As part of the board's long range plan for the school district's education program, the board shall include the needs for the education program in the area of buildings and sites.  The long term needs for building and sites shall be discussed and determined by the board.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to provide information including, but not limited to, enrollment projections and education program requirements to the board.

Approved:  7-1-92                 
Reviewed:  12-11-93, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

The board may engage the services of consultants or other personnel to study the needs of the school district's buildings and sites in providing the education program.  The results of these services will be considered in planning the education program and in making decisions about the improvement and acquisition of additional buildings and sites.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the need for such services and who should perform such services for the board.

Approved:  7-1-92            
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

Buildings and sites considered for purchase or construction by the board or currently owned by the school district and used for the education program must meet, or upon improvement be able to meet, the specifications set by the board.  The board will make this determination.

Prior to remodeling or other construction of buildings and sites, the board may appoint a committee of consultants, employees, citizens or others to assist the board in developing the specifications for the new or improved buildings and sites.  These specifications will be consistent with the education program, and they will provide the architect with the information necessary to determine what is expected from the facility.  It is within the discretion of the board to determine whether a committee is appointed.

The education specifications will include, but not be limited to, the financial resources available for the project, the definition and character of classrooms, the functional use to be made of the rooms, description of specialized needs, and other pertinent information as the board deems necessary.

The district will publish on the district website information related to the square footage of each school building owned by the district; enrollment capacity of each attendance center owned by the district; how the building is currently utilized by the district, and school buildings owned by the district that are vacant.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the specifications of buildings and sites.

Approved:  07-01-92             
Reviewed:  10-14-0, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  12-08-03, 7-11-22, 8-21-24

The board shall have the authority to select the architect to provide architectural  services.  The financial condition of the school district, the ability of the architect to meet the specifications of the board and any other applicable specifications, the experience of the architect, and other factors deems relevant by the board may be considered by the board in the selection of an architect.

Approved:  7-1-92     
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14                         
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

Sites acquired by the board shall meet or, upon improvement, be able to meet the specifications set out by the board prior to using the site for the education program.  The board may meet in closed session to discuss potential purchases of sites.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to assist the board and to make recommendations concerning the acquisition of sites.

Approved:  07-01-92             
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

Prior to finalization of plans for the construction of new buildings or for major remodeling of existing buildings and sites, a life cycle cost analysis shall be prepared.  The life cycle analysis shall be approved by the board before contracts for construction or renovation are let.

The analysis will consider certain costs of owning, using, and operating a building over its economic life.  Other factors the analysis will include, but not be limited to, are the initial costs, system repair and replacement costs, maintenance costs, operating costs, including energy costs, and salvage value.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to have this analysis prepared.

Approved:  7-1-92            
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

The board supports economic development in Iowa, particularly in the school district community. Purchases by the school district shall be made in Iowa for Iowa goods and services from locally-owned businesses located within the school district community or from Iowa-based companies which offer goods or services if the cost and other considerations are relatively equal and they meet the required specifications.

Public, competitive sealed bids are required for construction projects, including renovation and repair, with a cost exceeding the statutory minimums required by law.  The public, competitive sealed bid requirement is waived in the case of emergency repairs when the repairs are necessary to prevent the closing of a school.  The Area Education Agency administrator will certify that the emergency repairs are necessary to prevent the closing of a school.  The superintendent will comply with the competitive quotation process for those projects subject to the competitive quotation law.  The superintendent will determine the process for obtaining quotations for projects below the competitive quotation limit.  The superintendent will recommend to the board a quotation for the project for approval subject to the legal requirements governing the award of contracts based upon quotations.

The award of construction contracts will, generally, be made to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder.  The board, in its discretion, after considering factors relating to the construction, including, but not limited to, the cost of the construction, availability of service and/or repair, completion date, and any other factors deemed relevant by the board, may choose a bid other than the lowest bid or quotation.  The board shall have the right to reject any or all bids or quotations, or any part thereof, to waive informalities, and to enter into the contract or contracts deemed to be in the best interests of the school district.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding which bid or quotation to accept and the reason for the superintendent’s recommendation.

Approved:  7-1-92            
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                                  

The board shall, as needed, use any means of financing construction and site purchases provided for under law.  The board may also use money received from gifts, conations, and bequests and money derived from the sale of school district buildings and/or sites.

