Successful education programs require the support of the Wapello School District community. The board addresses the importance of the role of the school district community in the school district in this series of the policy manual. The board recognizes this support is dependent on the school district community's understanding of participation in the efforts, goals, problems and programs of the school district.
The Superintendent of Schools shall be responsible for initiating and administering a continuous program of communication within the community. He shall utilize needed school personnel and all media available in discharging this responsibility.
In this section, the board sets out its policies defining its relationship with the school district community. In striving to obtain the support of the school district community, the board will:
Approved: July 18, 1995
Reviewed: October 10, 2002; January 10, 2008; April 11, 2012; 2/12/2020; 12/11/24
Revised:
Public records of the school district may be viewed by the public during the regular business hours of the administration offices of the school district. These hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays and recesses.
Persons wishing to view the school district's public records will contact the board secretary as custodian of district records, or their designee and make arrangements for the viewing. The board secretary as custodian of district records, or their designee will make arrangements for viewing the records as soon as practicable, depending on the nature of the request.
Persons may request copies of public records by telephone or in writing, including electronically. The school district may require pre-payment of the costs prior to copy and mailing.
Persons wanting copies may be assessed a reasonable fee for the copy. Persons wanting compilation of information may be assessed a fee for the time of the employee to review and compile the requested information. The district will make every effort to provide the public record requested at no cost other than copying costs for a record which takes less than thirty minutes to produce.
Costs for legal services utilized for the redaction or review of legally protected confidential information may also be assessed to the individual requesting the records. Printing of materials for the public at the expense of the school district will only occur when the event is sponsored by the school district.
Records defined by law as confidential records are viewed or copied upon receipt of written permission by the board secretary or superintendent from the person or entity whose confidential records are being requested.
It is the responsibility of the board secretary as custodian of district records or their designee to maintain accurate and current records of the school district. It is the responsibility of the board secretary as custodian of district records or their designee to respond in a timely manner to requests for viewing and receiving public information of the school district.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22.7; 291.6
Cross Reference: 215 Board of Directors’ Records
401.5 Employee Records
506.1 Education Records Access
605.2 Instructional and Library Materials Inspection and Display
708 Care, Maintenance, and Disposal of School District Records
902.1 News Media Relations
Approved: 7/18/95
Reviewed: 10/10/02; 1/10/08; 4/11/12; 2/12/20; 7/19/22; 12/11/24
Revised: 12/08/05; 4/9/25
The Wapello Board of Directors 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 shall be the spokesperson for the board, and the superintendent shall be the spokesperson for the school district. It shall be 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 shall 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 (1993).
Cross Reference: 708 Care, Maintenance, and Disposal of School District Records
Approved: 7/18/95
Reviewed: 10/10/02; 1/10/08; 4/11/12; 2/12/20; 12/11/24
Revised:
The superintendent, on behalf of the board and the Wapello Community 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 pre-arranged for school district activities shall 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 shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of news conferences and interviews.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8 (1993).
Cross Reference: 901 Public Examination of School Records
Approved: 7/18/95
Reviewed: 10/10/02; 1/10/08; 4/11/12; 2/12/20; 12/11/24
Revised:
The superintendent shall determine when a news release about internal Wapello Community 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 shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to approve news releases originating within the school district prior to their release.
News releases will be prepared and disseminated to news media in the school district community. Questions about news releases shall be directed to the superintendent.
Legal Reference: Widmer v. Reitzler, 182 N.W.2d 177 (Iowa 1970).
Dobrovolny v. Reinhardt, 173 N.W.2d 837 (Iowa 1970).
Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22.7 (1993).
1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 73.
1952 Op. Att'y Gen. 133.
Cross Reference: 902 Press, Radio and Television News Media
Approved: 7/18/95
Reviewed: 10/10/02; 1/10/08; 4/11/12; 2/12/20; 12/11/24
Revised:
Individuals may broadcast or videotape 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.
Videotaping or filming of athletic events will be allowed only for the teams who are playing and for parents or spectators directly associated with the teams that are playing. IHSAA rules state that videotaping or filming is not permissible in scouting your opponent during regular season unless you have received permission from both participating schools; or your conference has adopted a policy which would permit the use of videotape or film for scouting your conference schools.
The Wapello Community School District will follow the rules regarding videotaping as developed by both the IHSAA and IGHSAU.
It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether the request is unduly burdensome and whether the broadcast or videotaping will interfere with or disrupt the school district event.
