The board recognizes that situations may arise in the operation of the school district which are of concern to parents and other members of the school district community. While constructive criticism is welcomed, the board desires to support its employees and their actions to free them from unnecessary, spiteful, or negative criticism and complaints that do not offer advice for improvement or change.

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. It will first be the responsibility of the building administrators to resolve questions and problems raised by the employees and/or the students they supervise or by other members of the school district community.

Prior to contacting the board, the following should be completed:

1. Matters should first be addressed to the employee the individual has a complaint or concern about.
2. Unsettled matters from item #1 listed above, or problems and questions about individual attendance centers, should be addressed to the employee’s direct supervisor or the building administrator.
3. Unsettled matters from item #2 listed above, or problems and questions concerning the school district, should be directed to the superintendent.
4. If a matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the superintendent, it may then be brought to the board for consideration.

If there is no resolution or a plan for resolution by the superintendent within 10 school days of the individual’s discussion with the superintendent; the individual may ask to have the question or problem placed on the board agenda by submitting a request in writing to the board secretary. Refer to policies 204.7 and 204.9 for additional information on requesting items be placed on the board agenda.

It is within the discretion of the board whether to address complaints from members of the school district community. The board will only address complaints that are in writing, signed by the party submitting them, and comply 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 to address a complaint, their decision will be final. If the board elects not to address a complaint, the decision of the superintendent will be final.

Per State of Iowa House File 868 and Iowa Code 256.9(63), members of the school district community who have concerns about the district or the school board may refer to the Linn-Mar Student Handbook for additional guidance from the Iowa Department of Education or directly to the Iowa Department of Education website at: https://educateiowa.gov/pk-12/parent-guardian-and-community-concerns.

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
Related Policy: 204.7; 204.9; 502.12
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): § 279.8; 256.9(63)
IASB Reference: 213.01

The Linn-Mar Board of Directors encourages the use of community resources and citizens to assist in furthering the educational program of the school system. One of the greatest resources available may be found in the citizens of the community who have special knowledge and particular talents to contribute to the educational program. The board may allow volunteers to serve the schools on a regular basis.

Volunteers within the district are held to the same high standards of behavior as school employees and are subject to background checks prior to interacting with the students in a volunteer capacity. Volunteers, when in contact with students, are required to serve in public areas of the school.

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

It is the responsibility of the superintendent [or designee] to develop administrative regulations necessary to carry out this policy.

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

The board welcomes the interest of parents and other members of the 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 will request approval from the building principal [or designee] prior to the visit so appropriate arrangements can be made and so classroom 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.

It is the responsibility of district 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] and/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
Related Policy: 1005.3
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 279.8; 716.7
IASB Reference: 903.03