1001 - Public Communications

1001.1 - Board and Community Relations

The Linn-Mar 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.

  1. Such committees will deal with specific issues as identified by the Board of Directors;
  2. Citizen advisory committees appointed by the board are subject to the open meetings law;
  3. The term of the committee will be at the discretion of the board;
  4. The sole function of the committee will be to advise the board on matters for which the committee was convened; and
  5. 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.

  1. Committee membership and duration of the committee’s service will be determined by the superintendent [or designee];
  2. The board will receive updates on administrative committee work at least annually for a standing committee, and periodically for a task-driven committee; and
  3. 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-appointed citizen advisory committees and administrative committees, as appropriate.

Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 3/13; 6/15; 7/19; 7/22
Revised: 4/14

1001.2 - News Media Relations

Board of Education: Members of the news media are encouraged and welcome to attend open board meetings. The board president will be the spokesperson for the board and the superintendent will be the spokesperson for the district. It is 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 should direct their inquiries to the superintendent [or designee]. The superintendent [or designee] will accurately and objectively provide the facts and board position in response to inquiries from the news media regarding the district.

Press Releases: The superintendent [or designee] will determine when a press release about district or board matters will be issued and the format in which it is issued. Press releases will 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 should be directed to the superintendent [or designee].

Press Conference 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 will include the superintendent [or designee]. It is 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 videotape 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] will determine whether the individual or media presence will interfere with or disrupt the school or district event.

The media or individual will request permission to photograph, videotape, 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 should be made to the Executive Director of Communications. 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; 7/22
Revised: 1/13
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8
IASB Reference: 902.01

1001.3 - Unmanned Aircrafts/Drones

The following policy applies to the extent not preempted by federal or state regulatory jurisdiction regarding unmanned aircraft/drones. For purposes of this policy, the term “unmanned aircraft/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 aircraft/drones is prohibited on district property or in the space above the property that reasonably can be considered part of district 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 will:

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

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

Unmanned aircraft/drones will be operated in accordance with Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) policies.

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

Adopted: 6/16
Reviewed: 7/19; 7/22
Related Policy: 602.1; 1001.3-E
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 279.8; IHSAA Drone Policy
FFA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012
IASB Reference: 906

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

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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 Community School District harmless from any claims of harm to individuals or damage to property due to the operation of an unmanned 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; 7/22
Related Policy: 602.1; 1001.3

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 noncurricular. Noncurricular materials to be distributed must be approved by the superintendent [or designee] and follow the guidelines included in Policy 1001.4-R prior to their distribution, including informational or promotional materials for the virtual/digital backpack.

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

Adopted: 9/98
Reviewed: 3/13; 7/19
Revised: 4/14; 6/15; 7/22
Related Policy: 1001.4-R
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 279.8; 280.22;
US Const. Amend I
IASB Reference: 903.05

1001.4-R - Distribution of Materials Regulations

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. Contains indecent, vulgar, profane, or lewd language;
  4. Advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law;
  5. Constitutes 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. Presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of the content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations;
  7. Promote private businesses without educational relevance; or
  8. Advance political candidates running for elected national, state, county, or local offices or campaign materials.

II. PROCEDURES
Anyone wishing to distribute unofficial materials must first submit for approval a copy of the materials 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 request;
  2. Date(s) and time(s) of day of intended display or distribution;
  3. Location where materials will be displayed or distributed; and
  4. The grade(s) 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 material violates the guidelines in Subsection I or the time, place, and manner restrictions in Subsection III of this policy. In the event that permission to distribute the material is denied, the person submitting the request will be informed of the reasons for the denial. Permission to distribute material does not imply agreement with the contents by the district, administration, board, or the individual reviewing the material submitted.

At every level of the process, the person submitting the request has the right to appeal and present the reasons, supported by relevant witnesses and material, as to why distribution of the material is appropriate.

III. TIME, PLACE, AND MANNER OF DISTRIBUTION
The distribution of material is prohibited when it blocks the safe flow of traffic within corridors and entrance ways of the school or otherwise disrupts school activities. The distribution of unofficial material is limited to a reasonable time, place, and manner as follows:

  1. The material will be distributed in a centralized location designated by the building administrator; which location will not block the safe flow of traffic or block corridors or entrance ways, but which will give reasonable access to students;
  2. The distribution of materials will not interrupt the regular, instructional day; and
  3. No material may be distributed during and at the place of a normal school activity if it is reasonably likely to cause a material and substantial disruption of that activity.

IV. DEFINITIONS
The following definitions apply to terms used in this policy:

  1. Obscene is defined as:
    1. The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the material, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest of students to whom distribution is requested;
    2. The material depicts or describes 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 material, taken as a whole, lacks 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 follows:
    1. Where the normal school activity is an educational program of the district for which student attendance is compulsory, "material and 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" is defined as student rioting, unlawful seizure of property, widespread shouting or boisterous demonstrations, or other similar activities; and
    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 experience in school, current events influencing student activities and behavior, and instances of actual or threatened disruption relating to the material in question.
  4. School activities means any activity of students sponsored by the school and includes, by way of example but 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 material includes all written material except school newspapers, literary magazines, yearbooks, and other publications funded and/or sponsored or authorized by the school. 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 material by means of handing out free copies, selling or offering copies for sale, and accepting donations for copies. It includes displaying material in areas of the school which are generally frequented by students.

V. DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Distribution by any student of unofficial material prohibited in Subsection I or in violation of Subsection III may be halted, and students may be subject to discipline including suspension and expulsion. Employees may also be subject to discipline for distributing unapproved materials. Any other party violating this policy may be requested to leave the school property immediately and, if necessary, local law enforcement officials will be called.

VI. NOTICE OF POLICY TO STUDENTS
A copy of this policy will 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; 7/22
Related Policy: 1001.4
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): § 279.8; 280.22
IASB Reference: 903.05-R(1)

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 office of the district. These hours are 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, except for holidays (including school holidays).

Persons wishing to view the school district’s public records will contact the communications office and make arrangements for viewing. The communications office 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 copying and mailing.

Persons wanting copies may be assessed a reasonable fee for the copy and for the time needed by the employee to review and collect the requested information. The district will make every effort to provide the public records requested at no cost other than copying costs for a record which takes less than 30 minutes to produce. For requests that take more than 30 minutes to produce, expenses will include the actual cost per hour of the employee’s time.

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.

In making a determination for charges for a series of requests from one person or organization within a 30-day period, or a series of requests from persons in a single organization, the charges may be aggregated. For any other materials, cost will be assessed based on the individual request.

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:

  1. Security and emergency plans and procedures;
  2. Emergency preparedness procedures and response protocols;
  3. Evacuation procedures;
  4. Security codes and passwords, and
  5. Information contained in records that if disclosed would significantly increase the vulnerability of critical physical systems or infrastructure.

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; 7/22; 10/22
Related Policy: 505.6; 505.6-R; 505.6-E2-E7
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 21.4; 22.7; 291.6
IASB Reference: 901
Mandatory Policy