Videotaping of classroom activities will be allowed at the discretion of the superintendent. Parents will be notified prior to videotaping 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 (1993).
Cross Reference: 902.1 News Media Relations
Approved: 7/18/95
Reviewed: 10/10/02; 1/10/08; 4/11/12; 2/12/20; 12/11/24
Revised:
The Wapello Board of Directors values the participation and the support of school district- community groups, including, but not limited to, the booster club and parent-teacher organizations, which strive for the betterment of the school district and the education program. The board will work closely with these groups.
Prior to any purchase of, or fund raising for, the purchase of goods or services for the school district, the group shall confer with the superintendent to assist the group in purchasing goods or services to meet the school district's needs.
Funds raised by these groups for the school district may be held by the district within a custodial fund account.
It shall be the responsibility of the building principal to be the liaison with the school district-community groups affiliated with the building principal's attendance center.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code 279.8
Cross Reference: 903 Public Participation in the School District
Approved: 7/18/95
Reviewed: 10/10/02; 1/10/08; 4/11/12; 3/18/20; 1/8/25
Revised:
The Wapello Board of Directors recognizes the valuable resource it has in the members of the school district community. When possible and in concert with the education program, members of the school district community may be asked to make presentations to the students or to assist employees in duties other than teaching. The school district may officially recognize the contributions made by volunteers.
Recruitment, training, utilization, and the maintenance of records for the purposes of insurance coverage and/or recognition of school district volunteers is the responsibility of the superintendent.
Volunteers within the district are held to the same high standard of behavior as school employees and will be subject to background checks prior to interacting with students in a volunteer capacity. It is the responsibility of the superintendent or the superintendent's designee to create regulations necessary to carry out this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code 279.8; 670
Cross Reference: 603.1 Basic Instruction Program
903.3 Visitors to school District Buildings and Sites
Approved: 7/18/95
Reviewed: 10/10/02; 1/10/08; 4/11/12; 3/18/20; 1/8/25
Revised:
The Wapello Board of Directors welcomes the interest of parents and other members of the school district community and invites them to visit the school buildings and sites. Visitors, which include persons other than employees or students, must notify the principal of their presence in the facility upon arrival.
Persons who wish to visit a classroom while school is in session are asked to notify the principal and obtain approval from the principal prior to the visit so appropriate arrangements can be made and so class disruption can be minimized. Teachers and other employees shall not take time from their duties to discuss matters with visitors.
Visitors shall conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with mutual respect and consideration for the rights of others while attending school events. Visitors failing to conduct themselves accordingly may be asked to leave the premises. Children who wish to visit school must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
It shall be the responsibility of employees to report inappropriate conduct. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent and principals to take the action necessary to cease the inappropriate conduct. If the superintendent or principals are not available, a school district employee shall act to cease the inappropriate conduct.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 716.7 (1993).
Cross Reference: 903.2 Community Resource Persons and Volunteers
Approved: 7/18/95
Reviewed: 10/10/02; 1/10/08; 4/11/12; 3/18/20; 1/8/25
Revised:
The board expects that students, employees and visitors will treat each other with respect, engage in responsible behavior, exercise self-discipline and model fairness, equity and respect. Individuals violating this policy will be subject to discipline. Students will be disciplined consistent with the student conduct policies. Employees will be disciplined consistent with employee discipline policies and laws. Others will be subject to discipline according to this policy.
Individuals are permitted to attend school sponsored or approved activities or visit school premises only as guests of the school district, and, as a condition, they must comply with the school district's rules and policies. Individuals will not be allowed to interfere with or disrupt the education program or activity. Visitors, like the participants, are expected to display mature, responsible behavior. The failure of individuals to do so is not only disruptive but embarrassing to the students, the school district and the entire community.
To protect the rights of students to participate in the education program or activities without fear of interference or disruption and to permit the school officials, employees and activity sponsors and officials to perform their duties without interference or disruption, the following provisions are in effect:
Abusive, verbal or physical conduct of individuals directed at students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities or at other individuals will not be tolerated.
Verbal or physical conduct of individuals that interferes with the performance of students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities will not be tolerated.
The use of vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression directed at students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities participating in a sponsored or approved activity or at other individuals will not be tolerated.
If an individual becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression, or in any way interrupts an activity, the individual may be removed from the event by the individual in charge of the event. Law enforcement may be contacted for assistance.
