1004 - Use of School Facilities

1004.1 - Community Use of School District Buildings, Sites, & Equipment

The Linn-Mar Community School District facilities are owned, maintained, and supported by the public. The Board of Directors actively seeks to respond to the educational, recreational, and cultural needs of its community through the total resources of the community schools. The use of school facilities as centers for community participation should be encouraged whenever those activities are beneficial to the community at large. However, all school facilities have been primarily erected and maintained for the use of the students of the Linn-Mar Community School District and shall not be used for any other purpose that will conflict with that use.

The facilities of the school district may be made available for use by certain local, social, civic, or service organizations when the use does not conflict with the education program or school-related activities, with due consideration given to the conservation of energy and district expenses. Users of district facilities must comply with all federal, state, and municipal equal opportunity laws, regulations prohibiting discrimination, and school board policies. The board reserves the right to deny use of district facilities to any group. The use of school facilities for religious services is intended only as a temporary rental service. Approval for building use shall be for one year in length maximum, with annual application. Only indoor sports will be provided indoor facility space for practices. Facilities may not be used for private parties, social events, celebrations, or similar exclusive use. Activities in the school facilities shall be supervised by an employee of the district or an adult group representative unless prior arrangements are made with the superintendent [or designee]. Activities may begin as early as 6:00 AM and must end no later than 10:00 PM. It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to allow use of district facilities on Sundays.

Organizations, individuals, and other entities who wish to use school district facilities must apply through the district website. It shall be the responsibility of the chief financial/operating officer [or designee] to determine whether the school district facility requested is available and whether the request for use meets board policy and administrative regulations. It shall be the responsibility of the chief financial/operating officer [or designee] to approve request forms, obtain proof of insurance, and prepare the contract for use of school district property.

The Linn-Mar Booster Club will have the first right of concessions at any non-school sponsored event open to the public.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent [or designee] to develop a fee schedule for the board’s approval and to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.


Adopted: 4/71
Reviewed: 1/11; 4/14; 6/15; 7/22
Revised: 1/11; 3/13; 7/19
Related Policy: 1004.1-R1; 1004.1-R2; 1004.4
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 8D; 123.46; 276; 278.1(4); 279.8; 297.9-11
IASB Reference: 905.01

1004.1-R1 - Community Use of School Facilities Manual

CLICK HERE TO DOWLOAD THE FACILITIES USE MANUAL

Table of Contents

Overview Page 1
Scheduling of Facilities Page 2
Facilities Request Process Pages 3-4
Facility Use Guidelines Pages 5-8
User Classifications & Fee Schedules Pages 9-13
Stadium/Aquatic Center Fee Schedules Page 14
Additional Fees Page 15

Adopted 6/70
Reviewed: 2/18; 6/05; 10/08
Revised: 3/00; 1/11; 3/13; 4/14; 6/15; 11/18; 5/19
Related Policy: 1004.1; 1004.1-R2; 1004.4

IASB Reference: 905.01-R(1)-R(2); 905.01-E(1)-E(2)

1004.1-R2 - Regulations Regarding Insurance for Employee-Sponsored Activities

When employees wish to sponsor classes, camps, clinics, leagues, or other activities that involve Linn-Mar students or patrons as a majority of the participants that are complementary to the district's curricular offerings, co/extra-curricular offerings, or philosophy, and are requesting to use Linn-Mar facilities or equipment without rental costs the following process will be followed:

  1. The sponsors are to submit a completed facilities request form and obtain approval from the Chief Financial/Operating Officer at least two weeks preceding solicitation of participant registration for the event.
     
  2. If the event is a fundraiser, all administrative regulations of Policy 1005.4 must be followed.
  3. A preliminary report must be filed by the sponsors with, and approved by, the Chief Financial/Operating Officer at least two weeks preceding issuance of registration forms for the event. The Chief Financial/Operating Officer may require adjustments in the report prior to approval. The report will include:
    1. A statement of the purpose of the event;
    2. An outline of activities planned;
    3. A list of Linn-Mar facilities/equipment to be used;
    4. Anticipated enrollment;
    5. Participant fees to be charged;
    6. Anticipated other income and donations;
    7. Expected expenses, and
    8. A list of staff to be employed and their compensation.
       
  4. When items #1 and #2 above are completed, the Chief Financial/Operating Officer will notify the local representative of the district's insurance carrier that the district has sanctioned the activity and request that the sponsors and participants be included under the protection of the district's insurance coverage.
     
  5. If participants are charged a fee by the sponsors, the district may charge the sponsors $1.00/participant to partially offset district expenses. The district will not charge the sponsors if there is no fee charged to participants. Payment is due with the filing of the final report.
     
