire year and can be placed in the student directory info policy, a parent newsletter or handbook.

Legal Reference:          
Iowa Code §§ 21.4, .7; 22; 279.8, 21.7.

Cross Reference:          
506.2   Student Directory Information
902.1   News Media Relations
903.3   Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

Approved: 3/13/13, Reviewed: 7/11/18, Revised: 4/24/2024
Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No.  903.1

SCHOOL DISTRICT - COMMUNITY GROUPS

The board values the participation and the support of school district-community groups, including, but not limited to, the booster club and parent-teacher organizations, which strive for the betterment of the school district and the education program.  The board will work closely with these groups.

Prior to any purchase of, or fund raising for the purchase of goods or services for the school district, the group will confer with the superintendent to assist the group in purchasing goods or services to meet the school district's needs.

Funds raised by these groups for the school district may be kept as part of the accounts of the school district.

It is the responsibility of the building principal to be the liaison with the school district-community groups affiliated with the building principal's attendance center.

Legal Reference:          
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 291.13 (2011).

Cross Reference:          
903      Public Participation in the School District

Approved: 3/13/13

Reviewed: 4/24/24

Revised: 5/08/13
Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No.  903.2

COMMUNITY RESOURCE PERSONS AND VOLUNTEERS

The board recognizes the valuable resource it has in the members of the school district community.  When possible and in concert with the education program, members of the school district community may be asked to make presentations to the students or to assist employees in duties other than teaching.  The school district may officially recognize the contributions made by volunteers.

Recruitment, training, utilization, and the maintenance of records for the purposes of insurance coverage and/or recognition of school district volunteers is the responsibility of the superintendent.

Volunteers within the district are held to the same high standards of behavior as school employees and unsupervised volunteers will be subject to background checks prior to interacting with the students in a volunteer capacity.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent or the superintendent's designee to create regulations necessary to carry out this policy.

Legal Reference:          
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 670 (2011).

Cross Reference:          
603.1   Basic Instruction Program
903.3   Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

Approved: 3/13/13, Reviewed: 4/10/13, Revised: 4/24/24
Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No.  903.3

VISITORS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS & SITES

The board welcomes the interest of parents and other members of the school district community and invites them to visit the school buildings and sites.  Visitors, which include persons other than employees or students, must notify the principal, or designee, of their presence in the facility upon arrival.

Persons who wish to visit a classroom while school is in session are asked to notify the principal and obtain approval from the principal prior to the visit so appropriate arrangements can be made and so class disruption can be minimized.  Teachers and other employees will not take time from their duties to discuss matters with visitors.

Visitors will conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with mutual respect and consideration for the rights of others while attending school events.  Visitors failing to conduct themselves accordingly may be asked to leave the premises. Children who wish to visit school premises must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

It is the responsibility of employees to report inappropriate conduct.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent and principals to take the action necessary to cease the inappropriate conduct.  If the superintendent or principals are not available, a school district employee will act to cease the inappropriate conduct.

Legal Reference:          
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 716.7 (2011).

Cross Reference:          
902      Press, Radio and Television News Media
903.2   Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

Approved: 3/13/1, Reviewed: 4/24/24, Revised: 5/08/13

Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No. 903.4

PUBLIC CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PREMISES

The board expects that students, employees and visitors will treat each other with respect, engage in responsible behavior, exercise self-discipline and model fairness, equity and respect.  Individuals violating this policy will be subject to discipline.  Students will be disciplined consistent with the student conduct policies. Employees will be disciplined consistent with employee discipline policies and laws.  Others will be subject to discipline according to this policy.  

Individuals are permitted to attend school sponsored or approved activities or visit school premises only as guests of the school district, and, as a condition, they must comply with the school district's rules and policies.  Individuals will not be allowed to interfere with or disrupt the education program or activity.  Visitors, like the participants, are expected to display mature, responsible behavior.  The failure of individuals to do so is not only disruptive but embarrassing to the students, the school district and the entire community.

To protect the rights of students to participate in the education program or activities without fear of interference or disruption and to permit the school officials, employees and activity sponsors and officials to perform their duties without interference or disruption, the following provisions are in effect:

• Abusive, verbal or physical conduct of individuals directed at students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities or at other individuals will not be tolerated.
• Verbal or physical conduct of individuals that interferes with the performance of students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities will not be tolerated.
• The use of vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression directed at students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities participating in a sponsored or approved activity or at other individuals will not be tolerated.