Individuals removed from school premises have the ability to follow the board’s chain of command and complaint policies should they choose to do so. The exclusion is in effect should the individual choose to appeal the decision of the superintendent. The term “individual” as used in the policy also includes students and employees.
If an individual has been notified of exclusion and thereafter tries to enter a school building or attends a sponsored or approved activity, the individual will be advised that his/her attendance will result in prosecution. The school district may obtain a court order for permanent exclusion from the school building or from future school sponsored or approved activities.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 716.7 (1993).
Cross Reference: 903 Public Participation in the School District
Approved: 7/10/95
Reviewed: 10/10/02; 1/10/08; 4/11/12; 3/18/20; 1/8/25
Revised: 12/12/07
The Wapello Board of Directors recognizes that students, employees, parents or citizens may want to distribute materials within the school district that are non-curricular. Non-curricular materials to be distributed must be approved by the building principal and meet certain standards prior to their distribution.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the building principals to draft 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 (1993).
Cross References: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
504.3 Student Publications
603.9 Academic Freedom
Approved: 7/18/95
Reviewed: 10/10/02; 1/10/08; 4/11/12; 3/18/20; 1/8/25
Revised:
I. Guidelines.
Individuals, including students, may have the right to distribute on school premises, at reasonable times and places, unofficial written material, petitions, buttons, badges or other insignia, except expression which:
a) is obscene to minors;
b) is libelous;
c) contains indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd language;
d) advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law;
e) constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses other people (e.g., threats of violence, defamation of character or of a person's race, religion, gender, disability, age or ethnic origin);
f) presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.
Distribution on school premises of material in categories (a) through (d) to any student is prohibited. Distribution on school premises of material in categories (e) and (f) to a substantial number of students is prohibited.
II. Procedures.
Anyone wishing to distribute unofficial written material must first submit for approval a copy of the material to the building principal at least twenty-four hours in advance of desired distribution time, together with the following information:
Within twenty-four hours of submission, the principal will render a decision whether the material violates the guidelines in subsection I or the time, place and manner restrictions in subsection III of this policy. In the event that permission to distribute the material is denied, the person submitting the request should be informed in writing of the reasons for the denial. Permission to distribute material does not imply approval of its contents by either the school, the administration, the board or the individual reviewing the material submitted.
If the person submitting the request does not receive a response within twenty-four hours of submission, the person shall contact the building principal's office to verify that the lack of response was not due to an inability to locate the person. If the person has made this verification and there is no response to the request, the material may be distributed in accordance with the time, place and manner provisions in subsection III.
If the person is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal, the person may submit a written request for appeal to the superintendent. If the person does not receive a response within three school days of submitting the appeal, the person shall contact the superintendent to verify that the lack of response is not due to an inability to locate the person. If the person has made this verification and there is no response to the appeal, the material may be distributed in accordance with the time, place and manner provisions in subsection III.
At every level of the process the person submitting the request shall have the right to appear and present the reasons, supported by relevant witnesses and material, as to why distribution of the written material is appropriate.
Permission to distribute material does not imply approval of its contents by either the school district, the board, the administration or the individual reviewing the material submitted.
III. Time, place and manner of distribution.
The distribution of written material is prohibited when it blocks the safe flow of traffic within corridors and entrance ways of the school or otherwise disrupts school activities. The distribution of unofficial material shall be limited to a reasonable time, place and manner as follows:
IV. Definitions.
The following definitions apply to the following terms used in this policy:
1. "Obscene to minors" is defined as:
a. The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the written material, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest of minors of the age to whom distribution is requested;
b. The material depicts or describes, in a manner that is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community concerning how such conduct should be presented to minors of the age to whom distribution is requested, sexual conduct such as intimate sexual acts (normal or perverted), masturbation, excretory functions, and lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
c. The material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.
2. "Minor" means any person under the age of eighteen.
3. "Material and substantial disruption" of a normal school activity is defined as follows:
a. Where the normal school activity is an educational program Of the district for which student attendance is compulsory, "material and substantial disruption" is defined as any disruption which interferes with or impedes the implementation of that program.
b. Where the normal school activity is voluntary in nature (including, without limitation, school athletic events, school plays and concerts, and lunch periods), "material and substantial disruption" is defined as student rioting, unlawful seizures of property, widespread shouting or boisterous demonstration, sit-in, stand-in, walk-out, or other related forms of activity.