Approved:7-1-92                   
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Reviewed:  7-11-22                                                   

Construction authorized by the board must be supervised for proper execution. The board may tour the completed construction area before allowing final payment on the project.

It shall be the responsibility of the person designated by the board to supervise construction projects of the school district as they are completed. The superintendent shall be responsible for providing the board with progress reports at each meeting until the construction is completed and shall work closely with the individual and/or entity supervising construction projects.

Approved:  7-1-92                 
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 1-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

The school district buildings and sites, including the grounds, buildings, and equipment, will be kept clean and in good repair.  Employees should notify the building principal when something is in need of repair or removal, including graffiti.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in cooperation with administration, faculty, and maintenance personnel, to maintain the school district buildings and sites.  As part of this responsibility, a maintenance schedule shall be created and adhered to in compliance with this policy.

Approved: 7-1-92            
Reviewed :  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

Generally, except for emergency situations, requests for improvements or repairs shall be made to the superintendent by building principals and the head of maintenance. Requirements for requests outlined in the maintenance schedule shall be followed.

Minor improvements, not exceeding a cost of $2,000, may be approved by the superintendent. Improvements exceeding $2,000 must be approved by the board. Routine maintenance and repairs outlined in the maintenance schedule shall be followed.

Approved:  5-14-90               
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-49-10, 6-11-14
Reviewed:  7-11-22                                                   

In the event an emergency requiring repairs in excess of the statutory minimums required by law, to a school district facility are necessary to correct or control the situation and to prevent the closing of school, the provisions relating to bidding shall not apply.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to obtain certification from the Area Education Agency administrator stating such repairs were necessary to prevent the closing of school.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to notify the board as soon as possible considering the circumstances of the emergency.

Approved:  7-1-92            
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-00, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                                  

The board recognizes the need for access to its buildings and sites by persons with disabilities.  School district buildings and sites currently in use shall be altered to be accessible to persons with disabilities unless the alteration would cause an undue hardship for the school district.  Renovated and new buildings and sites will be accessible to persons with disabilities.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, upon board approval, to take the necessary action to ensure school district buildings and sites are accessible to the persons with disabilities.

Approved:   7-1-92    
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 1-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

The board believes everyone should treat school district buildings and sites and property with respect for the benefit of the education program.  Users of school district property shall treat it with care.  Employees discovering vandalism should report it to the building principal as soon as possible.

Persons suspected, found or proven to have destroyed or otherwise harmed school district property may be subject to discipline by the school district.  If the person is under the jurisdiction of the school district, they may be reported to local law enforcement officials.  Persons who are not under the jurisdiction of the school district and who are suspected, found or proven to have destroyed or otherwise harmed school district property shall be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.

Approved:  7-1-92                 
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

In concert with the board's goal to utilize public funds in an effective and efficient manner, employees and students shall practice energy conservation methods when utilizing the school district's buildings and sites.  These methods include, but are not limited to, turning off lights and equipment when not in use, appropriately regulating the temperature of the facility, particularly when it is not in use, and keeping windows and doors properly closed or open, depending on weather conditions.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop guidelines for employees and students for energy conservation.  It shall be the responsibility of employees and students to abide by these guidelines.

Approved:  7-1-92                 
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

The board may contract for custodial and other maintenance services for the school district buildings and sites.  The superintendent is authorized to contract for such services.   Except in the case of emergency, the board shall approve the contracts for these services if the cost exceeds $2,000.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to consider the financial condition of the school district and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent in making such contracts.

Approved:   7-1-92         
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13- 00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07,01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                            

School district property, such as equipment, furnishings, or supplies (hereafter equipment), will be disposed of when it is determined to be of no further use to the school district.  It shall be the objective of the school district in disposing of the equipment to achieve the best available price or most economical disposal.

Equipment having a value of less than $25,000 will be disposed of in a manner determined by the superintendent or designee.  The disposal of equipment in this manner will be published in a newspaper having general circulation in the school district.

A public hearing will be held regarding the disposal of equipment with a value of $25,000 or more prior to the board’s final decision.  The board will adopt a resolution announcing the proposed disposal and will publish notice of the time and place of the public hearing. A description of the property will be in the resolution.  Notice of the public hearing will be published at least once, but not less than ten (10) days and not more than twenty (20) days prior to the hearing date.  Upon completion of the public hearing, the board may make a final determination on the proposal contained in the resolution.