If an individual becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression, or in any way interrupts an activity, the individual may be removed from the event by the individual in charge of the event.  Law enforcement may be contacted for assistance.  

Individuals removed from school premises have the ability to follow the board’s chain of command and complaint policies should they choose to do so.  The exclusion is in effect should the individual choose to appeal the decision of the superintendent.  The term “individual” as used in the policy also includes students and employees.

If an individual has been notified of exclusion and thereafter tries to enter a school building or attends a sponsored or approved activity, the individual will be advised that his/her attendance will result in prosecution.  The school district may obtain a court order for permanent exclusion from the school building or from future school sponsored or approved activities.
 

Legal Reference:          
Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .66; 716.7.

Cross Reference:          
205      Board Member Liability
802.6   Vandalism
905.2      Nicotine/Tobacco-Free Environment

Approved: 3/13/13

Reviewed: 7/11/18

Revised: 4/24/24

Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No. 903.5

DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS

The board recognizes that students, employees, parents or citizens may want to distribute or display materials within the school district that are non curricular. Non Curricular materials to be distributed or displayed must be approved by the building principal, Superintendent, or designee, and meet certain standards prior to their distribution. (See Distribution Guidelines and procedures). This applies to materials that are distributed at the building level.  

Grinnell-Newburg has implemented a virtual backpack for those flyers that previously were sent home to students from outside organizations that enabled our students to sign up for after school activities, participate in events, or supported our student programs.   In an effort to reduce the number of organizational flyers going home with students each week, we have incorporated a virtual backpack in which approval for the dissemination of materials must be followed. Materials from organizations who are supporting student activities and actively seeking student participation must have prior approval (see form and guidelines) before informational flyers are posted on the virtual backpack. Please submit approval request form and PDF flyer to amy.sebring@grinnell-k12.org.

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

Legal Reference:    U.S. Const. amend. I.
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).
Bethel School District v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).
New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985).
Tinker v. Des Moines Ind. Comm. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969).
Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.22 (2011).

Cross References:    
502.3    Freedom of Expression
503.1    Student Conduct
504    Student Activities
603.9    Academic Freedom

Approved: 9/14/16

Reviewed: 4//24/24

Revised: 7/11/18
Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No.903.6

NAMING OF SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITIES AND OTHER WAYS TO HONOR INDIVIDUALS

The Board recognizes the significance names given to District facilities can have to the community, its traditions and values.  The purpose of this policy is to establish a framework to guide the decisions about the naming of District facilities. It is also designed to set helpful guidelines to honor individuals who have made great contributions to the District or to society.

A.    COMMITTEE

Upon notice from the Board that naming or renaming of a District facility is being considered, the Superintendent shall appoint a committee of five (5) to ten (10) individuals.  The Committee shall consist of District employees, parents, students and community representatives to fairly represent the demographic composition of the community. The Superintendent and a Board member shall also serve as non-voting chairpersons of the committee.

The Committee shall develop a process for soliciting recommendations for the naming or renaming of a District facility and then reduce the number of proposed names to a manageable list.  Names selected for the manageable list and further consideration must conform to the criteria outlined in this policy; including but not limited to Section C below.

After evaluating the manageable list, the Committee shall vote on the final name for recommendation.  The final name shall be decided by a majority vote of the Committee and shall be rendered in writing and/or formally presented to the Board at a regularly scheduled Board meeting.

B.    BOARD AUTHORITY

The Board is responsible for the naming of District facilities and reserves the right of final approval for the name of any and all facilities.  The Board reserves the right to withdraw and/or remove a District facility name. Consideration the Board may take in withdrawing and/or removing a District facility name include, but is not limited to, (1) a period of more than twenty (20) years has passed since the death of the honoree, or (2) information is revealed concerning the facility name which may cause the name to be inappropriate for District buildings or grounds.

If the naming of a District facility is a condition of a gift to the District and the Board believes that the size of the gift warrants such action, the Board may waive any and/or all requirements of this policy and approve the name as designated by the donor.  Dedication of a particular facility does not guarantee that the dedicated name will exist in perpetuity.

