1001 - Public Communications

 

 

 

1001.1 - Board and Community Relations

 

 

 

The Board of Directors recognizes the right of the public to information concerning all of its actions and policies and details of its educational and business operations. The board encourages study, discussion, and active participation by all concerned in the promotion of the best possible program of education in the community. It is the practice of the board to seek the advice and assistance of all interested individuals and groups in meeting its educational and financial goals.

The Board of Directors may, from time to time, appoint citizen advisory committees to study matters pertaining to the educational issues of the school district. Such committees shall deal with specific issues as identified by the Board of Directors. Citizen advisory committees appointed by the board are subject to the open meetings law. The term of the committee shall be at the discretion of the board. The sole function of the committee shall be to advise the board on matters for which the committee was convened. Progress on the activities and goals of citizen advisory committees as defined by the board at the outset will be reported to the board on a regular basis.

The superintendent [or designee] may convene administrative committees to review or develop recommendations on issues, practices, programs, or initiatives affecting the educational or operational practices of the district. Committee membership and duration of the committee’s service shall be determined by the superintendent [or designee]. The board shall receive updates on administrative committee work at least annually for a standing committee and periodically for a task-driven committee. Recommendations made by administrative committees to the board are for advisory purposes only.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for board and administrative committees, as appropriate.

Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 3/13; 6/15; 7/19
Revised: 4/14

1001.2 - News and Media Relations

 

 

 

Board of Education: Members of the news media are encouraged and welcome to attend open board meetings. The board president shall be the spokesperson for the board and the superintendent shall be the spokesperson for the district. It shall be the responsibility of the board president and the superintendent to respond to inquiries from the media about the district. Members of the news media seeking information about the district shall direct their inquiries to the superintendent [or designee]. The superintendent [or designee] shall accurately and objectively provide the facts and board's position in response to inquiries from the news media about the district.

Press Releases: The superintendent [or designee] shall determine when a press release about district or board matters will be issued and the format in which it is issued. Press releases shall be accurate and objective with the purpose of creating or maintaining a positive image for the district. Approval of the press release prior to issue is the responsibility of the superintendent [or designee]. Questions about press releases shall be directed to the superintendent [or designee].

Press Conferences and Interviews: The superintendent [or designee] may hold a press conference or respond to a request for an interview with the media on behalf of the district or board. Press conferences and interviews planned or pre-arranged for district or school activities shall include the superintendent [or designee]. It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether a press conference or interview will be held to provide a timely response to either a media request or in response to a district issue.

Live Broadcast or Video of School or District Events: Media or individuals may broadcast or video public school or district events, including open board meetings, as long as the process or people do not interfere with or disrupt the school or district event and the broadcast or video does not create an undue burden on adaptation of the building or site to accommodate the request. All copyright requirements and privacy rights must be followed. The superintendent [or designee] shall determine whether the individual or media presence will interfere with or disrupt the school or district event.

The media or individual shall request permission to photograph, video, or broadcast in a specific school or district facility during hours of operation. Media or individual presence in a classroom for the purpose of featuring selected programs or practices may be approved provided that the presence does not disrupt the normal operation of the classroom or service, and the purpose for the broadcast or video is to advance the mission of the district. Requests for photography, video, or broadcasting in school and district facilities shall be made to the communications and media coordinator. Requests may be denied because of insufficient time or reasonableness.

The superintendent is responsible for developing guidelines and procedures for press releases, press conferences, interviews, broadcast and video, and any other requests from media for information about school and district events.

Adopted: 3/00
Reviewed: 4/14; 6/15; 7/19
Revised: 1/13
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 21.4, .7; 22; 279.8 (2013)

1001.3 - Unmanned Aircrafts/Drones

 

 

 

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

The Linn-Mar 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/drones is prohibited on district property or in the space above the property that can reasonably be considered part of the district’s property.

The superintendent [or designee] 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/drone 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.
  • Meet additional requirements as determined appropriate by the district.

If the unmanned aircrafts/drones 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/drones shall be operated in accordance with Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union policies.

