Children who are residents of the school district community will attend the school district without paying tuition.

The residence of a student means the place, abode or dwelling of the student.  Generally, the legal dwelling of minors is the same as their parents.  A child may establish a dwelling with someone other than the parents and attend public school in the school district without paying tuition if the primary purpose for residing in the school district is not for obtaining a free public education.  Further, students who have reached the age of majority and who are still eligible to attend an Iowa secondary school may declare their residence independent of the residence of the parents.

Each case involving the bona fide residence of a student will be decided upon its individual merits by the superintendent.

 

 

Approved:  7-1-92              
Reviewed:  2-2-94,12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23

 

Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of the school district may be admitted into the school district at the discretion of the superintendent upon application and payment of tuition.  The tuition rate shall be the current per-pupil cost of the school district as computed by the board secretary and as authorized by the Iowa Department of Education.

Resident students whose families move from the school district after the start of a semester and who wish to complete the semester in the school district may be permitted to attend without the payment of tuition at the discretion of the superintendent and approval of the board.  Students who plan to open enroll to the nonresident school district may complete the school year without approval of the superintendent or board.  These students, other than students in grades eleven and twelve, must have the recommendation of the principal.

Students in grades eleven or twelve who are no longer residents of the school district, but were residents in the preceding school year, may continue to attend school in the school district until they graduate without the payment of tuition.  These students must have an adult, who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.

Nonresident students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school district and who have evidence they will become legal residents of the school district prior to October 1 may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.

 

 

Approved: 7-1-92         
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-058-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23

 

Parents within the school district who have children over age six and under age sixteen by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, will have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board.  Students will attend school the number of days or hours school is in session in accordance with the school calendar.  Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of 150 days.  Students not attending the minimum days must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, referred to the county attorney.  Exceptions to this policy include children who:

• have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma;
• are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;
• are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
• are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;
• has an individualized education program that affects the child’s attendance;
• has a plan under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. §794, that affects the child’s attendance;
• are attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;
• are attending an accredited nonpublic school; 
• are receiving independent private instruction; or,
• are receiving competent private instruction.

It is the responsibility of the parent of a child to provide evidence of the child's mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child's qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above.

 

 

 

Approved: 11-11-98  
Reviewed:  01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15      
Revised:  12-14-98, 4-10-23, 8-21-24

 

Children in the school district community will be allowed to enroll in the school district's regular education program beginning at age five.  The child must be age five on or prior to September 15 to participate in the school district's kindergarten program.  The child must be age six on or prior to September 15 to begin the first grade of the education program.

Before the student may enroll in the school district’s education program, the board shall require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence of age. It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to determine what is satisfactory evidence for proof of age.

Prior to enrollment, the child must provide the administration with their health and immunization certificate. Failure to provide this information within the time period set by the superintendent shall be reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student.

 

 

Approved:  07-01-92             
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-94, 01-08-01, 11-10-01, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised: 4-10-23

 

The board shall have complete discretion to determine the boundaries for each attendance center, to assign students to the attendance centers, and to assign students to the classrooms within the attendance center.

Parents or guardians of siblings in the same grade level academically in grades kindergarten through grade five may request the siblings be placed in the same or different classrooms.  In order to be valid, the request must be made in writing and submitted to the school principal at the time of registration for classes or within fourteen days after the children’s first day of attendance during the school year.  If a valid request is received by the school principal, the request will be considered and may be honored.  While a parent or guardian may make a placement request that siblings be placed together or apart, the school district administration retains complete discretion to select the classroom teacher(s) to which siblings are assigned.  If after the initial grading period following the placement of siblings in the same or different classrooms the school principal determines the placement is disruptive to the class; the principal may assign one or more of the siblings to different classrooms.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board annually regarding the assigned attendance center for each student.    In making the recommendation, the superintendent shall consider the geographical condition of the school district, the condition and location of the school district facilities, the location of student population, possible transportation difficulties, financial condition of the school district, and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent or the board.

 

 

Approved:  07-01-92             
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15        
Revised:  4-10-23

 

Students who transfer into the school district must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school district.

The school district shall request the student's cumulative records from the previous school district.  If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the principal will make the grade level determination. The principal may require testing or other information to determine the grade level. Students expelled or suspended from their previous school district will only be enrolled after approval of the board.

The principal shall determine the amount of credits to be transferred.  If the student has not previously attended an accredited school, it is within the principal's discretion to accept or reject credits or grades.

The principal may deny admission if the student is not willing to provide the necessary information.

 

 

Approved:  07-01-92             
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  01-05-96, 4-10-23

 

If the student's parents wish to withdraw or transfer the student from the school district prior to completing and graduating from the education program, they shall notify the principal in writing as soon as possible of the decision to withdraw or transfer the student from the education program. The student or parent should present this written notice at the office and receive instructions regarding the return of textbooks, library books, locker equipment, hot lunch tickets, etc.

The notice shall state the student’s final day of attendance. If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the school district shall maintain the student’s records in the same manner as the records of students who have graduated from the school district.

If the parents wish to have the student’s cumulative record sent to the new school district, the parents shall notify the principal in writing. This notice shall include the name of the school district and the person at the new school district to whom the student's cumulative records should be sent. If the new school district requests the student's cumulative records, the school district shall forward the cumulative records and notify the parents the records have been sent.  The notice shall inform the parents of their right to review the records sent.