C.   NAME CRITERIA

Names selected for the manageable list, as specified in Section A above, and for further consideration must conform to at least one of the following three criteria:

1. Geographic Location or Section of the District – A facility may be named after a geographic location and/or section of the District it serves.
2. Individuals – Names of individuals who have made a significant contribution to the field of education, community, county, state or nation.
   
   1. Monetary Donation – For a non-employee or non-graduate, to be considered for naming rights, the financial contribution needs to be of great significance.  For a special part of a building, or a room, the minimum contribution is $500,000. For a complete addition of several rooms or a large space (auditorium/gymnasium/ cafeteria/library) the minimum contribution is $1,000,000.
   2. For a graduate or former employee, the amount shall be equal to or surpass at least fifty percent (50%) of the cost of the above amount in 3(A).  Such percentage may be reduced further upon approval of a 2/3 vote of the Board.

D.    RECOGNITION

Besides naming a District facility, the District and/or individual may wish to remember organizations, individuals and/or those who have made contributions in the District, community, state or nation.  A Hall of Fame will be constructed and maintained near, or within the public access to, the high school gymnasium and auditorium recognizing such individuals.

An individual wishing to recognize an organization/individual may make such request in writing and/or formally present such request to the Board at a regularly scheduled Board meeting.  The Board may approve appropriate recognition/memorial plaques it deems appropriate by a majority vote of the Board.

Approved: 03-13-2013

Reviewed: 04-24-2024

Revised: 05-08-2013

Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No.  904.1

TRANSPORTING STUDENTS IN PRIVATE VEHICLES

Generally, transporting students for school purposes is done in a vehicle owned by the school district and driven by a school bus driver.  Students may be transported in private vehicles for school purposes.  It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine when this is appropriate.

Individuals transporting students for school purposes in private vehicles must have the permission of the superintendent and meet all applicable requirements set by the district.  Prior to transporting students in private vehicles, the district may require the following: 

• The vehicle used to transport the student(s)is in good condition and meets all applicable safety requirements; 
• The driver transporting the student(s) possesses a valid drivers’ license; 
• Proof of insurance has been supplied to the superintendent and the insurance satisfies the minimum coverage requirements for driving personal vehicles in the State of Iowa ; and 
• The parents of the students to be transported have given written permission to the superintendent.  

The school district assumes no responsibility for those students who have not received the approval of the superintendent and who ride in private vehicles for school purposes. If transportation is not provided by the school district, or if transportation provided by the school district is declined by the student or parent/guardian, then the responsibility and corresponding liability for transportation for school purposes shall rest solely with the student and parent/guardian. 

This policy statement applies to transportation of students for school purposes in addition to transporting students to and from their designated attendance center. The superintendent may develop an administrative process to implement this policy.

Legal Reference:          
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 285; 321 (2011).
281 I.A.C. 43.

Cross Reference:          
401.7   Employee Travel Compensation

Approved: 03-13-13

Reviewed:0 7-11-18

Revised: 04-24-24

Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No.  904.2

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION

For the purposes of this policy, advertising is defined as the public promotion of something such as a product, service, business, or event in order to attract or increase interest in it. It is usually thought of as one-way, paid communication to the masses. Certain advertising activities are considered appropriate if they are approved by the building administrator and have student education as their goal. Such activities include, but are not limited to, the provision of instructional aids or visuals, sponsorship of activities, and announcements by non-profit organizations of activities of potential interest to students. Building administrators may refer potential advertising to the superintendent for approval, who may also request a decision by the Board. The district intends to cooperate with businesses and organizations. At the same time, it is not the District’s purpose to allow excessive commercialism, the exploitation of students, parents, and staff, by private interests, or the distribution of all information presented by well-meaning groups.

The district athletic facilities at the high school may be used for advertising in a controlled manner and with approval of the building administration and the superintendent for the purpose of generating funds.

The district has sole and final authority to approve or deny the content and visual appearance of any advertisement and none will be displayed without prior approval.

Legal Reference:          
Iowa Code § 279.8 (2011).

Cross Reference:          
504.5   Student Fund Raising
904      Community Activities Involving Students

Approved: 03-13-13, Reviewed: 04-24-24, Revised: 7-11-18
Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No. 904.3

SOLICITATION BY OR OF STUDENTS

There shall be no solicitations on school property by or of students for any non-school organization.  Other types of solicitations by or of students for school-specific events may take place only with the prior approval of the building principal and superintendent of schools.