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

Adopted: 6/16
Reviewed: 7/19
Related Policy (Code #): 602.1; 1001.3-E
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 279.8; IHSAA Drone Policy

1001.3-E Hold Harmless Agreement Regarding Use of Unmanned Aircrafts/Drones

 

 

 

Click here to download the Hold Harmless form

I, _____________________________________, understand that my use of an unmanned aircraft/drone on Linn-Mar Community School District property carries with it the potential for certain risks, some of which may not be reasonably foreseeable.

By signing this agreement I agree to release, indemnify, and hold the Linn-Mar CSD harmless from any claims of harm to individuals or damage to property due to the operation of an anmanned aircraft/drone.

I have provided proof of insurance and appropriate registration and authorization by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

  • Insurance policy number: __________________________________
  • FAA registration number: __________________________________
  • Date(s) of aircraft/drone operation: ___________________________

Reason for use of unmanned aircraft/drone: ____________________________________________

Applicant's Signature: __________________________________ Date: ______________________

Printed Name: ____________________________________________________________________

Approved: ______________________ Denied: ______________________

Superintendent's Signature: _____________________________ Date: _______________________

Adopted: 6/16
Reviewed: 7/19
Related Policy (Code #): 602.1; 1001.3
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 279.8; IHSAA Drone Policy

1001.4 - Distribution of Materials

 

 

 

The board recognizes that students, employees, parents, or citizens may want to distribute hard copy or electronic materials within the school district that are non-curricular. Non-curricular materials to be distributed must be approved by the superintendent [or designee] and meet certain standards prior to their distribution, including informational or promotional materials for the electronic backpack.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent in conjunction with the building principals to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Adopted: 9/98
Reviewed: 11/10; 3/13; 7/19
Revised: 4/14; 6/15
Related Policy (Code #): 1001.4-R
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 279.8; 280.22 (2013); US Const Amend I;
Hazelwood SD vs. Kuhlmeier; 484 US 260 (1988); Bethel SD vs Fraser,
478 US 675 (1986); New Jersey vs Des Moines Ind CSD, 393 US 503 (1969);
Bystrom vs Fridley High School, 822 F 2d 747 (8th Cir 1987)

1001.4-R - Administrative Regulations Regarding Distribution of Materials

 

 

 

Section I - Guidelines: Individuals, including students, may have the right to distribute on school premises at reasonable times and places, unofficial materials or petitions which align with the educational goals and strategic plan of the district except materials and expressions which:

  1. Are obscene
  2. Are libelous and slanderous
  3. Contain indecent, vulgar, profane, or lewd language
  4. Advertise any products/services not permitted to minors by law
  5. Constitute insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses other people (e.g., threats of violence, defamation of character or of a person’s race, religion, gender, disability, age, or ethnic origin)
  6. Present a clear and present likelihood that either because of the content or the manner of distribution, will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities and/or will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations
  7. Promote private businesses without educational relevance
  8. Advance political candidates running for elected national, state, county, or local offices or campaign materials

Section II - Procedures: Anyone wishing to distribute unofficial, written materials must first submit a copy of the materials for approval to the superintendent [or designee] at least seven working days in advance of desired distribution together with the following information:

  1. Name and phone number of the person submitting the request
  2. Dates and times of day of intended display or distribution
  3. Grades of students to whom the display or distribution is intended

Within five working days of submission the superintendent [or designee] will render a decision whether the materials violate the guidelines in section I or the time, place, and manner restrictions in section III of this policy. In the event that permission to distribute the materials is denied, the person submitting the request shall be informed of the reason for the denial.

At every level of the process, the person submitting the request shall have the right to appeal and present the reasons as to why distribution of the materials is appropriate.

Permission to distribute materials does not imply agreement with the contents by the district, administration, board, or the individual reviewing the materials submitted.

Section III - Time, Place, and Manner of Distribution: The distribution of materials is prohibited when it blocks the safe flow of traffic within corridors and entrances of schools or otherwise disrupts school activities. The distribution of unofficial materials shall be limited to a reasonable time, place, and manner as follows:

  1. The materials shall be distributed in a centralized location designated by the administrator which shall not block the safe flow of traffic, corridors, or entrance ways but shall give reasonable access to students.
  2. The distribution of materials shall not interrupt the regular, instructional day.