 If the student is of compulsory education age and not transferring to another public school district or an accredited non-public school, the parents shall notify the principal that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.

 

 

Approved:  7-1-92                            
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23

 

As part of the school district records of students, the daily attendance of each student shall be recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the board secretary.

It shall be the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the board secretary, the custodian of school district records.

 

 

Approved:  7-1-92     
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-26, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23

 

The district believes that traditional, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students. Students who are present in school and engaged active learners take greater ownership over their educational outcomes.  For this reason, it is the priority of the district to foster regular student attendance throughout the school year and reduce barriers to regular attendance for students in the district.

Chronic absenteeism/absences means any absence from school for more than ten percent of the days in the grading period established by the district.

Truant/truancy means a child of compulsory attendance age who is absent from school for any reason for at least twenty percent of the days in the grading period. Truancy does not apply to the following students who:

• have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or has obtained a high school equivalency diploma
• are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;
• are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
• are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;
• have an individualized education program than affects the student's attendance;
• have a plan under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. §794, that affects the child's attendance;
• are attending a private college preparatory school accredited or probationally accredited;
• are excused under Iowa Code §299.22; and
• are exempt under Iowa Code §299.24.

Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion.  It is within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy.  Students receiving special education services will not be assigned suspensions unless the goals and objectives of the student's Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the designated school officials, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.  The administrative regulations will indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.

 

 

 

Approved:  11-11-1992         
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-8-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  12-12-94, 3-11-13, 4-10-23, 8-21-24

 

Students will be allowed to leave the school district facilities during their lunch period only with prior authorization from their parents, unless the parent appears personally at the student’s attendance center to arrange for the release of the student during school hours or with the permission of the principal.  Seniors will be allowed to leave school district facilities during the day in compliance with the administrative rules adopted annually by the board.

Approved reasons for release of a student during the school day shall include, but not be limited to, illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious instruction, classes outside the student's attendance center, employment for which the student has been issued a work permit, and other reasons determined by the superintendent.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative rules regarding this policy,

 

 

Approved:  7-1-92                 
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-87-97, 01-08-01, 11-1-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23                                                      

 

The board encourages pregnant students to continue to attend the education program as long as they are physically able to do so.

The pregnant student may notify the principal or the guidance counselor as soon as she is aware of the pregnancy. The school district may require that a pregnant student provide the principal with a written note from her doctor relative to special conditions that might exist and specific suggestions as to how long the student may continue to attend classes.  If the student is unable to attend school because of her pregnancy, the student may be excused and arrangements made to continue her studies during the absence. The student shall resume classes upon the recommendation of her physician.

 

 

Approved:                  
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-0897, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23

 

Students who have attained legal age may continue the education program without payment of tuition as long as they are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and are residents of the school district.

Parents will be allowed to access and view the student's records with written permission from the student if the student is still a dependent for tax purposes.  In most cases, with the discretion of the principal or the superintendent, the student will be able to make decisions and sign documents rather than requiring parental permission or signature.

 

 

Approved:                  
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  07-01-92, 4-10-23

 

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a sending district.  As a sending district, the board will allow resident students who meet the requirements to open enroll to another public school district. 

Parents requesting open enrollment out of the school district for their student will notify the sending and receiving school district no later than March 1 in the school year preceding the first year desired for open enrollment.  The notice is made on forms provided by the Iowa Department of Education.  The forms are available at the central administration office.

Parents of children who will begin kindergarten in the school district are exempt from the open enrollment March 1 deadline. Parents of children who will begin kindergarten and prekindergarten children enrolled in special education programs and included in the district’s basic enrollment will file in the same manner set forth above by September 1. Parents who have good cause as defined by law for failing to meet the March 1 deadline may make an open enrollment request by September1 unless another deadline applies. 

The receiving district will approve or deny open enrollment requests according to the timelines established by law.  The parents may withdraw the open enrollment request prior to the  start of the school year .  The receiving district’s superintendent will notify the parents and sending school district by mail within five days of the school district’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.  

Subject to applicable laws, the board may approve a student's request to allow the receiving district to enter the school district for the purposes of transportation.  

An open enrollment request out of the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  The determining factor for approval of such a open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the receiving school district is appropriate for the student's needs.  The area education agency director of special education serving the receiving district will determine whether the program is appropriate.  The special education student will remain in the school district until the final determination is made.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to maintain open enrollment request applications and notice forms.  It will also be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

 

 

 

Approved:  01-08-90             
Reviewed:  01-08-01, 1-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  09-20-05, 3-11-13, 4-10-23,8-21-24

 

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a receiving district.  As a receiving district, the board will allow nonresident students, who meet the legal requirements, to open enroll into the school district.  The board will have complete discretion to determine the attendance center of the students attending the school district under open enrollment.

The superintendent will take action on the open enrollment request no later than June 1 in the year preceding the first year desired for open enrollment.

The superintendent will notify the sending school district and parents within five days of the school district’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.  

Open enrollment requests into the school district will not be approved if insufficient classroom space exists.  Open enrollment requests into the school district will also not be approved for students who have been suspended or expelled by the administration or the board of the school district the student is or was attending until the student has been reinstated into the school district from which the student was suspended or expelled.  Once the student is reinstated, the student's open enrollment request will be considered in the same manner as other open enrollment requests provided the required timelines are met. The district reserves the right to deny continued open enrollment to any students who meet the definition of truant. The district will notify the truant student’s parent or guardian and district of residence of the decision to deny enrollment in the future in accordance with applicable laws.  