In order for expression to be considered disruptive, there must exist specific facts upon which the likelihood of disruption can be forecasted including past experience in the school, current events influencing student activities and behavior, and instances of actual or threatened disruption relating to the written material in question.
4. "School activities" means any activity of students sponsored by the school and includes, by way of example but not limited to, classroom work, library activities, physical education classes, official assemblies and other similar gatherings, school athletic contests, band concerts, school plays and in-school lunch periods.
5. "Unofficial" written material includes all written material except school newspapers, literary magazines, yearbooks, and other publications funded and/or sponsored or authorized by the school. Examples include leaflets, brochures, flyers, petitions, placards and underground newspapers, whether written by students or others.
6. "Libelous" is a false and unprivileged statement about a specific individual that tends to harm the individual's reputation or to lower him/her in the esteem of the community.
7. "Distribution" means circulation or dissemination of written material by means of handing out free copies, selling or offering copies for sale and accepting donations for copies. It includes displaying written material in areas of the school which are generally frequented by students.
V. Disciplinary action.
Distribution by any student of unofficial written material prohibited in subsection I or in violation of subsection III may be halted, and students may be subject to discipline including suspension and expulsion. Any other party violating this policy may be requested to leave the school property immediately and, if necessary, local law enforcement officials will be called.
VI. Notice of policy to students.
A copy of this policy will be published in student handbooks and posted conspicuously in school buildings.
Except as otherwise stated herein, no pets are permitted at extracurricular events sponsored by the Wapello CSD. Any persons found with a pet at an event will be removed from the premises. However, this policy shall comply with the provisions of Iowa Code 216C. As such, a person with a disability or a person training an assistive animal has the right to be accompanied by a service dog or an assistive animal, under control. The person is liable for damage done to any premises or facility by a service dog or assistive animal. A “service dog” means a dog specially trained at a recognized training facility to assist a person with a disability, whether described as a service dog, guide dog, hearing dog, support dog, independent dog, or otherwise. An “assistive animal” means a simian or other animal specially trained or in the process of being trained under the auspices of a recognized training facility to assist a person with a disability.
Approved: 10/12/11
Reviewed: 4/11/12; 3/18/20; 1/8/25
Revised: 9/16/15
Generally, transporting students for school purposes shall be done in a vehicle owned by the Wapello Community School District and driven by a school employee. Students may be transported, in extreme cases, by private vehicles for school purposes. It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent, or designated official, to determine when this is appropriate.
Individuals transporting students for school purposes in private vehicles must have the permission of the superintendent and meet all applicable requirements set by the district. Prior to transporting students in private vehicles, the district may require the folllowing:
The school district assumes no responsibility for those students who have not received the approval of the superintendent and who ride in private vehicles for school purposes. If transportation is not provided by the school district, or if transportation provided by the school district is declined by the student or parent/guardian, then the responsibility and corresponding liability for transportation for school purposes shall rest solely with the student and parent/guardian.
This policy statement applies to transportation of students for school purposes in addition to transporting students to and from their designated attendance center. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code 279.8; 285; 321
281 I.A.C. 43
Cross Reference: 401.6 Transporting of Students by Employees
401.7 Employee Travel Compensation
711 Transportation
Approved: July 18, 1995
Reviewed: October 10, 2002; January 10, 2008; April 11, 2012; 4/8/2020; 2/12/25
Revised: January 13, 2016
The use of students, the school district name, or its buildings and sites for advertising and promoting products and/or services of entities and organizations operating for a profit shall be disallowed. Nonprofit entities and organizations may be allowed to use students, the Wapello School District name, or its buildings and sites if the purpose is educationally related and prior approval has been obtained from the board.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8 (1993).
Cross Reference: 504.4 Student Fund-Raising
904 Community Activities Involving Students
Approved: 7/18/95
Reviewed: 10/10/02; 1/10/08; 4/11/12; 4/8/20; 2/12/25
Revised:
The buildings and sites and equipment of the Wapello Comm. School District will be made available to local nonprofit entities which promote cultural, educational, civic, community, or recreational activities. "Entity(ies)" shall include organizations, groups and individuals and their agents. Any district employee using district-owned property or facilities for a use outside their duties as an employee is doing so as a community member, and not as a district employee. Prior to using the district resources for activities outside the scope of their job duties, employees must meet the requirements to be considered a qualifying entity. Such use will be permitted only when the use does not interfere with or disrupt the education program or school-related activity, the use is consistent with state law, and will end no later than midnight. It is within the discretion of the board to allow for-profit entities to use school district buildings, equipment and sites. The board reserves the right to deny use of the buildings and sites and the equipment to any group. It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to allow use of school district buildings, equipment, and sites on Sundays.
