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. 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 district community. Prior to board action, however, the following should be completed:

Matters should first be addressed to the employee the individual has a complaint or concern about;
Unsettled matters from (a) above or problems and questions about individual attendance centers should be addressed to the employee’s direct supervisor or the building principal;
Unsettled matters from (b) above or problems and questions concerning the district should be directed to the superintendent; and
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 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 elects to address a complaint, its decision shall be final.

Per State of Iowa House File 868 and Iowa Code 256.9(63), members of the district community who have concerns about the district or the board may refer to the 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
IASB Reference: 213.01

1003.4 - District Volunteers

The board 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.

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. Volunteers, when in contact with students, are required to serve in public areas of the school. 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
Related Policy: 1003.4-R
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): § 279.8; 670
IASB Reference: 903.02
Mandatory Policy

1003.4-R - Regulations Regarding District Volunteers

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:

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;
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
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:

Submit a volunteer application and volunteer disclosure statement;
Background screening performed by the Community Services office;
Photo taken by the Community Services office;
In-person meeting with the Community Services Coordinator; and
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
Related Policy 1003.4

1003.5 - Visitors to the Schools

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 will request approval from the building principal [or designee] 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.

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] 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
Mandatory Policy