Open enrollment requests into the school district that, if denied, would result in students from the same nuclear family being enrolled in different school districts, will be given highest priority.  The board, in its discretion, may waive the insufficient classroom space reason for denial for students of the same nuclear family to prevent the division of a nuclear family between two school districts.  Other open enrollment requests into the school district are considered in the order received by the school district with the first open enrollment request given a higher priority than the second open enrollment request and so forth.

Students in grades nine through twelve open enrolling into the school district will be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, in accordance with applicable law. 

Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved by the superintendent are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement.  

An open enrollment request into the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The determining factors for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the school district is appropriate for the student's needs and whether the enrollment of the special education student will cause the class size to exceed the maximum allowed.  The area education agency director of special education serving the school district will determine whether the program is appropriate.  The special education student will remain in the sending district until the final determination is made. For children requiring special education, the receiving district will complete and provide to the resident district the documentation needed to seek Medicaid reimbursement for eligible services.

The policies of the school district will apply to students attending the school district under open enrollment.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

 

 

 

Approved:   01-08-90               
Reviewed:  11-13-00, 7-13-15               
Revised:  12-08-03, 9-14-09, 4-10-23,8-21-24

 

The  school district believes all students should have access to a free, appropriate public education. The school district will ensure that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as other children and youth.

The term homeless children and youth means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes:

• Children and youth who are:
  • Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason (sometimes referred to as doubled up);
  • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
  • Living in emergency or transitional shelters; or
  • Abandoned in hospitals.
• Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
• Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations or similar settings; and
• Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

To help ensure that homeless children and youth have a full opportunity to enroll, attend, and succeed at school, the board shall:

• Designate the counselor as the local homeless children and youth liaison;
• Provide training opportunities for staff so staff may help identify and meet the needs of homeless children and youth;
• Remove barriers, including those associated with fees, fines, and absences, to the identification, enrollment, retention, attendance, and/or success in school for homeless children and youth;
• Ensure collaboration and coordination with other service providers;
• Ensure transportation is provided in accordance with legal requirements;
• Provide school stability in school assignment according to the child’s best interests;
• Ensure the privacy of student records, as provided by applicable law, including information about a homeless child or youth’s living situation;
• Engage in the dispute resolution process for decisions relating to the educational placement of homeless children and youth as provided by applicable law; and
• Prohibit the segregation of a homeless child or youth from other students enrolled in the school district.

The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy.

 

 

Approved: 1/13/03
Reviewed: 11/1/03, 11/13/06, 2/10/10, 11/12/12, 7/13/15   
Revised: 9/20/05, 3/11/13, 12/12/16, 7-10-17, 4-10-23

 

The board believes inappropriate student appearance causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors .

Students are expected to adhere to standards of cleanliness and dress that are compatible with the requirements of a good learning environment.   The standards will be those generally acceptable to the community as appropriate in a school setting.

The board  expects  students  to be clean and well-groomed  and wear clothes in good  repair and appropriate for the time, place, and occasion.   Clothing, hats and/or head coverings or other apparel promoting products illegal for use by minors or displaying obscene  material, profanity or reference  to prohibited  conduct are disallowed.  While the primary responsibility for appearance lies with the students and their parents, appearance disruptive to the education program will not be tolerated.  When, in the judgment of a principal, a student's appearance or mode of dress disrupts the educational process or constitutes a threat to health or safety, the student may be required to make modifications.

 

 

Approved:                  
Reviewed:  07-11-95, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23

 

Students shall treat school district property with the care and the respect they would treat their own property.  Students found to have destroyed or otherwise harmed school district property may be required to reimburse the school district.  They may be subject to discipline under board policy and school district rules and regulations.  They may also be referred to local law enforcement authorities.

 

 

Approved:  07-01-92             
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-13-06, 11-10-03, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23

 

The board recognizes the convenience to families and students of having students drive to and park at their school attendance center.  Driving a motor vehicle to and parking it at the student's attendance center is a privilege.

Students who drive to and park at their attendance center shall only drive to and park at their designated attendance center(s) or at another district’s  attendance center for the purpose of attending extracurricular activities. Students may not loiter around or be in their vehicle during the school day without permission from the principal.  Students shall leave their attendance center when there is no longer a legitimate reason for them to be at their attendance center.  Students who drive shall enter and leave the parking lot by the routes designated by the principal.

Students who wish to drive to and park at their school attendance center shall comply with the rules and regulations established by the building principal.  Failure to comply with this policy or the school district rules shall be reason for revocation of school driving and parking privileges as well as other disciplinary action including suspension and expulsion.

 

 

 

Approved:  1-14-2002           
Reviewed:  11-10-03, 11-13-06, 2-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23, 9-18-24

 

Student Expression

It is the goal of the school district to protect the educational environment for all students to help ensure it is free from substantial disruption or infringement upon their rights.  Student expression should be appropriate to help ensure that the students learn and meet the goals of the school district activity and that the potential audience is not exposed to material that may be harmful or inappropriate for their level of maturity.

