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
Revised: 1/13
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 21.4, .7; 22; 279.8 (2013)