Code No. 902.1
NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS
The board recognizes the value of and supports open, fair and honest communication with the news media. The board will maintain a cooperative relationship with the news media. As part of this cooperative relationship, the board and the media will develop a means for sharing information while respecting each party's limitations.
Members of the news media are encouraged and welcome to attend open board meetings. The board president is the spokesperson for the board, and the superintendent is the spokesperson for the school district. It is the responsibility of the board president and superintendent to respond to inquiries from the news media about the school district.
Members of the news media seeking information about the school district will direct their inquiries to the superintendent. The superintendent shall accurately and objectively provide the facts and board positions in response to inquiries from the news media about the school district.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 21.4; 22; 279.8
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 2-24-14 Revised 6-21-2021
Code No. 902.2
NEWS CONFERENCES AND INTERVIEWS
The superintendent, on behalf of the board and the school district, may hold a news conference or respond to a request for an interview with the news media. The superintendent shall respond accurately, openly, honestly, and objectively to inquiries from the news media about the school district.
News conferences and interviews planned or prearranged for school district activities will include the board and the superintendent. News conferences for issues requiring an immediate response may be held by the superintendent. It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether a news conference or interview shall be held to provide an immediate response to an issue.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of news conferences and interviews.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 21.4; 22; 279.8
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 2-24-14 Revised 6-21-2021
Code No. 902.3
NEWS RELEASES
The superintendent shall determine when a news release about internal school district and board matters will be issued. In making this determination, the superintendent shall strive to keep the media and the school district community accurately and objectively informed. Further, the superintendent shall strive to create and maintain a positive image for the school district. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to apporve news releases originating within the school distrcit prior to their release.
News releases will be prepared and disseminated to news media in the school distrcit community. Questions about news releases will be directed to the superintendent.
Legal Reference:
Widiner v. Reitzler 182 N.W.2d 177 (Iowa 1970).
Dobrovolnv v, Rejnhprdt 173 N.W.2d 837 (Iowa 1970).
Iowa Code § 21.1 22.7
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 2-24-14 Revised 6-21-2021
Code No. 902.4
LIVE BROADCAST OR DIGITAL RECORDING OF SCHOOL DISTRICT EVENTS
Individuals may broadcast or digital record public school district events, including open board meetings, as long as it does not interfere with, or disrupt, the school district event and it does not create an undue burden in adapting the buildings and sites to accommodate the request.
It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether the request is unduly burdensome and whether the broadcast or digital recording will interfere with or disrupt the school district event.
Digital recording of classroom activities will be allowed at the discretion of the superintendent. Parents will be notified prior to digital recording of classroom activities.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations outlining the procedures for making the request and the rules for operation if the request is granted.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 21.4, .7; 22; 279.8
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 2-24-14 Revised 6-21-2021
Code No. 902.5
STUDENTS AND THE NEWS MEDIA
Generally, students may not be interviewed during the school day by news media. The students, while on the school district premises, shall refer interview requests and information requests from the news media to the central administration office in their building.
It will be within the discretion of the principal, after consulting with the superintendent, to allow or disallow the news media to interview and to receive information from the student while the student is under the control of the school district. The principal may also contact the student's parents.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 279.8
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 2-24-14 Revised 6-21-2021
Code No. 902.6
EMPLOYEES AND THE NEWS MEDIA
Employees will refer interview requests and information requests from the news media to the superintendent's office. Employees may be interviewed or provide information about school district matters after receiving permission from the superintendent.
It is within the discretion of the superintendent to allow news media to interview and to receive information from employees.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop guidelines for assisting employees in following this policy.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 279.8
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 2-24-14 Revised 6-21-2021