While students will generally be allowed to express their viewpoints and opinions, in certain qualifying circumstances, student speech may require administrative regulation to help ensure the safety and welfare of the school district community.  The school district may regulate speech that:  causes or is reasonably anticipated to cause a material and substantial disruption to the education environment; infringes upon the rights of others; is obscene or lewd; is school district sponsored; and/or promotes illegal activity.  The administration, when making this judgment, will consider whether the activity in which the expression was made is school district sponsored and whether review or prohibition of the students' speech furthers an educational purpose.  The expression must be done in a reasonable time, place, and manner that is not disruptive to the orderly and efficient operation of the school district.

The superintendent may develop procedures for safely addressing qualifying types of mass protests by students, including walk-ins and walk-outs.  Walk-ins occur when students leave their learning environments during school hours and gather in a group or groups with the purpose of promoting a belief or beliefs.  Walk-outs occur when students leave their learning environments during school hours and gather in a group or groups off school district property with the purpose of promoting a belief or beliefs. 

The superintendent is encouraged to obtain feedback from community stakeholders in the development of these procedures.  The goal of the procedures shall be to address student safety, maintain the education environment and promote communication during demonstrations while remaining viewpoint neutral.

Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures.  Employees are responsible for helping to ensure students' expression is in keeping with this policy.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Student Publications

Students may produce official school district publications as part of the curriculum under the supervision of a faculty advisor and the principal.  Official school district publications include material produced in journalism, newspaper, yearbook or writing classes and distributed to the student body either free or for a fee.

Any expression made by students, including student expression in official school district publications, is not an expression of official school policy.  The school district, the board, and the employees or officials are not liable in any civil or criminal action for any student expression made or published by students unless the employees or officials have interfered with or altered the content of the student speech or expression.  The liability, if any, is only to the extent of the interference or alteration of the speech or expression.

Official school district publications are free from prior restraint by employees or officials except as provided by law.  A faculty advisor will supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with the law including, but not limited to, the restrictions against unlawful speech.  The production of official school publications is guided by the law and by the ethical standards adopted by professional associations or societies of journalism.

Persons, other than students, who believe they have been aggrieved by student expression in a student-produced official school district publication will follow the grievance procedure outlined in applicable board policy.  Students who believe their freedom of expression in a student-produced official school district publication has been restricted will follow the grievance procedure outlined in applicable board policy.

The superintendent is responsible for developing a student publications code.  This code will include, but not be limited to, reasonable rules including time, place, and manner of restrictions.  The superintendent will also be responsible for distributing this policy and the student publications code to the students and their parents.

Approved:      
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12. 7-13-15
Revised:  09-20-94, 4-10-23

 

Creating an environment where students feel comfortable addressing their concerns in a meaningful manner is vital to the learning process.  It is the goal of the board to resolve student complaints at the lowest organizational level. Student complaints and grievances regarding board policy or administrative regulations or other matters should first be addressed to the student's teacher or another licensed employees, other than the administration, for resolution of the complaint. 

If the complaint cannot be resolved by student’s teacher or other licensed employee, the student may discuss the matter with the principal within five school days.  If the matter cannot be resolved by the principal, the student may discuss it with the superintendent within five school days after speaking with the principal.

If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved by the superintendent, the student may ask to have the matter placed on the board agenda of a regularly scheduled board meeting in compliance with board policy.  The board retains discretion as to whether to consider or take action on any complaint.

 

 

Approved:  7-1-92                 
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-13-06, 11-10-03, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23

 

Student lockers are the property of the school district.   Students shall use the lockers assigned to them by the school district for storing their school materials and personal belongings necessary for attendance at the school district. It shall be the responsibility of each student to keep their assigned lockers clean and undamaged.

To ensure students are properly maintaining their assigned locker, the principal of the building may periodically inspect all or a random selection the lockers. Either students or another individual will be present during the inspection of lockers.   Student lockers may also be searched, at any time and without advance notice, in compliance with board policy regulating search and seizure.

 

 

Approved:                  
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  07-01-92, 4-10-23

 

The board believes weapons, other dangerous objects, look-a-likes, and items used as weapons in school district facilities cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

School district facilities are not an appropriate place for weapons, dangerous objects, look-a-likes, and items used as weapons. Weapons, other dangerous objects, look-a-likes, and items used as weapons will be taken from students and others who bring them onto the school district property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the school district or from students who are within the control of the school district.

Parents of students found to possess weapons, dangerous objects, look-a-likes or items used as weapons on school district property are notified of the incident.  Possession or confiscation of weapons, dangerous objects, look-a-likes or items used as weapons will be reported to law enforcement officials, and students will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

Students bringing firearms to the school district or knowingly possessing firearms at the school district will be expelled for not less than one year.  The superintendent has the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for students on a case-by-case basis.  For purposes of this portion of this policy, the term firearm includes, but is not limited to, any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon or any explosive, incendiary or poison gas or otherwise defined by applicable law.

Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials or other individuals specifically authorized by the board are exempt from this policy. Students and individuals approved in writing by the Superintendent who are actively engaging in a school district approved firearms safety course, hunter education course or shooting sports activity are exempt from this policy. The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement the policy

 

Approved:
Reviewed: 11/10/03, 11/13/06, 2/10/10, 11/12/12, 7,13/15                  
Revised:  1/3/03, 12/12/16, 7-10-17, 4-10-23, 8-21-24

 

502.8 

STUDENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The board believes it is imperative to promote the heath and well-being of all students in the district.  The district will provide a substance use prevention program and set restrictions on substance use by students in accordance with applicable law.