Cross reference:           
504.5     Student Fund Raising
904.2     Advertising and Promotion
903.5     Distribution of Materials
903.5R1 Distribution of Materials regulation

Approved: 03-13-13, Reviewed: 04-24-24, Revised: 05-08-13
Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No.  905.1

COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT

School district facilities and equipment will be made available to local nonprofit entities which promote cultural, educational, civic, community, or recreational activities.  "Entity(ies)" will include organizations, groups and individuals and their agents. Such use will be permitted only when the use does not interfere with or disrupt the education program or a school-related activity, the use is consistent with state law, and will end no later than midnight.  It is within the discretion of the board to allow for-profit entities to use school district facilities and equipment.

Entities that wish to use school district facilities or equipment must apply at any attendance center.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent or designee (activities department) to determine whether the school district facility or equipment requested is available and whether the application for use meets board policy and administrative regulations.  It is the responsibility of the board secretary or designee to provide application forms, obtain proof of insurance, and draw up the contract for use of school district facilities and equipment.

Use of school district facilities and equipment by entities will be supervised by a school district employee unless special prior arrangements are made with the building principal or designee.  The school district employee will not accept a fee from the entity using school district facilities and equipment. If appropriate, the school district employee may be paid by the school district.

Entities that use school district buildings, or equipment, or sites must leave the building or site in the same condition it was in prior to its use.  Inappropriate use of school district facilities and equipment may result in additional fees charged to, or the inability of, the entity to use school district facilities or equipment in the future.

The school district reserves the right to charge all costs, including attorney fees, that may arise to the entity for the entity’s failure to comply with the law or school district policy and its supporting administrative regulations.

The board may allow entities, such as the Boy and Girl Scouts and 4-H, to use the school district facilities and equipment without charge.  While such entities may use the facilities and equipment without charge, they may be required to pay a custodial fee.

It is the responsibility of the board secretary or designee to develop a fee schedule for the board's approval and to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:          
Iowa Code §§ 8D; 276; 278.1(4); 279.8; 297.9-.11 (2007).
1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 561.
1940 Op. Att'y Gen. 232.
1936 Op. Att'y Gen. 196.

Cross Reference:          
704      Revenue
904.2   Advertising

Approved: 03-13-13, Reviewed: 07-11-18, Revised: 04-24-24
Grinnell-Newburg School District, Grinnell, IA

Code No.  905.2

TOBACCO/NICOTINE-FREE ENVIRONMENT

School district facilities and grounds, including school vehicles, are off limits for tobacco use, including vaping the use of look-a-likes where the original would include tobacco or nicotine (including, but not limited to products such as dissolvable, spit less, snus, chewing, and electronic cigarettes).  This requirement extends to students, employees and visitors.  This policy applies at all times, including school-sponsored and nonschool-sponsored events.  Persons failing to abide by this request are required to extinguish their smoking material, dispose of the tobacco, nicotine or other product or leave the school district premises immediately.  It is the responsibility of the administration to enforce this policy.

NOTE: According to Iowa law, all school grounds are smoke free. Boards have the authority to expand the policy to make the school facilities and grounds tobacco or nicotine free as well.

Legal Reference:          
Goals 2000:  Educate America Act, Pub. L. No. 103-227, 108 Stat. 125 (1994).
House File 2212, Iowa General Assembly (2008)          
Iowa Code §§ 142B; 279.8, .9; 297 (2013).

Cross Reference:          
903.4   Public Conduct on School Premises
905.1   Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment

Approved:  4-27-16

Reviewed: 7-11-18

Revised: 4-24-24
Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, Iowa

Code No. 905.3

WEAPONSIN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

The board believes weapons, other dangerous objects and look-a-likes in school district facilities and at school district-approved events cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

All weapons, dangerous objects and look-a-likes are prohibited to be carried, possessed, transported or otherwise stored on school district property and to school district-approved events.  Exceptions to this policy include weapons carried by the following individuals in performance of their official duties: 

• law enforcement; 
• military personnel;
• corrections officers;
• individuals approved in writing by the Superintendent, and;
• 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.

Individuals found to be in violation of this district policy will be required to immediately remove the weapon, dangerous object or look-a-likes from the school district property or event.  Students found to be in violation of this policy or any other board policies related to weapons will be subject to disciplinary proceedings. 

