The board shall develop and maintain a policy manual that provides a codification of its policy actions.  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.  Policies shall be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure relevance to current practices and compliance with the law.

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 possible placement on the board agenda.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to bring these proposals to the attention of the board.

The policies of the board may be amended or revised by resolution adopted at any regular meeting, provided notice of such change shall have been given at a previous meeting. The superintendent is authorized to submit written recommendations for revision of any existing policies as he deems necessary for the most efficient operation of the school district. The superintendent will notify all employees whenever revisions, additions or amendments are made. This notice procedure shall be required except for emergency situations, which shall be determined solely by the board.

Legal Reference:

Iowa Code §§ 274.1-.2; 279.8.

281 I.A.C. 12.3(2).

Approved March 26, 2018     
Reviewed June 28, 2021     
Revised June 28, 2021

The board will give notice of proposed policy changes or adoption of new policies by placing the item on the agenda of two regular board meetings.  The proposed policy changes will be distributed and public comment may be allowed at both meetings prior to final board action.  This notice procedure will 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 will be included in the minutes.  The board will have complete discretion to determine what constitutes an emergency situation.

The final action taken to adopt the proposed policy will be approved by a simple majority vote of the board at the next regular meeting after the meeting allowing public discussion.  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 will 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.

Approved March 26, 2018     
Reviewed June 28, 2021     
Revised June 28, 2021

The board policy manual is available electronically.  Persons unable to access the policy manual electronically should contact the board secretary for assistance.

It shall be the responsibility of the board secretary to ensure copies of new and revised policy statements are distributed to the custodians of board policy manuals as soon as possible following the policy’s adoption. 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: March 26, 2018       
Reviewed: June 28, 2021    
Revised: June 28, 2021         

Generally, the board will follow board policy and enforce it equitably.  The board, and only the board, may, in extreme emergencies of a very unique nature, suspend policy.  It is 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.

Legal Reference:

Iowa Code § 279.8.

281 I.A.C. 12.3(2).

Approved March 26, 2018     
Reviewed June 28, 2021                
Revised June 28, 2021

When there is no board policy in existence to provide guidance on a matter, 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 is the responsibility of the superintendent to inform the board of the situation and the action taken and to document the action taken when necessary.  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 March 26, 2018     
Reviewed June 28, 2021     
Revised June 28, 2021

The board shall, at least once every five years, review board policy.  Each year, the board may make a determination about the sections and/or series of the policy manual and the specific policies in the policy manual to be reviewed.

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 will 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 March 26, 2018     
Reviewed June 28, 2021     
Revised June 28, 2021

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 approved by the board prior to their use in the school district.

Legal Reference:

Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .20.

Approved March 26, 2018     
Reviewed June 28, 2021                 
Revised June 28, 2021