The board prohibits the distribution, dispensing, manufacture, possession, use or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco/nicotine products, controlled substances, or look alike substances that appear to be tobacco/nicotine products, alcohol or controlled substances by students while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school district owned and/or operated school district or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school district activities; and while away from school district grounds if the misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.  “Controlled substances” in this policy refers to the misuse of both licit and illicit drugs.

The board believes such illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials generally cause material and substantial disruption to the school district environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors.

Violation of this policy by students will result in disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.  Use, purchase or being in possession of tobacco/nicotine products for those under the age of twenty-one, 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.

Students who violate the terms of this policy may be required by the principal to satisfactorily complete a substance use assistance or rehabilitation program.  If a student fails to satisfactorily complete such a program, the student may be subject to discipline including suspension or expulsion.

The board believes the substance use prevention program will include:

Age-appropriate, evidence-based substance use prevention curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through twelve, which address the legal, social, and health consequences of tobacco/nicotine, controlled substance and alcohol use and which provide information about effective techniques for resisting social pressure to use tobacco/nicotine, controlled substances or alcohol;

A statement to students that the unlawful possession and use of nicotine, controlled substances, and alcohol is harmful to student well-being;

Standards of conduct for students that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, being under the influence of or distribution of tobacco/nicotine products, controlled substances, and/or alcohol by students on school district premises or as part of any of its activities;

A clear statement that disciplinary sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the policy and a description of those sanctions;

A statement that students may be required to complete a substance use evaluation to determine whether substance use disorder treatment is recommended and, if recommended, successfully complete an appropriate rehabilitation program;

Information about tobacco, nicotine, controlled substances, and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs available to students;

A requirement that parents and students be given a copy of the standards of conduct and the statement of disciplinary sanctions required; and

Notification to parents and students that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory.

 

Approved:  11-11-91

Reviewed:  12-12-84, 12-08-97,01-08-01,11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15

Revised:  07-01-92, 4-10-23, 07-19-2024

 

School district property is held in public trust by the board. School district authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student areas based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a school district policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated.  The search shall be in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline in the schools, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students, employees, and visitors to the school district facilities.  The furnishing of a locker, desk or other facility or space owned by the school district and provided as a courtesy to a student, even if the student provides the lock for it, will not create a protected student area and will not give rise to an expectation of privacy with respect to the locker, desk or other facility.

School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search.     Items of contraband may include but are not limited to nonprescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco/nicotine, weapons, explosives, poisons, and stolen property.  Such items are not to be possessed by a student anywhere while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school district owned and/or operated school district or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school district activities; and while away from school district grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management, and welfare of the school district.  Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion and may be reported to local law enforcement officials.

The board believes that such illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials may cause material and substantial disruption to the school district environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees or visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Approved:  07-01-92             
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23                                                     

 

Generally, students may not be interviewed during the school day by persons other than parents and school district officials and employees.

Requests from law enforcement officers and those other than parents, school district officials, and employees to interview students shall be made through the principal's office.  Upon receiving a request, it shall be the responsibility of the principal to determine whether the request will be granted.  Generally, prior to granting a request, the principal shall attempt to contact the parents to inform them of the request and to ask them to be present.

If a child abuse investigator wishes to interview a student, the principal will defer to the investigator's judgment as to whether the student should be interviewed independently from the student's parents, whether the school district is the most appropriate setting for the interview, and who will be present during the interview.

Students shall not be taken from school district without the consent of the principal and without proper warrant.

 

 

Approved:  7-1-92                 
Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  4-10-23

 

 

Code No. 502.11 

ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT POLICY 

The school district is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school district community are treated with dignity and respect. Bullying and/or harassment of or by students, staff, and volunteers is against federal, state, and local policy and is not tolerated by the board. Bullying and/or harassing behavior can seriously disrupt the ability of school district employees to maintain a safe and civil environment, and the ability of students to learn and succeed. Therefore, school district employees, volunteers, and students shall not engage in bullying or harassing behavior while on school district property, while on school district owned or school district operated vehicles, while attending or participating in school district sponsored or sanctioned activities, and while away from school district grounds if the conduct materially interferes with the orderly operation of the educational environment or is likely to do so. 

Complaints may be filed with the superintendent or superintendent’s designee pursuant to the regulation accompanying this policy. Complaints will be investigated within a reasonable time frame. 

A school district employee, volunteer or student or a student’s parent or guardian who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment, in compliance with the procedures in the regulation, to the appropriate school district official designated by the school district, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to participation in any administrative or judicial proceeding resulting from or relating to the report. 

Retaliation Prohibited 

Individuals who knowingly file false bullying or harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation may be subject to discipline by appropriate measures. 

Any student found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. Any school district employee found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment. Any school district volunteer found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, removal from service and exclusion from school grounds. 

Definitions 

For the purposes of this policy, the defined words shall have the following meaning: 

• Electronic means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optic cable, electromagnetic or other similar means. Electronic includes, but is not limited to, communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, and electronic text messaging. 

• Harassment and bullying mean any repeated or potentially repeated electronic, written, verbal or physical act or or other ongoing conduct toward a student based on any trait or characteristic of the student which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions: 

• 1) Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property. • 2) Has a substantial detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health. • 3) Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s academic performance. 

• 4) Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or privileges provided by a school district.

