The Board of Directors is responsible to the people and, therefore, should attempt to reflect the opinion of the community.  However, members of the Board of Directors may need to look to the future more than other citizens.  The results of many of the decisions and actions of the Board of Directors may not be realized at once, but set the course of education for future years.  The Board of Directors shall fearlessly support those educational philosophies and procedures needed to promote an adequate education for this community based upon the needs of the pupil population. 

 

 

(April 23, 1980; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

Board members’ actions, verbal and nonverbal, reflect the attitude and the beliefs of the school district.  Therefore, board members must conduct themselves professionally and in a manner fitting to their position.

Each board member shall follow the code of ethics stated in this policy.

 

AS A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

1. I will listen.
2. I will respect the opinion of others.
3. I will recognize the integrity of my predecessors and associates and the merit of their work.
4. I will be motivated only by an earnest desire to serve my district and the children of my community in the best possible way.
5. I will not use the schools or any part of the school program for my own personal advantage or for the advantage of my friends or supporters.
6. I will vote for a closed session of the board if the situation requires it, but I will consider “star chamber” or “secret” sessions of board members unethical.
7. I will recognize that to promise in advance of a meeting how I will vote on any proposition which is to be considered, is to close my mind and agree not to think through other facts and points of view which may be presented in the meeting.
8. I will expect, in board meetings, to spend more time on educational programs and procedures than on business details.
9. I will recognize that authority rests with the board in legal session, and not with individual members of the board, except as authorized by law.
10. I will make no disparaging remarks, in or out of the board meeting, about other members of the board or their opinions.
11. I will express my honest and most thoughtful opinions frankly, in board meetings, in an effort to have all decisions made for the best interests of the children and the schools.
12. I will insist that all members of the board participate fully in board action, and recommend that when special committees are appointed, they serve only in an investigating and advisory capacity.
13. I will abide by majority decisions of the board.
14. I will carefully consider petitions, resolutions, and complaints, and will act upon them in the best interests of the schools.
15. I will not discuss the confidential business of the board in my home, on the street, or in my office; the place for such discussion being the school board meeting.
16. I will endeavor to keep informed on all local, state, and national education developments of significance so that I may become a better school board member.

 

IN MEETING MY RESPONSIBILITY TO MY COMMUNITY

1. I will consider myself a trustee of public education and will do my best to protect, conserve, and advance it, giving to the children of my community effective educational facilities.
2. I will consider it an important responsibility of the board to interpret the aims, methods and attitudes of the schools to the community.
3. I will earnestly try to interpret the needs and attitudes of the community and do my best to translate them into the educational program of the schools.
4. I will attempt to procure adequate financial support fro the schools.
5. I will represent the entire district rather than individual electors, patrons, or groups.
6. I will not regard the schools as my own private property, but as the property of the people.

 

IN MY RELATIONSHIP WITH SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF

1. I will function, in meeting the legal responsibility that is mine, as a part of a legislative, policy-forming body, not as an administrative officer.
2. I will recognize that it is my responsibility, together with that of my fellow board members, to see that the schools are properly run – not to run them myself.
3. I will expect the schools to be administered by the best-trained technical and professional people it is possible to procure.
4. I will recognize the Superintendent as executive officer of the board.
5. I will work through the administrative employees of the board, not over or around them.
6. I will expect the Superintendent to keep the school board adequately informed through oral and written reports.
7. I will vote to employ personnel only after the recommendation of the Superintendent has been received.
8. I will insist that contracts be equally binding on the teacher and the school board.
9. I will give the Superintendent power commensurate with his responsibility and will not in any way interfere with or seek to undermine, his/her authority.
10. I will give the Superintendent friendly counsel and advice.
11. I will present any personal criticism of employees to the Superintendent.
12. I will refer complaints to the proper administrative officer.

 

TO COOPERATE WITH OTHER SCHOOL BOARDS

1. I will not help to employ a superintendent, principal, or teacher who is already under contract with another school without first securing assurance from the proper authority that the person can be released from contract.
2. I will consider it unethical to bid for the services of a teacher or pursue any procedure calculated to embarrass a neighboring board or superintendent.
3. I will not recommend a teacher for a position in another school unless I would employ said teacher under similar circumstances.
4. I will answer all inquiries about the standing and ability of a teacher to the best of my knowledge and judgment, with complete frankness, being careful not to over praise nor to be unduly critical.
5. I will associate myself with school board members of other districts, both personally and in conferences, for the purpose of discussing school problems and cooperating in the improvement of public school conditions.

 

 

 (November 17, 1986; September 18, 1989; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

Policy 200.04: Board Member Social Media Engagement

 

The board sees the value in promoting the excellent work and accomplishments of the district’s students and staff. Social media is one of many effective communication tools that the district may utilize. Board members have been publicly elected to govern the district and accept a fiduciary responsibility. That responsibility means board members agree to always act in the best interests of the district. For this reason, the board shall expect that individual communications and social media posts made by board members will reflect the values and decorum expected of elected officials in the school community. 

All board members enjoy rights to freedom of speech under both the U.S. and Iowa Constitutions. As such, the district will not limit protected speech of any board members. Certain categories of speech are not protected and may be subject to regulation. Additionally, board members should be aware that protected speech can still subject individuals to legal liability. If using social media to discuss district related matters, board members should be aware that they may be prohibited from blocking individual communications and posters based upon the content of their posts. 

 

The board as a whole and individual board members in their governance role have legal obligations to safeguard the privacy of information related to student and employee matters. Board members will refrain from posting or communicating on social media in a way that violates the district’s obligation to protect the privacy of its students and employees. 

