1003 - Relations Between School Personnel and the Public

1003.3 - Public Complaints

The board recognizes situations may arise in the operation of the district which are of concern to parents and other members of the district community.

The board firmly believes concerns should be resolved at the lowest organizational level by those individuals closest to the concern. Whenever a complaint or concern is brought to the attention of the board it will be referred to the administration to be resolved. Prior to board action, however, the following should be completed:

  1. Matters should first be addressed to the teacher or employee;
  2. Unsettled matters from (a) above or problems and questions about individual attendance centers should be addressed to the employee’s building principal;
  3. Unsettled matters from (b) above or problems and questions concerning the district should be directed to the superintendent; and
  4. If a matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the superintendent, it may then be brought to the board for consideration. To bring a concern for formal board consideration of action, the individual shall notify the board president or board secretary in writing, who will bring it to the attention of board leadership as a consideration for a future agenda.

Parents, guardians, and community members of the district who have concerns about the district or the board may refer to the student handbook for additional guidance from the Iowa Department of Education.

It is within the discretion of the board to address complaints from the members of the district community, and the board will only consider whether to address complaints if they are in writing, signed, and the complainant has complied with this policy. The board is not obligated to address a complaint and may defer to the decision of the superintendent. If the board elects not to address a complaint, the decision of the superintendent shall be final. If the board does elect to address a complaint, its decision shall be final.

Adopted: 5/97
Reviewed: 1/11; 12/11; 4/13; 9/14; 8/17
Revised: 1/06; 9/19; 6/20; 9/21; 7/22; 7/25
Related Policy: 204.7; 204.9; 502.12
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): § 279.8
IASB Reference: 213.01

1003.4 - Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

The board recognizes the valuable resource it has in the members of the district community. When possible and in concert with the education program, members of the district community may be asked to make presentations to the students or to assist employees in duties other than teaching. The district may officially recognize the contributions made by volunteers.

Recruitment, training, utilization, and the maintenance of records for the purposes of insurance coverage and/or recognition of district volunteers is the responsibility of the Community Services Coordinator.

Volunteers within the district are held to the same high standards of behavior as school employees and will be subject to background checks prior to interacting with the students in a volunteer capacity. It is the responsibility of the superintendent [or designee] to create regulations necessary to carry out this policy.

Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 3/13; 4/14; 6/15; 7/19
Revised: 10/08; 7/22; 7/25
Related Policy: 1003.4-R
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §279.8; 670
IASB Reference: 903.02
Mandatory Policy

1003.4-R - Community Resource Persons and Volunteers Regulation

The board recognizes the important contributions that volunteers provide in assisting educational programs of the school system. For consistency, equity, and safety the following regulations shall frame the integration of volunteers and community resources within the Linn-Mar schools:

  1. Community members volunteering their time will follow employee guidelines in regard to conduct and appearance as described in Policy 403.21. As a role model for students, the board expects appropriate dress, conduct, and respect to maintain an atmosphere that enhances the student educational processes;
  2. Community members serving as school Volunteer Coordinators are provided access to district email accounts and will not use the information for profit or personal/professional gain and will not share the information without prior consent of the superintendent [or designee]. The purpose of this access is to provide continuity for the Volunteer Program as volunteers assume and/or leave the position of school Volunteer Coordinator; and
  3. Information about students and staff that is obtained while visiting district schools or through volunteer responsibilities will remain confidential.

To become an active volunteer for the district the following items must be completed prior to volunteering:

  1. Submit a volunteer application and volunteer disclosure statement;
  2. Background screening performed by the Community Services office;
  3. Photo taken by the Community Services office;
  4. In-person meeting with the Community Services Coordinator; and
  5. Once approved, the submission of a volunteer disclosure statement on an annual basis.

For information on the district’s volunteer program contact:
Angela Burke, Community Services Coordinator
319-447-3110 / angela.burke@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

 

Adopted: 10/08
Reviewed: 3/13; 6/15
Revised: 4/14; 7/19; 7/22; 7/25
Related Policy: 1003.4

1003.5 - Visitors to District Buildings & Sites

The board welcomes the interest of parents and other members of the district community and invites them to visit the school buildings and sites. Visitors, which includes persons other than employees or students, must check in at the school/building office upon arrival. Visitors will be issued a visitor’s badge that must be visible at all times.

Persons who wish to visit a classroom while school is in session are asked to notify the principal and obtain approval from the principal prior to the visit so appropriate arrangements can be made and so class disruption can be minimized. Teachers and other employees will not take time from their duties to discuss matters with visitors. However, should a visitor wish to discuss a topic with teachers or other employees, appointments, phone calls, or emails may be used to answer questions.

Visitors will conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with mutual respect and consideration for the rights of others while attending school events. Visitors are required to follow board policies and administrative rules and regulations while on school grounds or attending school events. Visitors failing to conduct themselves accordingly may be asked to leave the premises. Children who wish to visit school must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

It is the responsibility of employees to report inappropriate conduct. It is the responsibility of the superintendent [or designee] and building principals to take the action necessary to cease inappropriate conduct. If the superintendent [or designee] or building principals are not available, a district employee will act to cease the inappropriate conduct. If the visitor continues their inappropriate conduct, the district employee has the authority to request aid from local law enforcement.

Adopted: 11/73
Reviewed: 11/10; 4/14; 6/15; 7/19
Revised: 3/13; 7/22; 7/25
Related Policy: 1005.3
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 279.8; 716.7
IASB Reference: 903.03
Mandatory Policy