• Trait or characteristic of the student includes but is not limited to age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status or familial status. 

• Volunteer means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students. 

Publication of Policy 

The board will annually publish this policy. The policy may be publicized by the following means: • Inclusion in the student handbook, 

• Inclusion in the employee handbook 

• Inclusion in the registration materials 

• Inclusion on the school district or school district’s web site, 

• Copies available at the central administrative office at: 1505 Washington Street, Ruthven, Iowa 51358

Approved: 4-10-23 Reviewed: 11-15-23 Revised:

Code No. 503.1

 

STUDENT CONDUCT

 

The board believes inappropriate student conduct causes material and substantial disruption to the school district environment, interferes with the rights of others or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors on school district premises.  Appropriate classroom behavior allows teachers to communicate more effectively with students.

 

Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school district or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school district activities; and while away from school district grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management, and welfare of the school district.  Consequences for the misconduct will be fair and developmentally appropriate in light of the circumstances.

 

Students who fail to abide by this policy, and the administrative regulations supporting it, may be disciplined for conduct which disrupts or interferes with the education program; conduct which disrupts the orderly and efficient operation of the school district or school district activity; conduct which disrupts the rights of other students to participate in or obtain their education; conduct that is violent or destructive or conduct which interrupts the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere.  Disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion.

 

Removal from the classroom means a student is sent to the building principal's office.  It is within the discretion of the person in charge of the classroom to remove the student.  

 

Detention means the student's presence is required during non-school hours for disciplinary purposes.  The student can be required to appear prior to the beginning of the school day, after school has been dismissed for the day, or on a non-school day.  Whether a student will serve detention, and the length of the detention, is within the discretion of the licensed employee or the building principal, disciplining the student.

 

 In-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision.  An in-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days.  

 

Out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities.  An out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days unless due process is provided as required by federal and state law.  A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities.

 

Probation means a student is given a conditional suspension of a penalty for a definite period of time in addition to being reprimanded.  The conditional suspension will mean the student must meet the conditions and terms for the suspension of the penalty.  Failure of the student to meet these conditions and terms will result in immediate reinstatement of the penalty.

 

Expulsion means an action by the board to remove a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, for a period of time set by the board.

 

This policy is not intended to address the use of therapeutic classrooms or seclusion rooms for students. 

 

Discipline of special education students, including suspensions and expulsions, will comply with the provisions of applicable federal and state laws. 

 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Approved:  1-13-03 Reviewed:  11-10-03, 11-13-06 Revised:  12-12-16           

2-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15 7-10-17, 4-10-23, 12-20-23

503.2

EXPULSION

Only the board may remove a student from the school environment for more than ten (10) consecutive school days.

Students may be expelled for violations of board policy, school district rules or the law.  It shall be within the discretion of the board to discipline a student by using an expulsion for a single offense or for a series of offenses depending on the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the offense.

It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to recommend to the board the expulsion of a student for disciplinary purposes.  Only the board may take action to expel a student and to readmit the student.  The principal shall keep records of expulsions in addition to the board's records.

When a student is recommended for expulsion by the board, the student shall be provided with:

1. Notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion;

2. The names of the witnesses and an oral or written report on the fact to which each     witness testifies unless the witnesses are students whose names may be released at the discretion of the superintendent;

3. An opportunity to present a defense against the charges and provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses on the student’s behalf;

4. The right to be represented by counsel; and,

5. The results and finding of the board in writing open to the student’s inspection.

 

In addition to these procedures, a special education student must be provided with additional procedures.  A determination should be made of whether the student committed the misconduct.  A staffing team should determine whether the student's behavior is caused by the student's disability and whether the conduct is the result of inappropriate placement.  Discussions and conclusions of this meeting should be recorded.

If the special education student's conduct is not caused by the disability, the student may be expelled or suspended for a long-term period following written notice to the parent and pursuant to the school district's expulsion hearing procedures.  If the misconduct is caused by the disability and a change in placement is recommended, the change must be made pursuant to the placement procedures used by the school district.

Approved: Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, Revised:  07-01-92, 4-10-23,

11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 12-20-23

7-13-15

 

 

The board believes students should respect school district property and assist in its preservation for future use by others.  Students may be assessed fines, charges or fees for the materials needed in a course, for overdue school materials, for participating in activities or for misuse of school district property.

The school board will approve the dollar amount to be charged to students or others for fines, charges or fees annually.  Parents of students meeting specific financial eligibility standards will be eligible for a waiver of student fees or a reduction of student fees based upon the request of the parent.

 

Approved:                  
Reviewed:  12-08-97, 01-01-01, 1-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  08-12-96, 4-10-23 

 

Participation in school district activities is a privilege.  School district activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and abilities in the students during their school years and for their lifetimes.

Students who participate in extracurricular activities serve as ambassadors of the school district throughout the calendar year, whether away from the school district or at the school district.  Students who wish to have the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities must conduct themselves in accordance with board policy and must refrain from activities which are illegal, immoral or unhealthy.

Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be subject to disciplinary measures.  The principal will keep records of violations of the good conduct rule.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop rules and regulations for school district activities.  Students wanting to participate in school district activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.