Section IV - Definitions: These definitions apply to terms used in this policy:

  1. Obscene:
    1. The average person applying contemporary, community standards would find the written materials taken as a whole appeal to the prurient interest of students to whom distribution is requested.
    2. The materials depict or describe conduct, illustrations, sounds, lyrics, actions, pictures, or other modes such as digital or electronic that are patently offensive to prevailing standards in the community.
    3. The materials taken as a whole lack serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.
  2. Minor means any person under the age of 18.
  3. Material and substantial disruption of a normal school activity is defined as:
    1. Where the normal school activity is an educational program of the district for which student attendance is compulsory material. Substantial disruption is defined as any disruption which interferes with or impedes the implementation of the program.
    2. Where the normal school activity is voluntary in nature (including without limitation school athletic events, school plays and concerts, and lunch periods) material and substantial disruption may include student rioting, unlawful seizure of property, widespread shouting or boisterous demonstrations, or other similar activities.
    3. In order for expression to be considered disruptive there must exist specific facts upon which the likelihood of disruption can be forecasted including past experiences in school, current events influencing student activities and behavior, and instances of actual or threatened disruption relating to the materials in question.
  4. School activities means any student activities sponsored by the district that includes, by way of example but is not limited to, classroom work, library activities, physical education classes, official assemblies and other similar gatherings, school athletic contests, band concerts, school plays, and in-school lunch periods.
  5. Unofficial written materials includes all written materials except school newspapers, literary magazines, yearbooks, and other publications funded, sponsored, or authorized by the district. Examples include leaflets, brochures, flyers, petitions, placards, and underground newspapers whether written by students or others.
  6. Libelous is a false and unprivileged statement about a specific individual that tends to harm the individual’s reputation or to lower them in the esteem of the community.
  7. Distribution means circulation or dissemination of written materials by means of handing out free copies, selling or offering copies for sale, and accepting donations for copies. Distribution includes displaying written materials in areas of the district which are generally frequented by students.

Section V - Disciplinary Action: Distribution by any students or unofficial, written materials prohibited in section I or in violation of section III of this policy may be halted and students may be subject to discipline including suspension and expulsion. Adult employees may be subject to discipline for distributing unapproved materials. Any other party violating this policy may be requested to leave the district property immediately and, if necessary, local law enforcement officials will be called.

Section VI – Notice of Policy: A copy of this policy shall be published in student handbooks, posted conspicuously in school buildings, and noted on publications as appropriate.

Adopted: 9/98
Reviewed: 3/13; 6/15; 7/19
Revised: 1/13; 4/14
Related Policy (Code#): 1001.4

1001.8 - Public Examination of District Records

 

 

 

Public records of the school district may be viewed by the public during regular business hours of the administration offices between 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday except for holidays (including school holidays). Persons wishing to view the district’s public records shall contact the communications office to make arrangements for viewing as soon as practical, depending on the nature of the request. Persons requesting copies of public records may make the request in writing, by phone, or electronically. The district may require pre-payment of costs prior to copying and mailing.

Persons requesting copies will be assessed a fee for the copies (10¢ per side/20¢ per sheet) and for the time needed by the employee to collect the requested information. Expenses shall include the actual cost, per hour, of employee time and any legal fees associated with review and/or retraction of records as allowed by Iowa Code Section 22.3(2). In making a determination for charges a series of requests from one person or organization in a 30-day period, or a series of requests from persons in a single organization, may be aggregated. For any other materials, cost will be assessed based on the individual request. Payment is due prior to the receipt of information. Printing of materials for the public at the expense of the 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
  • Emergency response protocols
  • Evacuation procedures
  • Security codes and passwords
  • Security and emergency plans
  • Information contained in records that if disclosed would significantly increase the vulnerability of critical, physical systems or infrastructure

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

Adopted: 3/00
Reviewed: 4/14; 6/15
Revised: 3/13; 7/19
Related Policy (Code #): 505.6; 505.6-R; 505.6-E2-E7
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 21.4, .22; 291.6 (2013)