502 - Rights and Responsibilities

502 - Rights and Responsibilities dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 10/15/2021 - 15:51

502.1 - Appearance

502.1 - Appearance

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 or other apparel
promoting products illegal for use by minors and clothing 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.

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

 

 

Legal Reference:  Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).
   
                                    Bethal School District  v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).
   
                                    Tinker v. Des Moines Ind. Comm. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969).
   
                                    Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).
   
                                    Torvik v. Decorah Community School, 453 F.2d 779 (8th Cir. 1972).
   
                                    Turley v. Adel Community School District, 322 F.Supp. 402 (S.D. Iowa 1971).
   
                                    Sims v. Colfax Comm. School Dist., 307 F.Supp. 485 (Iowa 1970).
   
                                    Iowa Code § 279.8 (2007).

Cross Reference:  500       Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for Students
   
                                    502       Student Rights and Responsibilities

Approved   2-15-2010                           
Reviewed     7-20-2015                                                                    
Revised                   

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/18/2021 - 08:06

502.2 - Vandalism

502.2 - Vandalism

Students will 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 the school district rules and regulations.  They may
also be referred to local law enforcement authorities.

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

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 282.4, .5; 613.16 (2007).

Cross Reference:  502       Student Rights and Responsibilities
   
                                    802.1    Maintenance Schedule

Approved    2-15-2010                          
Reviewed    7-20-2015                                                                     
Revised                   

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/18/2021 - 08:05

502.3 - Free Expression

502.3 - Free Expression

Student expression, other than student expression in student-produced official school publications, made on the school district premises or under the jurisdiction of the school
district or as part of a school-sponsored activity may be attributed to the school district; therefore, student expression must be responsible.  Student expression must be appropriate
to assure that the students learn and meet the goals of the school activity and that the potential audience is not exposed to material that may be harmful or inappropriate for their
level of maturity.

Students will be allowed to express their viewpoints and opinions as long as the expression is responsible.  The expression will not, in the judgment of the administration,
encourage the breaking of laws, defame others, be obscene or indecent, or cause a material and substantial disruption to the educational program.  The administration, when
making this judgment, will consider whether the activity in which the expression was made is school-sponsored and whether review or prohibition of the students' speech furthers
an educational purpose.  Further, 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.

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

 

 

Legal Reference:  U.S. Const. amend. I.
   
                                    Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).
   
                                    Bethel School District v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).
   
                                    New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985).
   
                                    Tinker v. Des Moines Ind. Comm. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969).
   
                                    Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).
   
                                    Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.22; 282.3 (2007).

Cross Reference:  502       Student Rights and Responsibilities
   
                                    504       Student Activities
   
                                    603.9    Academic Freedom
   
                                    904.5    Distribution of Materials

Approved    2-15-2010                          
Reviewed   7-20-2015                                                                     
Revised                   

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/18/2021 - 08:04

502.4 - Grievances

502.4 - Grievances

Student complaints and grievances regarding board policy or administrative regulations and other matters should be addressed to the student's teacher or another licensed
employee, other than the administration, for resolution of the complaint.  It is the goal of the board to resolve student complaints at the lowest organizational level.

If the complaint cannot be resolved by a licensed employee, the student may discuss the matter with the principal within 5 days of the employee's decision.  If the matter cannot
be resolved by the principal, the student may discuss it with the superintendent within 5 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.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2007).

Cross Reference:  214.1    Board Meeting Agenda
   
                                    215       Public Participation in Board Meetings
   
                                    309       Communication Channels
   
                                    502       Student Rights and Responsibilities
   
                                    504.3    Student Publications

Approved   2-15-2010                           
Reviewed    7-20-2015                                                                     
Revised                   

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/18/2021 - 08:03

502.5 - Lockers

502.5 - Lockers

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

To ensure students are properly maintaining their assigned lockers, the principal of the building may periodically inspect all or a random selection of 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.

