The board has jurisdiction to legislate policy for the district with the force and effect of law. Board policy provides the general direction as to what the board wishes to accomplish and why it wishes to accomplish it while allowing the superintendent to implement board policy.
The written policy statements contained in this manual provide guidelines and goals to the citizens, administration, employees, and students in the school district community. The policy statements are the basis for the formulation of regulations by the administration. The board will determine the effectiveness of the policy statements by evaluating periodic reports from the administration.
Policy statements may be proposed by a board member, administrator, employee, student, or member of the school district community. Proposed policy statements or ideas will be submitted to the superintendent’s office for consideration by the Policy Committee and possible placement on the board agenda. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to bring these proposals to the attention of the board.
Adopted: 11/08
Reviewed: 10/11; 8/14; 9/16; 10/19; 10/22; 10/25
Revised: 4/13
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 274.1-2; 279.8; 281 IAC 12.3(2)
IASB Reference: 209.01
The board will give notice of adoption of new policies by placing the item on the agenda of two regular board meetings. This notice procedure will be required except for emergency situations. If the board adopts a policy in an emergency situation, a statement regarding the emergency and the need for immediate adoption of the policy will be included in the minutes. The board will have complete discretion to determine what constitutes an emergency situation.
The final action taken to adopt the proposed policy will be approved by a simple majority vote of the board at the next regular meeting after the meeting allowing public discussion. The policy will be effective on the later of the date of passage or the date stated in the motion.
In the case of an emergency, a new or changed policy may be adopted by a majority vote of a quorum of the board. The emergency policy will expire at the close of the third regular meeting following the emergency action, unless the policy adoption procedure stated above is followed and the policy is reaffirmed.
Procedure and administration of policy will be the responsibility of the superintendent and administration.
Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 10/11; 4/13; 8/14; 10/19; 10/22
Revised: 12/95; 9/16; 2/24; 10/25
Related Policy: 203.1; 203.3
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 279.8; 281 IAC 12.3(2)
IASB Reference: 209.02
The board shall, at least every five years, review board policy. Once the policies have been reviewed, even if no changes were made, a notation of the date of review or revision is made on the face of the policy statement.
The board will review at least one-fifth of the policy manual annually according to the following subject areas:
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board informed as to legal changes at both the federal and state levels. The superintendent will also be responsible for bringing proposed policy revisions to the board’s attention.
If a policy is revised because of a legal change over which the board has no control or a change which is minor, the policy may be approved at one meeting at the discretion of the board.
DISSEMINATION OF POLICY
The board policy manual is available on the district’s school Board/Policy website. Persons unable to access the policy manual electronically should contact the Communications Department for assistance.
SUSPENSION OF POLICY
Generally, the board will follow policy and enforce it equitably. The board, and only the board, may, in extreme emergencies of a very unique nature, suspend policy. It is within the discretion of the board to determine when an extreme emergency of a very unique nature exits. Reasons for suspension of board policy will be documented in the board minutes.
ADMINISTRATION IN THE ABSENCE OF POLICY
When there is no board policy in existence to provide guidance on a matter, the superintendent is authorized to act appropriately under the circumstances surrounding the situation keeping in mind the educational philosophy and financial condition of the district. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to inform the board of the situation and the action taken and to document the action taken. If needed, the superintendent will draft a proposed policy for the board to consider.
REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS
Board policy sets the direction for the administration of the education program and district operations. Some policies require administrative regulations for implementation. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations to implement board policies. The superintendent is authorized to create administrative rules and regulations and to keep the board informed of any substantive changes for policy series 300 thru 1000. The Board of Directors is responsible for the administrative regulations in series 100 and 200. The regulations, including handbooks, will be reviewed or approved by the board prior to their use in the district.
The administrative regulations will be available no later than the first regular board meeting after the adoption of the board policy unless the board directs otherwise.
Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 10/11; 4/13; 9/16; 10/19; 10/22
Revised: 8/14; 10/25
Related Policy: 203.1-2
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 277.31; 279.8, .20; 281 IAC 12.3(2)
IASB Reference: 209.03-07
Whenever the board deems it necessary, the board may appoint a committee composed of citizens, employees, or students to assist the board. Committees formed by the board are ad hoc committees.
An ad hoc committee may be formed by board resolution, which will outline the duties and purpose of the committee. The committee is advisory in nature and has no duty or responsibility other than what is specifically stated in the board resolution. The committee will automatically dissolve upon the delivery of its final recommendation to the board or upon completion of the duties outlined in the board resolution. The board will receive the report of the committee for consideration. The board retains the authority to make a final decision on the issue. The committee may be subject to the open meetings law.
The method for selection of committee members will be stated in the board resolution. When possible, and when the necessary expertise required allows, the committee members will be representative of the school district community, will reflect gender balance, racial/ethnic diversity, include persons with disabilities, and will consider the various viewpoints on the issue. The board may designate a board member and the superintendent to serve on an ad hoc committee. The committee will select its own chairperson, unless the board designates otherwise.
Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 10/11; 4/13; 9/16; 10/19; 10/22; 10/25
Revised: 8/14
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 21; 279.8; 280.12(2);
281 IAC 12.3(3), .3(8), .5(8)
IASB Reference: 208
It is the responsibility of the board to employ legal counsel to assist the board and the administration in carrying out their duties with respect to the numerous legal issues confronting the district. The board may appoint legal counsel at its annual meeting.
The superintendent and board secretary will have the authority to contact the board’s legal counsel on behalf of the board when the superintendent or board secretary believes it is necessary for the management of the district. The board president may contact and seek advice from the board’s legal counsel. The board’s legal counsel will attend both regular and special school board meetings upon the request of the board or the superintendent. Board members may contact legal counsel upon approval of a majority of the board. It is the responsibility of each board member to pay the legal fees, if any, of an attorney the board member consulted regarding matters of the district unless the board has authorized the board member to consult an attorney on the matter.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board informed of matters for which legal counsel was consulted, particularly if the legal services will involve unusual expense for the district.
Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 10/11; 4/13; 9/16; 10/19; 10/22
Revised: 8/14; 10/25
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): § 279.37; 395 N.W.2d 888
IASB Reference: 207