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

Approved: 4-24-24, Reviewed:  , Revised:

Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, IA

Policy 906 UNMANNED AIRCRAFTS - DRONES

The following policy applies to the extent not preempted by federal or state regulatory jurisdiction regarding unmanned aircrafts. For purposes of this policy, the term ''unmanned aircraft" means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

The Grinnell-Newburg Community School District believes in maintaining the safety, security, and privacy of students, employees, and visitors. In keeping with this belief, the use or possession of unmanned aircrafts is prohibited on district property or in the space above the property that reasonably can be considered part of the district property.

The superintendent may make an exception to this policy in specific cases where the circumstances warrant such exception. In such situations and prior to approval, unmanned aircraft operators shall:

• Supply proof of insurance meeting liability limits established by the district;
• Present appropriate registration and authorization issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA);
• Sign an agreement holding the district harmless from any claims of harm to individuals or damage to property; and
• Meet additional requirements as determined appropriate by the district.

If the unmanned aircrafts are operated as part of the district curriculum, prior to adoption into the curriculum, district employees shall work with district administration to ensure the appropriate insurance, registration, and authorizations are in place.

Unmanned aircrafts shall be operated in accordance with Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union policy.

Failure to abide by this policy may result in local, state, and federal penalties if applicable.

NOTE: The use of unmanned aircrafts is an unsettled area of the law. There is overlap with federal and state regulations and as such, there is the potential for challenge associated with the enforcement of the policy. Districts should, as with the adoption of any new policy, work with the district's legal counsel to determine whether, when, and to what extent a policy on unmanned aircraft should be adopted at the local level.

NOTE: Districts who wish to approve the use of drones on school property, as part of the curriculum or for other purposes, should consult with the district's insurance carrier prior to approval and operation. Most general liability policies have an exclusion for aircraft liability and the district would likely need additional liability coverage for the operation of drones. If you are a member of the IASB Safety Group, effective July 1, 2016, your policy with EMC automatically includes liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage caused by drones. However, coverage is not currently available for claims related to violation of privacy.

NOTE: Districts should be aware of the FAA unmanned aircraft safety guidelines, which include guidelines such as flying below 400 feet and not flying within 5 miles of an airport unless the airport and control tower have been contacted prior to flying. For a complete list of the guidelines, please visit the "Model Aircraft Operations" section of the FAA website, located at http://www.faa.gov/uas/model_aircraft/.

Legal Reference:

FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, P.L. 112-95, Title III, Subtitle B.

Model Aircraft Operating Standards, FFA AC No. 91-57A (Sept. 2, 2015).

Office of Chief Counsel, Fed. Aviation Admin., State and Local Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Fact Sheet (Dec. 17, 2015).

Iowa Code § 279.8.

IHSAA Drone Policy

Approved: 7-11-18

Reviewed: 4-24-24

Revised:

Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, IA

Code No. 907

DISTRICT OPERATION DURING PUBLIC EMERGENCIES

The district believes that student learning is the heart of its core mission.  While traditional in-person teaching continues to provide the greatest learning opportunity to all students, there may be rare and unusual circumstances that prevent the school community from convening in traditional in-person settings.  At times of a public emergency declared by federal, state or local officials, the district will seek guidance and recommendations from federal, state and local agencies to assist in determining the safety of convening traditional in-person learning.  

During a declared public emergency, the school board delegates to the Superintendent the authority to determin whether to close school buildings to traditional in-person learning if the Superintendent determines in-person learning would hinder the health and safety of the school community. The district will instead utilize remote or hybrid learning opportunities permidtted by law. 

Following guidance and recommendations from federal, state, and local agencies when reasonably possible, the administration will create regulations related to district operations during a public emergency, including, but not limited to, student, employee and visitor safety and security; the use and safeguarding of district property; public meetings and events, and when applicable, measures to prevent or slow the spread of infectious disease.

These measures will be enforced for the period of time of the public emergency, or until the School board and superintendent, in consultation with federal, state and local agencies determine it is appropriate for the safety measures to end.

Cross References:

403.3     Communicable Diseases - Employees

403.3R1  Communicable Diseases - Employees - Regulation

403.3E1  Comminicable Diseases - Employees- Hepatitis B Vaccine Information and Record

Approved: 4-24-24, Reviewd:  , Revised:  

Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Grinnell, IA