Organizations, individuals, and other entities who wish to use the school district property must apply at the superintendent's office or with the designated person. It shall be the responsibility of the board secretary or superintendent to determine whether the school district facility or equipment requested is available and whether the application for use meets board policy and administrative regulations. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent and board secretary to provide application forms, obtain proof of insurance, and draw up the contract for use of school district property.
Activities in the school district buildings and sites shall be supervised by an employee of the school district unless special prior arrangements are made with the superintendent. The employee shall not accept a fee from the user. If appropriate, the school district employee may be paid by the school district.
Entities who use school district buildings or sites must leave the building or site in the same condition it was in prior to its use. Entities who use school district equipment must return the equipment in the same working condition it was in prior to its use. Inappropriate use of school district facilities and equipment may result in additional fees charged to, or the inability of, the entity to use school district facilities or equipment in the future.
The Board may allow groups, such as the Boy and Girl Scouts and 4-H, to use the buildings and sites without charge. While such groups may use the buildings and sites without charge, they may be required to pay a custodial fee as so defined on the district's rental agreement "For Use of School Property".
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop the rent agreement "For Use of School Property” for the board’s approval.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code 8D; 123.46; 276; 278.1(4); 279.8; 279.9-.11
Cross Reference: 704 Revenue
Approved: July 18, 1995
Reviewed: 10/10/02; 1/10/08; 4/11/12; 6/8/20; 3/10/25
Revised: February 12, 1998
Approved: December 12, 1998
Reviewed: October 10, 2002; January 11, 2008; April 11, 2012; 6/8/2020
Revised: June 8, 2006; 8/13/2009
Wapello Community Schools
Rental Agreement for Use of School Property
Current Date:_______________________ Date School Needed:___________
Group Requesting:____________________________________________
Facility Request: _________________________________________ Time Needed:
The use of the facilities of the Wapello School Dist. shall be in accordance with the following:
Building Rental: Room $15.00
Auditorium $25.00 per hour
Gymnasium $20.00 per hour
Lunch/Kitchen $15.00 per hour
ICN Room Actual Cost as
Determined By State ICN
Custodian Services: FEES DETERMINED BY PERSONNEL AVAILABLE/NECESSARY.
During normal working hours $ 10.00
During Non-Working hours (PT help) Actual Cost
During Non-Working hours (OT help) of Employee
Donated time No Charge
1. Recognized sponsored youth organizations and/or groups or organizations sponsoring projects in the interest of the local community will not be charged a building rental fee. A one-hour minimum custodial service fee will be charged.
2. Non-community organizations - not of general community interest will be charged a building rental fee and a one-hour minimum custodial service fee.
3. Rental fee for local groups, individuals or organizations not coming under the classifications outlined in (1) or (2) above shall be charged a building rental fee and a one-hour minimum custodial service fee.
4. The final decision of the groups or organizations coming under the classifications outlined in (1) or (2) above is left up to the discretion of the administration.
5. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are prohibited. Beverages and food are not allowed in the auditorium.
6. A custodian or staff member must be present at all times during the rental agreement period.
7. Whenever damage caused by vandalism or carelessness results, that group shall reimburse the school district for cost of repairs and may be denied further use of facilities.
8. The person signing this agreement shall be financially responsible for all costs accrued.
9. School facilities shall not be available until 1:00 P.M. on Sundays. The only exception will be the Sunday immediately following the Willard Howell Wrestling Tournament. This time is reserved for the Wapello Youth Wrestling Tournament.
10. Rental periods may not extend past 11:00 p.m.
11. This Agreement will become null and void if student groups request use of the same facilities during the rental period.
_______________________ Number of Hours of Use
X______________________ Custodial Service Fee
+______________________ Building Rental Fee
Amount Due
School Official
Group Representative
Tobacco and nicotine use is prohibited on school district facilities and grounds, including school vehicles. This requirement extends to students, employees, and visitors. This policy applies at all times, including school-sponsored and nonschool-sponsored events. Persons failing to abide by this request are required to extinguish their smoking material, dispose of the tabacco, nicotine, or other product or leave the school district premises immediately. It is the responsibility of the administration to enforce this policy.