 

NOTE:  Iowa law requires students or another individual to be present during the inspection of lockers.  For locker searches, see Policy 502.8, Search and Seizure.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.14; 808A (2007).

Cross Reference:  502       Student Rights and Responsibilities

Approved     2-15-2010                         
Reviewed    7-20-2015                                                                   
Revised                   

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/18/2021 - 08:02

502.6 - Weapons

502.6 - Weapons

The board believes weapons, other dangerous objects and look-a-likes 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 and look-a-likes.  Weapons and other dangerous objects and look-a-likes 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 or look-a-likes on school property are notified of the incident.  Possession or confiscation of weapons or
dangerous objects will be reported to law enforcement officials, and students will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

Students bringing firearms to school or knowingly possessing firearms at school 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.

Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials are exempt from this policy.  The principal may allow authorized persons to display weapons, other dangerous objects
or look-a-likes for educational purposes.  Such a display will also be exempt from this policy.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to
develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

NOTE:  This policy meets state and federal law.  Federal law gives an exception, to the mandatory one-year expulsion for weapons possession or bringing to schools, for
weapons that are lawfully stored in a locked vehicle on school property.  Boards wishing to adopt this exception should amend this policy to reflect that and direct the
administration to develop the required procedures designed to ensure student safety.

 

 

Legal Reference:  No Child Left Behind, Title IV, Sec. 4141, P.L. 107-110 (2002).
   
                                    Improving America's Schools Act of 1994, P.L. 103-382.
   
                                    18 U.S.C. § 921 (2004).
   
                                    McClain v. Lafayette County Bd. of Education, 673 F.2d 106 (5th Cir. 1982).
   
                                    Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21B; 724 (2007).
   
                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

Cross Reference:  502       Student Rights and Responsibilities
   
                                    503       Student Discipline
   
                                    507       Student Health and Well-Being

Approved     2-15-2010                   
Reviewed     7-20-2015                                                              
Revised                   

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/18/2021 - 08:01

502.7 - Tobacco - Alcohol - Drugs

502.7 - Tobacco - Alcohol - Drugs

The board prohibits the distribution, dispensing, manufacture, possession, use, or being under the influence of beer, wine, alcohol, tobacco, other controlled substances, or
"look alike" substances that appear to be tobacco, beer, wine, alcohol or controlled substances by students 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 the misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.

The board believes such illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials generally cause material and substantial disruption to the school 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 cigarettes, tobacco or tobacco
products for those under the age of eighteen, may be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.  Possession, use or being under the influence of beer, wine, 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 to satisfactorily complete a substance abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by the school board.  If
such student fails to satisfactorily complete such a program, the student may be subject to discipline including suspension or expulsion.

The board believes the substance abuse prevention program will include:

        Age-appropriate, developmentally-based drug and alcohol curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through twelve, which address the legal, social, and health
consequences of tobacco, drug and alcohol use and which provide information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use tobacco, drugs or alcohol;

        A statement to students that the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful;

        Standards of conduct for students that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, being under the influence of or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol
by students on school 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 successfully complete an appropriate rehabilitation program;

        Information about drug 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.

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

 

NOTE:  This policy is mandatory and complies with the federal Drug-Free Schools Act but is expanded to also include tobacco products.  This policy reflects Iowa law
regarding tobacco products and minors.

 

 

Legal Reference:  34 C.F.R. Pt. 86 (2004).
   
                                    Iowa Code §§ 123.46; 124; 279.8, .9; 453A (2007).
   
                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(9); .5(3)(e), .5(4)(e), .5(5)(e), .5(21).

Cross Reference:  502       Student Rights and Responsibilities
   
                                    503       Student Discipline
   
                                    507       Student Health and Well-Being

Approved    2-15-2010                          
Reviewed    7-20-2015                         
Revised                           

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/18/2021 - 07:59

502.8 - Search and Seizure

502.8 - Search and Seizure

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 is 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, computer, or other facility or space owned by the school 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, weapons,
explosives, poisons and stolen property.  Such items are not to be possessed by a student while they are 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.  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 illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials may cause
material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents 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 is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

NOTE:  This policy reflects the law regarding school district authority for searching students, their possessions and their lockers.

