Code No. 210.1
DEVELOPMENT OF POLICY
The board has jurisdiction to legislate policy for the school district with the force and effect of law. Board policy provides the general direction as to what the board wishes to accomplish and why it wishes to accomplish it while allowing the superintendent to implement board policy. The written policy statements contained in this manual provide guidelines and goals to the citizens, administration, employees and students in the school district community. The policy statements are the basis for the formulation of regulations by the administration. The board will determine the effectiveness of the policy statements by evaluating periodic reports from the administration.
Policy statements may be proposed by a board member, administrator, employee, student or member of the school district community. Proposed policy statements or ideas will be submitted to the superintendent's office for placement on the board agenda. It is be the responsibility of the superintendent to bring these proposals to the attention of the board.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 274.1-.2; 279.8
281 I.A.C 12.3(2).
1970 Op. Att'y Gen. 287.
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 2-21-2022 Revised 3-18-2019
Code No. 210.2
ADOPTION OF POLICY
The board shall give notice of proposed policy changes or adoption of new policies by placing the item on the agenda of three board meetings (Review-Hearing-Approval). The proposed policy changes will be posted online at the distrcit website and public comment will be allowed at all meetings prior to final board action. This notice procedure shall be required except for emergency situations. If the board adopts a policy in an emergency situation, a statement regarding the emergency and the need for immediate adoption of the policy shall be included in the minutes. The board shall have complete discretion to determine what constitutes an emergency situation.
The final action taken to adopt the proposed policy shall be approved by a simple majority vote of the board at the next meeting after the meeting allowing public discussion (hearing). The policy will be effective on the later of the date of passage or the date stated in the motion.
In the case of an emergency, a new, or changed policy may be adopted by a majority vote of a quorum of the board. The emergency policy shall expire at the close of the third regular meeting following the emergency action, unless the policy adoption procedure stated above is followed and the policy is reaffirmed.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 279.8
281 I.A.C 12.3(2).
1970 Op. Att'y Gen. 287.
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 2-21-2022 Revised 3-18-2019
Code No. 210.3
DISSEMINATION OF POLICY
The board policy manual is available electronically. Persons unable to access the policy manual electronically should contact the board secretary for assistance.
Copies of changes in board policy will also be included in or attached to the minutes of the meetings in which the final action was taken to adopt the new or changed policy.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 277.31; 279.8
281 I.A.C 12.3(2).
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 2-21-2022 Revised 3-18-2019
Code No. 210.4
SUSPENSION OF POLICY
Generally, the board shall follow board policy and enforce it equitably. The board may, in extreme emergencies of a very unique nature, suspend policy. It shall be within the discretion of the board to determine when an extreme emergency of a very unique nature exists. Reasons for suspension of board policy will be documented in board minutes.
Board policy shall not be suspended by the administration or employees. Board policy may only be suspended by the board.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 279.8
281 I.A.C 12.3(2).
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 2-21-2022 Revised 3-18-2019
Code No. 210.5
ADMINISTRATION IN THE ABSENCE OF POLICY
When there is no board policy in existence to provide guidance on a matter before, the superintendent is authorized to act appropriately under the circumstances surrounding the situation keeping in mind the educational philosophy and financial condition of the school district.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to inform the board of the situation and to document the action taken. If needed, the superintendent will draft a proposed policy for the board to consider.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 279.8
281 I. A .C 12.3 ( 2).
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 2-21-2022 Revised 3-18-2019
Code No. 210.6
REVIEW AND REVISION OF POLICY
The board shall, at least once every five years, review board policy. Once the policy has been reviewed, even if no changes were made, a notation of the date of review shall be made on the face of the policy statement.
The board will review one-fifth of the policy manual annually according to the following subject areas:
Board of Directors (Series 200)
Administration, Employees (Series 300 and 400)
School District, Education Program (Series 100 and 600)
Students (Series 500)
Non-instructional Operations and Business Services, Buildings and Sites,
School District-Community Relations (Series 700, 800 and 900)
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board informed as to legal changes at both the federal and state levels. The superintendent shall also be responsible for bringing proposed policy statement revisions to the board's attention.
If a policy is revised because of a legal change over which the board has no control or a change which is minor, the policy may be approved at one meeting at the discretion of the board.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 279.8
281 I.A.C 12.3(2).
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 2-21-2022 Revised 3-18-2019
Code No. 210.6
ADOPTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS
Board policy sets the direction for the administration of the education program and school district operations. Some policies require administrative regulations for implementation.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations to implement the board policies. The regulations, including handbooks, will be reviewed by the board prior to their use in the school district.
The administrative regulations will be available no later than the first regular board meeting after the adoption of the board policy unless the board directs otherwise.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 279.8
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 2-21-2022 Revised 3-18-2019
Code No. 210.8E1
BOARD MEETING AGENDA EXAMPLE
A. Call to Order, Board President
B. Opening Activities [Pledge of Allegiance, Mission Statement]
C. Agenda Approval
D. Roll Call, Board Secretary
E. Public Hearing-if required and posted-School calendar adoption, upcoming district budget, and other items for which a public hearing will be included as needed
F. Open Forum
G. Consent Agenda Approval
H. Presentations [Ex. District goals and priorities update; student learning updates and achievements]
I. Discussion Items [Informational, no action required]
J. Action Items [Ex. Resolutions, Approvals, Adoptions-action will be required]
K. Policy Review and Approval
L. Share a Key Takeway from the Meeting
M. Determine 3 Common Messages to Share with Public
N. Upcoming Events and Community Updates
1. Superintendent
2. Board President and Board Members
3. Other District Staff, as appropriate
O. Adjournment
Upcoming Meetings--Insert dates for upcoming board meetings
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 2-21-2022 Revised 2-19-18