Legal REference: 20 U.S.C. 6083
Iowa Code 142D; 279.8, .9; 297
Cross Reference: 903.4 Public Conduct on School Premises
905.1 Community Use of School District Buildings and Sites and Equipment
Approved: 7/18/95
Reviewed: 10/10/02; 1/10/08; 4/11/12; 6/8/20; 3/10/25
Revised: 7/8/06
The board believes weapons, other dangerous objects, and look-alikes in school district facilities and at school district-approved events 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.
All weapons, dangerous objects, and look-alikes are prohibited to be carried, possessed, transported, or otherwise stored on school district property and to school district-approved events. Exceptions to this policy include weapons carried by the following individuals in performance of their official duties:
Law enforcement
Military personnel
Corrections officers
Individuals approved in writing by the Superintendent, and;
Students and individuals approved in writing by the Superintendent who are actively engaging in a school district approved firearms safety course, hunter education course, or shooting sports activity, and
School resource officers in accordance with all applicable laws.
Individuals found to be in violation of this district policy will be required to immediately remove the weapon, dangerous object, or look-alikes from the school district property or event. Students found to be in violation of this policy or any other board policies related to weapons will be subject to disciplinary proceedings. Employees found in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.
The district may choose to allow designated staff members to carry firearms on school grounds in accordance with all applicable laws and requirements. The identities of staff members so designated will be considered confidential. Designated staff will strictly adhere to all applicable laws, policies, and regulations. Failure to adhere may result in discipline up to and including termination of employment. The Superintendent will create regulations necessary to carry out this policy.
Legal Reference: 18 U.S.C. 921
Iowa Code 279.8; 280.21B; 482A.27(11), 724
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)
Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
507 Student Health and Well-Being
Approved: 9/1/21
Reviewed: 3/10/25
Revised: 7/11/24
The following policy applies to the extent not preempted by federal or state regulatory jurisdiction regarding unmanned aircrafts. For purposes of this policy, the term “unmanned aircraft” means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
The Wapello Community School District believes in maintaining the safety, security, and privacy of students, employees, and visitors. In keeping with this belief, the use or possession of unmanned aircrafts is prohibited on district property or in the space above the property that reasonably can be considered part of the district property.
The superintendent may make an exception to this policy in specific cases where the circumstances warrant such exception. In such situations and prior to approval, unmanned aircraft operators shall: ·
If the unmanned aircrafts are operated as part of the district curriculum, prior to adoption into the curriculum, district employees shall work with district administration to ensure the appropriate insurance, registration, and authorizations are in place. Unmanned aircrafts shall be operated in accordance with Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union policy.
Failure to abide by this policy may result in local, state, and federal penalties if applicable.
Legal Reference: FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, P.L. 112-95, Title III, Subtitle B. Model Aircraft Operating Standards, FFA AC No. 91-57A
(Sept. 2, 2015). OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL, FED. AVIATION ADMIN., State and Local Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft
Systems (UAS) Fact Sheet (Dec. 17, 2015). Iowa Code § 279.8. IHSAA Drone Policy
Cross Reference: 602.1 Curriculum Development
Approved: 6/16/16
Reviewed: 6/8/20; 3/10/25
907—DISTRICT OPERATION DURING PUBLIC EMERGENCIES
The district believes that student learning is the heart of its core mission. While traditional in-person teaching continues to provide the greatest learning opportunity to all students, there may be rare and unusual circumstances that prevent the school community from convening in traditional in-person settings. At times of a public emergency declared by federal, state, or local officials, the district will seek guidance and recommendations from federal, state, and local agencies to assist in determining the safety of convening traditional in-person learning.
If, due to the public emergency, the school board determines that holding traditional in-person learning at district facilities would hinder the health and safety of the school community the district will instead utilize remote or hybrid learning opportunities permitted by law.
Following guidance and recommendations from federal, state, and local agencies when reasonably possible, the administration will create regulations related to district operations during a public emergency, including, but not limited to, student, employee, and visitor safety and security; the use and safeguarding of district property; public meetings and events, and when applicable, measures to prevent or slow the spread of infectious disease.
These measures will be enforced for the period of time of the public emergency, or until the school board, in consultation with federal, state, and local agencies determine it is appropriate for the safety measures to end.
Legal Reference: Senate File 2310
Iowa Code ch. 279.8
Cross Reference: 403.3 Communicable Diseases – Employees
506 Student Records
507 Student Health and Well-Being
Approved: 8/19/20
Reviewed: 3/10/25
Revised: