The board recognizes the value of and supports open, fair, and honest communication with the news media. The board will maintain a cooperative relationship with the news media. As part of this cooperative relationship, the board and the media will develop a means for sharing information while respecting each party’s limitations.
Members of the news media are encouraged and welcome to attend open board meetings. The board president is the spokesperson for the board, and the superintendent is the spokesperson for the district. It is the responsibility of the board president and superintendent to respond to inquiries from the news media about the district.
Members of the news media seeking information about the district will direct their inquiries to the superintendent or the Executive Director of Communications. The superintendent or Executive Director of Communications will work with district leadership to accurately and objectively provide the facts and board position in response to inquiries from the news media about the district.
Adopted: 3/00
Reviewed: 4/14; 6/15; 7/19; 7/22
Revised: 1/13; 7/25
Related Policy: 1001.2-R; 1004.2
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8
IASB Reference: 902.01
MEDIA INQUIRIES AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS
It is within the discretion of the superintendent and the Executive Director of Communications to determine how to respond to inquiries from the news media. In making this determination, the superintendent and Executive Director of Communications will strive to keep the media and the district community accurately and objectively informed. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to approve information released from the district prior to its release.
LIVE BROADCASTING
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.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY ON DISTRICT PROPERTY
Rules for photographing and video recording at the district are outlined in Policy 1004.2-Use of Recording Devices on District Property.
Additionally, the media shall 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.
Adopted: 7/25
Related Policy: 1001.2; 1004.2