902.12 District Operations 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. The district superintendent will consult with and report to the school board, as feasible and appropriate, regarding an emergency closure and efforts to implement written guidance from health and government agencies.

During a declared public emergency, the school board delegates to the superintendent the authority to determine whether to close school buildings to traditional in-person learning without further action by the board. If the superintendent determines in-person learning would hinder the health and safety of the school community, the district will instead utilize remote or hybrid learning opportunities permitted by law.

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

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

Adopted: 9/20
Reviewed: 4/22
Related Policy: 602.1; 603.12; 603.12-R1-R2; 603.12-E1; 603.13; 603.13-R; 603.15; 902.12-R
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): § 279.8; SF 2310; 
IASB Reference: 907

902.12-R Regulations Regarding District Operations During Public Emergencies

During a public health emergency, the district will seek guidance and recommendations from federal, state, and local agencies that monitor and respond to the emergency. The district will follow any mandatory closures or other mandatory measures imposed by such agencies.

The superintendent, in conjunction with relevant government agencies and/or athletic and activity associations, will determine under what circumstances the district will restrict or cancel in-person learning, student events or activities including sports events, extracurricular clubs or meetings for students, and the use of district facilities by outside organizations.

The district will promote and follow other recommended measures and guidance from federal, state, and local agencies to the extent reasonably practicable under the circumstances. These measures may include, but are not limited to the following:

  1. Online learning, hybrid models of learning, or modified in-person learning may occur dependent on the circumstances and in accordance with applicable law.
  2. Non-medical grade masks are required to be worn by all individuals on school grounds including students, employees, and volunteers. Masks will be provided to individuals who request them. Reusable masks should be washed regularly by the individuals wearing them.
  3. Employees, volunteers, and students are required to monitor their temperatures each morning prior to traveling to any school building or event. Individuals with a temperature over 100.3 degrees should not enter school buildings or attend school events.
  4. Due to the increased cost to the district for providing additional cleaning and disinfecting measures, and in order to preserve cleaning supplies for school use during the time of a public health emergency, the superintendent has the discretion to restrict the use of school buildings and facilities for non-school groups in a neutral and non-discriminatory manner.

Adopted: 9/20
Reviewed: 4/22
Related Policy: 504.7; 602.1; 603.12; 603.12-R1-R2; 603.12-E1;
603.13; 603.13-R; 603.15; 701.11; 807.1-2; 902.12
IASB Reference: 907-R(1)