  6. An accurate final report showing all pertinent information will be filed with the Chief Financial/Operating Officer within two weeks of the completion of the event. Failure to file a report within this timeline may result in loss of rent-free access to Linn-Mar facilities and/or equipment for future events. The report will include a list of participants, a list of employees, total fee income, donation income (cash/goods/services), a list of expenses, a list of compensation, and any other information requested.

Adopted: 4/91
Reviewed: 3/13; 6/15; 7/22
Revised: 1/11; 4/14; 7/19
Related Policy: 1004.1; 1004.1-R1; 1004.4
IASB Reference: 905.01-E(2)

1004.2 - Use of Recording Devices on School Property

DISTRICT-GENERATED RECORDINGS
The district believes in the importance of providing a safe and enriching learning environment possible for its students. The district uses digital recording devices on school property including school transportation vehicles to help protect the safety of district students, employees, and community members; and to safeguard district property which is funded using public resources. Additionally, district-generated recordings of students engaging in the district's educational and extracurricular programs can be essential to engage positively with the school community and promote the value of public education.

In order to balance privacy and safety interests, no recording devices will be utilized on district property where individuals maintain a reasonable expectation of privacy. These areas include but are not limited to: the school nurse's office, restrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, lactation spaces, and employee break areas.

Recordings of students have the potential to be considered education records. Any recordings will be maintained and accessed in compliance with the requirements of the family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the district's policy on student records.

Recordings will be digitally maintained and stored for an appropriate amount of time to maintain the safety of the educational environment and to safeguard district property, after which they will be destroyed. The superintendent [or designee] will establish any necessary regulations related to the secure storage, maintenance, viewing, and destruction of digital recordings.

NON-DISTRICT GENERATED RECORDINGS
The use of non-district owned recording devices on school property and at school events will be regulated. Students, parents, and community members will not be permitted to take recordings of other students or employees during school hours unless the recording is authorized in advance by building administration. Students and employees found to violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary measures consistent with board policy and applicable student and employee handbooks. This policy will not be construed or enforced in a way that infringes on employee activity otherwise protected by law.

It is important to foster a community spirit and sense of unity within the district. However, the district acknowledges that not every student or staff member feels comfortable or safe being recorded. At district-sponsored extracurricular events and activities, the use of non-district owned recording devices by the public may be monitored by administration if a concern is made known to district administration by a student, employee, or parent. Any individuals determined to be making recordings considered bothersome to students or staff may be asked to stop or destroy their recording and may be asked to leave the event.


Adopted: 9/21
Reviewed: 7/22
Related Policy: 505.6; 1004.2-R
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 279.8; 20 USC 1232
IASB Reference: 804.06

1004.2-R - Regulations Regarding Use of District-Owned Recording Devices on District Property

The board supports the use of recording devices on district property as a means to monitor and maintain a safe environment for students and employees. District property includes district-owned land, buildings, vehicles, buses, and any other property as needed. The contents of the recordings may be used as evidence in a student or employee disciplinary proceeding. Determination of how recording devices will be used will be made by the superintendent in consultation with the building principals and the transportation manager.

STUDENT RECORDS
The content of the recordings are considered confidential student records and are subject to federal and state law, board policy, and administrative regulations regarding confidential student records. Generally, recordings that do not capture any specific incident are not considered student records or personnel records and may be disclosed as a public record upon request. Only those persons with a legal basis or legitimate educational purpose may view the recordings. In most instances, individuals with a legitimate educational purpose may be the superintendent, building principal, classroom teacher, transportation director, bus driver, human resources director, technology services, and special education staffing team. A parent may inspect, review, or be informed of the content of the recording without consent from any student or parent of a minor student also shown in the recording, whether the student is a bystander to an incident or directly involved. The district may, but is not obligated by law to, provide a copy of a recording to a parent or student upon request.

A recording during a school-sponsored trip, such as an athletic event, may also be accessible to the sponsor or coach of the activity. If the content of the recording becomes the subject of a student disciplinary proceeding, it will be treated like other evidence in the proceeding.

NOTICE
The school district will annually provide the following notice to students, employees, and parents:

The Linn-Mar Community School District Board of Directors has authorized the use of recording devices on school district-owned property. The recording devices will be used to enhance safety and security within the educational environment. Students, employees, and parents are hereby notified that the content of the recordings may be used in student or employee disciplinary proceedings. The content of the recordings may be considered confidential student records and will be retained with other student records. Recordings will only be retained, if necessary, for use in student or employee disciplinary proceedings or other matters as determined necessary by the administration. Parents may request to view the recording of their child.

The following notice will also be placed on all school transportation equipped with recording devices: This vehicle is equipped with a recording/audio monitoring system.

