It is within the sole discretion of the board to determine the size of classes and to determine whether class grouping will take place.  The board shall review the class sizes
annually.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board on class size based upon the financial condition of the school district, the qualifications of
and number of licensed employees, and other factors deemed relevant to the board.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3 (2007).

Cross Reference:  606.9    Insufficient Classroom Space

Approved     6-20-2011                         
Reviewed   7/18/2016                                                             
Revised                   

The school district will continue school ceremonies and observances which have become a tradition and a custom of the education program.  These include, but are not
limited to, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and observance of holidays, such as Christmas, Halloween and Easter, by programs and performances.  Such ceremonies or
observances will have a secular purpose and will not advocate or sponsor a particular religion.

Students who do not wish to participate in these activities may be silent during the ceremony or observance or receive permission from the principal to be excused from the
ceremony for religious reasons in compliance with board policy.

Legal Reference:  U.S. Const. amend. I.
                                        Lee v. Weisman, 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).
                                        Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).
                                        Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F.Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).
                                        Iowa Code § 279.8 (2007).

Cross Reference:  603       Instructional Curriculum
                                        604.6    Religious-Based Exclusion From A School Program

Approved     6-20-2011                         
Reviewed   7/18/2016                                                                            
Revised                   

Live animals will not be allowed in school district facilities except under special circumstances and only for an educational purpose.  Permission from the principal will be
required of anyone wishing to bring an animal into school district facilities.  Appropriate supervision of animals is required when animals are brought into the school district
facilities.

The person bringing the animal must furnish transportation for the animal brought to school.  Animals will not be allowed to travel to and from the student's attendance center
on the school bus without prior approval from the principal.

It is the responsibility of the principal to determine appropriate supervision of animals in the classroom.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2007).

Cross Reference:  507       Student Health and Well-Being

Approved     6-20-2011                         
Reviewed   7/18/2016                                                                            
Revised                   

Materials and services produced by students at the expense of the school district are the property of the school district.  Materials and services produced by students at the
student's expense, except for incidental expense to the school district, are the property of the student.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to determine incidental expense.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2007).

Cross Reference:  408.2    Licensed Employee Publication or Creation of Materials

Approved     6-20-2011                         
Reviewed    7/18/2016                                                                          
Revised                   

The principal may authorize field trips and excursions when such events contribute to the achievement of education goals of the school district.  The school district will
provide transportation for field trips and excursions. 

In authorizing field trips and excursions, the principal will consider the financial condition of the school district, the educational benefit of the activity, the inherent risks
or dangers of the activity, and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent.  Written parental permission and/or field trip permission consent on registration materials
will be required prior to the student's participation in field trips and excursions.  Verbal permission may be granted by the parent in an emergency.  The superintendent's
approval will be required for field trips and excursions outside the state.  Board approval will be required for field trips and excursions which involve unusual length, expense,
or an overnight stay.

Field trips and excursions are to be arranged with the principal well in advance.  A detailed schedule and budget must be submitted by the employee or sponsor.  The school
district will be responsible for obtaining a substitute teacher if one is needed.  Following field trips and excursions, the teacher may be required to submit a written summary of
the event. 

Legal Reference:  390 C.F.R. Pt. 390.3(f) (2004).
                                        Iowa Code § 279.8 (2007).
                                        281 I.A.C. 43.9.

Cross Reference:  503.1    Student Conduct
                                        503.4    Good Conduct Rule
                                        603       Instructional Curriculum
                                        711       Transportation

Approved     6-20-2011                         
Reviewed   7/18/2016                                                                            
Revised                   

Insufficient classroom space is determined on a case-by-case basis.  In making its determination whether insufficient classroom space exists, the board may consider
several factors, including but not limited to, the nature of the education program, the grade level, the available licensed employees, the instructional method, the physical
space, student-teacher ratios, equipment and materials, facilities either being planned or under construction, facilities planned to be closed, financial condition of the
school district and projected to be available, a sharing agreement in force or planned, a bargaining agreement in force, laws or rules governing special education class size,
board-adopted school district goals and objectives, and other factors considered relevant by the board.

This policy is reviewed by the board annually.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to bring this policy to the attention of the board each year.

NOTE:  This is a policy mandated by Iowa's open enrollment law and reflects the requirements of the law.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 282.18(13) (2007).
                                        281 I.A.C. 17.6(3).

Cross Reference:  103       Long-Range Needs Assessment
                                        501.16  Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District
                                        606.2    Class Size - Class Grouping

Approved     6-20-2011                         
Reviewed  7/18/2016                                                                             
Revised