 

 

Legal Reference:  U.S. Const. amend. IV.
   
                                    New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985).
   
                                    Cason v. Cook, 810 F.2d 188 (8th Cir. 1987), cert. den., 482 U.S. 930 (1987).
   
                                    Iowa Code ch. 808A (2007).
   
                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(8).

Cross Reference:  502       Student Rights and Responsibilities
   
                                    503       Student Discipline

Approved                                              
Reviewed     7-20-2015                                                                   
Revised                   

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 10/15/2021 - 15:53

502.8E1 - Search and Seizure Check List

502.8E1 - Search and Seizure Check List

I.      What factors caused you to have a reasonable and articulable suspicion that the search of this student or the student's effects or automobile would turn up evidence that the
student has violated or is violating the law, school policy, rules or regulations affecting school order?

            A.  Eyewitness account.

            1.  By whom: ____________________________________________________________

            2.  Date/Time: : ___________________________________________________________

            3.  Place: : _______________________________________________________________

            4.  What was seen: ________________________________________________________

                    ________________________________________________________________

                    ________________________________________________________________

                    ________________________________________________________________

            B.  Information from a reliable source.

            1.  From whom: : _________________________________________________________

            2.  Time received: : ________________________________________________________

            3.  How information was received: : ___________________________________________

            4.  Who received the information: : ____________________________________________

            5.  Describe information: : ___________________________________________________

                    ________________________________________________________________

                    ________________________________________________________________

            C.  Suspicious behavior?  Explain.

                    ________________________________________________________________

                    ________________________________________________________________

            D.  Student's past history?  Explain.

                    ________________________________________________________________

                    ________________________________________________________________

            E.  Time of search: _______________________________       

            F.  Location of search: ______________________________

            G.  Student told purpose of search:   YES   NO              

            H. Consent of student requested:  YES   NO

 

II.  Was the search you conducted reasonable in terms of scope and intrusiveness?  YES   NO

            A.  What were you searching for:  _________________________________________

            B.  Where did you search? :  _____________________________________________

            C.  Sex of the student: :  _________________________________________

            D.  Age of the student: :  _________________________________________

            E.  Exigency of the situation: :   _________________________________________

                                                            _________________________________________

            F.  What type of search was being conducted: :  ____________________________________

                                                            :  ______________________________________________

            G.  Who conducted the search:Position:Sex: :  ____________________________________

            H.  Witness(s): :  ___________________________________________________________

 

III.  Explanation of Search.

            A.  Describe the time and location of the search: :  _________________________________

            B.  Describe exactly what was searched: :  _________________________________________

                        :  _________________________________________________________________

            C.  What did the search yield: :  _________________________________________

            D.  What was seized: :  _________________________________________

            E.  Were any materials turned over to law enforcement officials?  YES NO

            F.  Were parents notified of the search including the reason for it and the scope:   YES   NO

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/18/2021 - 07:57

502.8R1 - Search and Seizure Regulations

502.8R1 - Search and Seizure Regulations

I.      Searches, in general.

        A.      Reasonable and Articulable Suspicion:  A search of a student will be justified when there are reasonable grounds for the suspicion that the search will turn up
evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law or school district policy, rules, or regulations affecting school order.

                  Reasonable suspicion may be formed by considering factors such as the following:

                   (1)     eyewitness observations by employees;

                   (2)     information received from reliable sources;

                   (3)     suspicious behavior by the student; or,

                   (4)     the student's past history and school record although this factor alone is not sufficient to provide the basis for reasonable suspicion.

