Written board policies have the same force and effect in a school district as Iowa laws have in the state and as federal laws have in the country.
Iowa Code places the authority to develop and adopt policies for a school district in the hands of the school board. The Iowa Department of Education's educational standards, which sets the requirements for an accredited education program, requires the Linn-Mar Board of Directors to adopt and maintain a board policy manual.
If an issue or area of concern is one that only the Board of Directors can change and determine, it is policy. If an issue or area of concern is one that school administration can change, it is administrative regulation.
Policy Development
The policy development process has been designed so that several sources of input can be given to the school board regarding the review and development of policy. By law, each policy must be reviewed at least once every five years.
Policy Review
A policy committee comprised of school board members, the superintendent, and key administrators is utilized to review board policies and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. The committee meets regularly during the school year to review the policies for accuracy, content, appropriateness, timelines, and necessity. Members of the policy committee consider recommendations from the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB), district administration, and state/federal laws and requirements.
Recommendations from the policy committee are presented to the school board during regular board meetings for first and second readings prior to final board approval.
Public Records Requests
Per Policy 1001.8 Public Examination of District Records, anyone wishing to view the district's public records should contact the communications office to make arrangements for viewing or to submit a formal request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The communications office will make arrangements for viewing the records as soon as practicable depending on the nature of the request. Persons requesting copies of public records may make the request in writing, by phone, or electronically.
Communications/Media Coordinator
Kevin Fry: 319-730-3530 / Email
Click here to view Policy 1004.1-R1 Community Use of School Facilities Manual