 

 

Approved:                  
Reviewed:  December 1999, 11-10-2003, 11-13-2006, 2-10-2010, 7-13-15                   
Revised:  11-13-2000, 04-11-13, 4-10-23

 

The use of corporal punishment, mechanical restraint, and/or prone restraint is prohibited in the school district.  Corporal punishment is defined as the intentional physical punishment of a student.  It includes the use of unreasonable or unnecessary physical force or physical contact made with the intent to harm or cause pain.  No employee is prohibited from:

        ∙     Using reasonable and necessary force, not designed or intended to cause pain, in order to accomplish any of the following:

                  --        To quell a disturbance or prevent an act that threatens physical harm to any person.

                  --        To obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object within a student's control.

                  --        For the purposes of self-defense or defense of others as provided for in Iowa law.

                  --        For the protection of property as provided for in Iowa law.

                  --        To remove a disruptive student from class or any area of school district premises or from school district-sponsored activities off school district premises.

                  --        To protect a student from the self-infliction of harm.

                  --        To protect the safety of others.

        ∙        Using incidental, minor or reasonable physical contact to maintain order and control.

 

Mechanical restraint means the use of a device as a means of restricting a student’s freedom of movement. Mechanical restraint does not mean a device used by a trained individual for specific approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the device was designed and, if applicable, prescribed, including restraints for medical immobilization, adaptive devices or mechanical supports used to allow greater freedom of mobility than would be possible without use of such devices or mechanical supports; and vehicle safety restraints when used as intended during the transport of a student in a moving vehicle. 

Prone restraint means any restraint in which the student is held face down on the floor. 

Reasonable physical force should be commensurate with the circumstances of the situation.  The following factors should be considered in using reasonable physical force for the reasons stated in this policy:

        1.       The size and physical, mental, and psychological condition of the student;

        2.       The nature of the student's behavior or misconduct provoking the use of physical force;

        3.       The instrumentality used in applying the physical force;

        4.       The extent and nature of resulting injury to the student, if any, including mental and psychological injury;

        5.       The motivation of the school district employee using physical force.

Upon request, the student's parents shall be given an explanation of the reasons for physical force.

 

 

Approved:                    
Reviewed:  1-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 2-10-10, 7-13-15     
Revised:  11-13-00, 4-10-23

 

It is the goal of the school district that all students can learn and grow in a safe and peaceful environment that nurtures the student and models respect for oneself and others.  On occasion, trained school district employees and others may have to use behavior management interventions, physical restraint, and/or seclusion of students.  The goal of these interventions is to promote the dignity, care, safety, welfare, and security of each student and the school district community.  With this objective in mind, the school district will prioritize the use of the least restrictive behavioral interventions appropriate for the situation.

Physical restraint means a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move the student’s arms, legs, body or head freely.  Physical restraint does not mean a technique used by trained school personnel, or used by a student, for the specific and approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the technique was designed and, if applicable, prescribed.  Physical restraint does not include instructional strategies, such as physically guiding a student during an educational task, hand-shaking, hugging or other non-disciplinary physical contact. 

Seclusion means the involuntary confinement of a child in a seclusion room or area from which the child is prevented or prohibited from leaving; however, preventing a child from leaving a classroom or school building is not considered seclusion.  Seclusion does not include instances when a school district employee is present within the room and providing services to the child, such as crisis intervention or instruction. 

Physical restraint or seclusion is reasonable or necessary only:

• To prevent or terminate an imminent threat of bodily injury to the student or others; or
• To prevent serious damage to property of significant monetary value or significant nonmonetary value or importance; or
• When the student’s actions seriously disrupt the learning environment or when physical restraint or seclusion is necessary to ensure the safety of the student or others; and
• When less restrictive alternatives to seclusion or physical restraint would not be effective, would not be feasible under the circumstances, or have failed in preventing or terminating   the imminent threat or behavior; and
• When the physical restraint or seclusion complies with all applicable laws.

Prior to using physical restraint or seclusion, employees must receive training in accordance with the law.  Any individual who is not employed by the school district but whose duties could require the individual to use or be present during the use of physical restraint or seclusion on a student will be invited to participate in the same training offered to employees on this topic. 

When required by law, the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee will ensure a post-occurrence debriefing meeting is held, maintain documentation and fulfill all reporting requirements for each occurrence of physical restraint or seclusion as required by law.   

 

 

Approved:  4-10-23

 

503.7

STUDENT DISCLOSURE OF IDENTITY

 

It is the goal of the district to provide a safe and supportive educational environment in which all students may learn.  As part of creating that safe educational environment, no employee of the district will provide false or misleading information to the parent/guardian of a student regarding that student’s gender identity or intention to transition to a gender that is different from their birth certificate or certificate issued upon adoption.   

If a student makes a request to a licensed employee to accommodate a gender identity, name, or pronoun that is different than what was assigned to the student in the student’s registration forms or records, the licensed employee is required by Iowa law to report the request to an administrator. The school administrator receiving the report is required by Iowa law to report the request to the student’s parent/guardian.  This requirement also applies to all nicknames.

To maintain compliance with Iowa law and also provide efficiency in the reporting requirements listed above, the Superintendent will provide the opportunity for parents and guardians to list in the student’s registration paperwork any and all nicknames used for students.

Approved :  12-20-23 Reviewed:  Revised: 

Code No.  503.8

DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WHO MAKE THREATS OF VIOLENCE OR CAUSE INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE

The Board believes discipline is designed to promote behavior that will enable students to learn and successfully participate in their educational and social environments. The district discipline policy for students who make a threat of violence or commit an act of violence is developed to help students understand their obligations to others in the school setting, secure the safety of all students, staff and the community, and to correct student behavior if a violation occurs (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 1). 

Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting their age, grade level, and maturity, and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.

Consequences for the misconduct will be fair and tailored to the age, grade level and maturity of the student. The circumstances of a particular situation may dictate the use of responses not specifically included in the list of escalating responses included in this policy and is at the discretion of the principal or lead administrator. Discipline and other responses to threats or incidents of violence by a student with a disability, including removal from a class, placement in a therapeutic classroom, suspensions, and expulsions, will comply with the provisions of applicable federal and state laws including, but not limited to, the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 3).

Reporting a Threat of Violence or Incidence of Violence 

In the case of any threat of violence or incident of violence that results in injury, property damage or assault by a student, the teacher will report to the school principal or lead administrator within 24 hours of the incident. 

The principal or lead administrator will notify the parent or guardian of the student(s) who threatened or perpetrated an act of violence and the student(s) who the threatened or perpetrated act of violence was made against within 24 hours after receipt of the teacher’s report and complete an investigation of the incident as soon as possible. The classroom teacher may also notify the parent or guardian of the student who made the threat or caused the incident, and the parent or guardian of the student against whom the threat or incident was directed (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 4). 

An investigation will be initiated by the principal or lead administrator upon learning of an incident of violence or threat of violence through any credible means. If the principal or lead administrator finds that an incident of violence or threat of violence did occur, the administrator will determine the level of threat or incident by considering all aspects of the situation, including the student's intent and knowledge of the impact of their actions, their developmental level and context of the incident. The resolution will focus on identifying the cause behind the behavior and appropriate corrective action (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsections 1 and 4). 

A student who makes a threat of violence, causes an incident of violence that results in injury or property damage, or who commits an assault, will be subject to escalating levels of discipline for each occurrence. When appropriate, referrals will be made to local law enforcement. The district retains the authority to assign the level of disciplinary measures appropriate to the severity of the threat of violence or incident of violence (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 5). 

Threat of Violence 

Threat of violence means a written, verbal, electronic or behavioral message that either explicitly or implicitly expresses an intention to inflict emotional or physical injury, property damage, or assault. 

Incident of Violence 

Incident of violence means the intentional use of physical force or power against oneself, another person, a group or community or property resulting in injury, property damage or assault. 

Injury 

Injury means “physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical condition.” State v. McKee, 312 N.W.2d 907, 913 (Iowa 1981). 

Property Damage 

Property damage means any destruction, damage, impairment or alteration of property to which the individual does not have a right to take such an action. Property means real property, which includes any real estate, building, or fixture attached to a building or structure, and personal property, which includes intangible property (Iowa Code section 4.1(21)). 

Assault 

Assault means when, without justification, a student does any of the following: 

• an act which is intended to cause pain or injury to, or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; 

• or any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; 

• or intentionally points any firearm toward another or displays in a threatening manner any dangerous weapon toward another. 

The act is not an assault when the person doing any of the above and the other person are voluntary participants in a sport, social or other activity, not in itself criminal, when the act is a reasonably foreseeable incident of such sport or activity, and does not create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or breach of the peace (Following Iowa Code section 708.1).

Escalating Responses by Grade Band 

Grades PK-2 

Level 1

• Requires parent or guardian notification

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses may include any of the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention; and/or

  • Temporary removal from class.

• Unless the first offense is unusually serious, the administrator will avoid permanent removal from a class.

Level 2

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate. 

Level 3

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate.

  • Recommendation for expulsion.

Grades 3-5

Level 1

• Requires parent or guardian notification

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses may include any of the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention; and/or

  • Temporary removal from class.

• Unless the first offense is unusually serious, the administrator will avoid permanent removal from a class.

Level 2

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate. 

Level 3

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate.

  • Recommendation for expulsion.

Grades 6-8

Level 1

• Requires parent or guardian notification

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses may include any of the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention; and/or

  • Temporary removal from class.

Level 2

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Out-of-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate. 

Level 3

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Out-of-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle;

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or

  • Recommendation for expulsion.

Grades 9-12

Level 1

• Requires parent or guardian notification

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses may include any of the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary removal from class;

  • In-school suspension; and/or

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle.

Level 2

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Out-of-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate. 

Level 3

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Out-of-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle;

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or

  • Recommendation for expulsion.

Definitions (consistent with the Department’s Data Dictionary 2022-23) 

Detention means the student's presence is required during non-school hours for disciplinary purposes. The student can be required to appear prior to the beginning of the school day, after school has been dismissed for the day or on a non-school day. Whether a student will serve detention, and the length of the detention, is within the discretion of the licensed employee or the building principal disciplining the student. 

Expulsion means an action by the board to remove a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, for a period of time set by the board. 

In-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision. An in-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days. 

Out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities. An out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days unless due process is provided as required by federal and state law. A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities. 

Placement in an alternate learning environment means placement of a student in an environment established apart from the regular educational program that includes rules, staff and resources designed to accommodate student needs and to provide a comprehensive education consistent with the student learning goals and content standards established by the school district. 

Removal from the classroom means a student is sent to the building principal's office. It is within the discretion of the person in charge of the classroom to remove the student.

Approved    10-18-2023                 Reviewed                    Revised