        B.       Reasonable Scope:  A search will be permissible in its scope or intrusiveness when the measures adopted are reasonably related to the objectives of the search. 
Reasonableness of scope or intrusiveness may be determined based on factors such as the following:

                        (1)     the age of the student;

                        (2)     the sex of the student;

                        (3)     the nature of the infraction; and

                        (4)     the emergency requiring the search without delay.

 

II.  Types of Searches

        A.      Personal Searches

                  1.       A student's person and/or personal effects (e.g., purse, backpack, etc.) may be searched when a school official has reasonable suspicion to believe the student
is in possession of illegal or contraband items or has violated school district policies, rules, regulations or the law affecting school order.

                  2.       Personally intrusive searches will require more compelling circumstances to be considered reasonable.

                            (a)    Pat-Down Search:  If a pat-down search or a search of a student's garments (such as jackets, socks, pockets, etc.) is conducted, it will be conducted in
private by a school official of the same sex as the student and with another adult witness of the same sex present, when feasible.

                            (b)    A more intrusive search, short of a strip search, of the student's person, handbags, book bags, etc., is permissible in emergency situations when the health
and safety of students, employees, or visitors are threatened.  Such a search may only be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex as the
student, with an adult of the same sex present unless the health or safety of students will be endangered by the delay which may be caused by following these procedures.

        B.       Locker and Desk Inspections 

                  Although school lockers and desks are temporarily assigned to individual students, they remain the property of the school district at all times.  The school district
has a reasonable and valid interest in insuring the lockers and desks are properly maintained.  For this reason, lockers and desks are subject to unannounced
inspections and students have no legitimate expectations of privacy in the locker or desk.  Periodic inspections of all or a random selection of lockers or desks may
be conducted by school officials in the presence of the student or another individual.  Any contraband discovered during such searches will be confiscated by
school officials and may be turned over to law enforcement officials.

                  The contents of a student's locker or desk (coat, backpack, purse, etc.) may be searched when a school official has reasonable and articulable suspicion that the
contents contains illegal or contraband items or evidence of a violation of law or school policy or rule.  Such searches should be conducted in the presence of
another adult witness when feasible.

        C.       Automobile Searches

                  Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right.  The school retains authority to conduct routine patrols of the student parking
lots.  The interior of a student's automobile on the school premises may be searched if the school official has reasonable and articulable suspicion to believe that
illegal, unauthorized or contraband items are contained inside.

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/18/2021 - 07:55

502.9 - Interviews

502.9 - Interviews

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 from persons other than parents, school district officials, and employees to interview students are made through the principal's
office.  Upon receiving a request, it is the responsibility of the principal to determine whether the request will be granted.  Generally, prior to granting a request, the principal
will 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 is the most appropriate setting for the interview, and who will be present during the interview.

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

 

NOTE:  Iowa law does not address access to students by law enforcement authorities or other officials.  This policy reflects the generally accepted practice of school districts.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 232; 280.17 (2007).
   
                                    281 I.A.C. 102.
   
                                    441 I.A.C. 9.2; 155; 175.
   
                                    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 275.

Cross Reference:  402.2    Child Abuse Reporting
   
                                    502.10  Search and Seizure
   
                                    503       Student Discipline
   
                                    902.4    Students and the News Media

Approved     2-15-2010                         
Reviewed     7-20-2015                                                                            
Revised                     

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 10/15/2021 - 15:52

502.10 - Vehicle Use

502.10 - Vehicle Use

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 or bicycle
to and parking it at the student's attendance center is a privilege.

Students who drive to and park at their school attendance center shall only drive to and park at their designated attendance center or at either their attendance center or a
shared 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 live within one mile of school, and would not otherwise be eligible for a student driving permit, may be eligible for a student driving permit, for driving to
and from school and school activities and practices, if the student has a unique situation where needed with approval from principal or Superintendent.

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.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 321 (2013).

Cross Reference:  502       Student Rights and Responsibilities
                           
            802.6    Parking

Approved    10/20/2014                        
Reviewed  
  7-20-2015                          
Revised                   

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Mon, 10/18/2021 - 08:39