REVIEW OF RECORDING DEVICES
The school district will review recordings, when necessary, as a result of an incident reported by an employee or student. The recordings may be recirculated for erasure after 7 days. Recordings by the Technology Services department regarding building security are recirculated for erasure after 15 days.

If not public records, the viewing of recordings is limited to individuals having a legitimate educational purpose. A written log, as appropriate, may be kept of those individuals viewing the recordings that stating the time, name of individual viewing, and the date the recording was viewed.

STUDENT CONDUCT
Students are prohibited from tampering with recording devices on school property. Students found in violation of this regulation will be disciplined in accordance with the school district discipline policy and good conduct rule and will reimburse the school district for any repairs or replacement necessary as a result of the tampering.

EMPLOYEE CONDUCT: District-generated recordings may be used as evidence in employee disciplinary matters, as appropriate. Employees are prohibited from tampering with recording devices on school property. Employees found to be in violation of this regulation will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the employee handbook and relevant board policies.


Adopted: 11/93
Reviewed: 9/11; 10/12; 4/15; 11/18
Revised: 11/13; 9/21; 7/22
Related Policy: 1004.2
IASB Reference: 804.06-R(1)

1004.3 - Tobacco/Nicotine, Alcohol, and Drug-Free Environment

The board prohibits the distribution, dispensing, manufacture, possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco/nicotine products, other controlled substances, or “look-alike” substances that appear to be tobacco/nicotine products, alcohol, or other controlled substances (ex: schedule I drugs; schedule II-V drugs without a valid prescription) on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district. Controlled substances in this policy refers to the misuse of both licit and illicit drugs.

This policy applies at all times, including school sponsored and non-school-sponsored events. This requirement extends to students, employees, and visitors. Persons failing to abide by this policy are required to dispose of the prohibited item(s) or leave the district premises immediately.

Use, purchase, or being in possession of tobacco/nicotine products for those under the age of 21 may be reported to the local law enforcement authorities. Possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol and/or of a controlled substance may also be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.

It is the responsibility of the administration to enforce this policy.


Adopted: 4/14
Reviewed: 6/15; 7/19; 7/22
Revised: 3/23; 8/24
Related Policy: 403.4; 403.5; 502.3
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 142D; 279.8-9; 297; 20 USC 608
IASB Reference: 905.02

1004.4 - Use of School Facilities for Private Profit

Under circumstances deemed appropriate and acceptable by the Board of Directors, certain school facilities may be rented and used for private profit. Guiding principles for judging acceptability will be good taste, community welfare, availability of facilities, etc.

School functions will receive priority when scheduling events.

The administrative regulations included in Policy 1004.1, 1004.1-R1, and 1004.1-R2 will apply to the use of school facilities.


Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 3/13; 4/14; 6/15; 7/22
Revised: 3/00; 7/19
Related Policy: 1004.1; 1004.1-R1-R2; 1004.3, .5-7

1004.5 - Gratuities for Use of School Facilities

No gratuities will be paid to school personnel by organizations using school facilities.

The cost of service personnel furnished by the school will be assessed to the party or parties engaging the use of the facilities. Such costs will be in line with the district’s normal operating costs and will be administered in keeping with the general policies governing the use of school facilities.


Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 3/13; 4/14; 6/15; 7/19; 7/22
Related Policy: 1004.1; 1004.1-R1-R2; 1004.3-7

1004.6 - Loan of School Equipment

District equipment will not be loaned outside of the district’s facilities for non-district purposes including any use for private purposes and personal gain. Exceptions based on special circumstances (e.g. partnerships, formal/informal agreements that serve the district, etc.) may be granted by the superintendent [or designee]. Where a cost is involved, the organization using the equipment will pay rent and any replacement costs for district property.

In the event that educational equipment is used by organizations within the schools, appropriate school personnel will operate or supervise the use of such educational equipment. Where a cost is involved, the organization using the equipment will pay rent and any replacement costs for school property.

Only properly trained and authorized employees may use maintenance equipment, vehicles, tools, and the like as this equipment relates to job assignments and responsibilities.


Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 3/13; 6/15; 7/22
Revised: 4/14; 7/19
Related Policy: 1004.1; 1004.1-R1; 1004.1-R2; 1004.3-7 

1004.7 - Shared Use of School Equipment

To encourage efficient use of taxpayer dollars, the Linn-Mar Community School District Board of Directors supports the shared use of specialized school equipment between the district and other school districts, municipalities, and other government entities on a seasonal or occasional basis.

Details of such sharing arrangements will be described in 28E agreements between the involved entities and will be reviewed annually.


Adopted: 6/05
Reviewed: 3/13; 4/14; 6/15; 7/19; 7/22
Revised: 10/08
Related Policy: 1004.6