Proceeds from the sale or disposition of equipment will be deposited into the fund which was used to account for the acquisition of the equipment.  If the school district is unable to determine which fund was used to account for the acquisition of the equipment or if the fund no longer exists in the school district, the proceeds from the sale or disposition of equipment will be placed in the general fund.

Approved:  7-1-92            
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 4-9-07, 1-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

Decisions regarding the lease, sale, or disposal of school district real property shall be made by the board. In making its decision the board will consider the needs of the education program and the efficient use of public funds.

Before the board may authorize disposition of real property by sale, gift or lease for a period of more than one year, a public hearing will be held.  The board will adopt a resolution announcing the proposed sale which will contain notice of the time and place of the public hearing and the description of the property or locally known address.  Notice of the time and place of the public hearing will be published at least once, but not less than ten (10) days and not more than twenty (20) days, prior to the hearing date.  Upon completion of the public hearing, the board may authorize disposition of the property in accordance with the proposal reviewed during the public hearing.

The board may market and authorize the sale of any student constructed buildings by any procedure recommended by the superintendent and authorized by the board, and the public hearing requirement contained in this policy will not apply to the sale of student constructed buildings. The public hearing requirement in this policy will also not apply to the lease of school district real property for a period of one year or less or to the lease of a portion of an existing school building for any term.

If the real property contains less than two acres, is located outside of a city, is not adjacent to a city, and was previously used as a schoolhouse site, the property may revert to the owner of the tract from whom the property was taken following the procedures set forth in Iowa Code §§ 297.15-.25.

The board will not enter into an agreement to prohibit the sale of real property to other educational institutions as defined in Iowa Code 297.24.  If the board offers to sell real property that includes a building or structure, and an educational institution offers to purchase the real property for a purchase price that represents the highest bid the board received, the board will sell the real property to the other educational institution for such purchase price.

In the case of the razing of a school district facility, in an amount in excess of the statutory minimum required by law, the board will advertise and take bids or quotes as may be required and defined by Iowa Code 26 for the purpose of awarding the contract for the project.

The superintendent shall be responsible for coordinating the action necessary for the board to accomplish the lease, sale or disposal of school district real property, including student-constructed buildings.  It shall also be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the use of school district real property not being utilized for the education program

Approved:  7-1-92                 
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22, 8-21-24                                                       

A program for annual inspection, in addition to those conducted by authorized agencies, of the equipment, facilities, and grounds shall be conducted as part of the maintenance schedule for school district buildings and sites.  The results of this inspection shall be reported to the board at its annual meeting.  Further, the board may carry out its own inspection of the school district buildings and sites annually.

Approved:  7-1-92                 
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

The school district shall maintain a warning system designed to inform students, employees, and visitors in the facilities of an emergency.  This system shall be maintained on a regular basis under the maintenance plan for school district buildings and sites.

Students shall be informed of this system according to board policy.  Each classroom and office shall have a plan for helping those in need of assistance to safety during an emergency. This shall include, but not be limited to, students with disabilities and employees with disabilities.

Licensed employees shall be responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed during an emergency.

Approved:  7-1-92                 
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14 
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

To protect the school district buildings and sites and equipment, the facilities shall be locked when school is not in session.  When school activities or public activities are held in the school district facilities, only the main entrance doors, as determined by the superintendent and the building principals, shall be unlocked for access to the school district facilities.

It shall be the responsibility of employees and users of the school district facilities to abide by this policy.

Approved;  7-1-92                 
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

As soon as a bomb threat is reported to the administration, the  potentially affected area should be cleared immediately. A thorough search will be made by the appropriate school district or law enforcement officials.  Employees and students shall remain outside the potentially affected area until it is determined that the danger no longer exists.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to file a report or keep a report of each incident for the school district records.

Approved:  7-1-92                 
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22                                                      

The board will implement the rules of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and provide the necessary funding to implement the response actions as required.  The board will appoint a designated person as required as well as provide required training for maintenance and custodial works.  Each school district building will maintain a copy of the school district’s asbestos management plan.

Friable and non-friable asbestos containing materials will be maintained in good condition and appropriate precautions will be followed when the material is disturbed.       If there is a need to replace asbestos it will be replaced with non-asbestos containing materials.

Approved:  7-1-92                 
Reviewed:  12-11-95, 11-13-00, 10-14-03, 04-09-07, 01-19-10, 6-11-14
Revised:  7-11-22