 

Board members are uniquely positioned in the school community to be both accessible and responsive to community concerns about the effective governance of the district. As a result, the board will remember their obligations to safeguard student and employee privacy when responding to any social media posts or communications, even if the response is intended to correct information for the rest of the school community. Board members will direct concerned individuals to the appropriate district staff to address their inquiry or complaint in accordance with board policy. 

 

 

Legal Reference: U.S. Const. Amend. I

Iowa Const. Art. I, sec. 7

20 U.S.C. 1417(c)

34 C.F.R. 99.3

Iowa Code §§ 21; 22

 

Approved: August 7, 2023

Reviewed: ugust 7, 2023

Revised: ugust 7, 2023

This school district is organized and known as The Community School District of South Tama County, located in the counties of Tama and Poweshiek.

 

 

 (April 23, 1980; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The legal basis for education in the Community School District of South Tama County is vested in the will of the people as expressed in The Constitution of Iowa, The Statutes of Iowa, and The Rules of the Department of Education and in related interpretations by State and Federal Court Decisions, Opinions of the Attorney General, and administrative decisions made clearly applicable to the District.

 

 

 (April 23, 1980; September 18, 1989; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The board, acting on behalf of the school district, will have jurisdiction over school matters within the territory of the school district.

The board is organized for the purpose of setting policy and providing general direction for the school district.  The board is empowered to make policy for its own governance, for employees, for students and for school district facilities.  The board is also empowered to enforce its policies.  The board may, through its quasi-judicial power, conduct hearings and rule on issues and disputes confronting the school district.

The board has these powers and all other powers expressly granted to it in federal and state law as well as the powers that can be reasonably implied from the express powers.

Because all powers of the board derived from the state statutes are granted in terms of action as a group, individual board members exercise authority over district affairs only as they vote to take action at a legal meeting of the board.  In other instances, an individual board member, including the president, will have power only when the board, by vote, has delegated authority.  The board will make its members, the district staff, and the public aware that only the board acting as a whole has authority to take official action.  Therefore, the board may transact business only with a quorum present during a regular or special meeting. 

Pursuant to the state statutes, any board member shall not seek individually to influence the official functions of the district.  The board and its members will deal with administrative services through the superintendent and will not give orders to any subordinates of the superintendent either publicly or privately, but may make suggestions and recommendations.

 

 

(April 23, 1980, September 20, 2010; November 15, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The board is authorized to govern the school district which it oversees.  As the governing board of the school district, the board has three duties to perform:  legislative duty, executive duty and evaluative duty.

As a representative of the citizens of the school district community, the board is responsible for legislating policy for the school district.  As a policy making body, the board has jurisdiction to enact policy with the force and effect of law for the management and operation of the school district.

It is the responsibility of the board, under the board’s executive duty, to select its chief executive officer, the superintendent, to operate the school district on the board’s behalf.  The board delegates to the superintendent its authority to carry out board policy, to formulate and carry out rules and regulations and to handle the administrative details in a manner which supports and is consistent with board policy.

The board has a responsibility to review the education program’s performance under its evaluative duty.  The board regularly reviews the education program and ancillary services.  The review includes a careful study and examination of the facts, conditions and circumstances surrounding the amount of funds received or expended and the education program’s ability to achieve the board’s educational philosophy and goals for the school district.

The duties and obligations of an individual member of the Board of Directors are:

1. To become familiar with the School Laws of Iowa, The School Rules of Iowa, the Regulations of the Department of Education, and the Policies, Rules, and Regulations of the District.
2. To have a general knowledge of educational aims and objectives of the District.
3. Insist that all members of the board participate fully in board action, and recommend that when special committees are appointed, they serve only in an investigating and advisory capacity.
4. To vote and act at meetings of the Board of Directors impartially for the good of the District.
5. Abide by majority decisions of the board.
6. Respect the opinion of others.
7. To refer complaints to proper District authorities and to abstain from individual counsel and action.

 

 

(April 23, 1980; September 18, 1991; June 15, 1992; September 20, 2010; November 15, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The regular school election shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in odd-numbered years.  Each school election is used to elect citizens to the Board of Directors to maintain a 5 member board and for the purpose of submitting to the voters any matter authorized by law.

Serving on the board of directors is an honor and privilege.  Its rewards are respect from the community, students, and employees and the satisfaction from knowing each board member contributed to the success of the children in the school district community.  Only those who are willing to put forth the effort to care and to make a difference should consider running for a position on the board.

Individuals who are willing to serve on the board should believe public education is important, support the democratic process, willingly devote time and energy to board work, respect educators and have the ability to examine the facts and make a decision.  The board believes an individual considering a position on the school board should possess these characteristics.

Citizens wanting to run for a position on the board must be a citizen of the school district, eighteen (18) years of age or older, an eligible elector of the district, and free from a financial conflict of interest with the position.

Citizens of the school district community seeking a seat on the board must file their nomination papers with the board secretary, or the board secretary’s designee, consistent with the deadlines provided in Iowa law.  If a vacancy occurs on the board it may be filled by appointment or by a special election consistent with Iowa law.

All elections will be held as provided in Iowa law. It is the responsibility of the county commissioner of elections to conduct school elections.

 

 

(April 23, 1980; September 18, 1989; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

Board members elected for a full term at a regularly scheduled school election in September of odd-numbered years serve for four years.  Board members appointed to fill a vacant position will serve until the next scheduled school election.  A board member elected to fill a vacancy will serve out the unexpired term.

Being a board member is a unique opportunity for a citizen to participate on a governing board of the school district.  Eligible board members are encouraged to consider running for more than one term.

 

 

(April 23, 1980; July 18, 2008; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

Board members are officials of the state.  As a public official, each board member must pledge to uphold the Iowa and the United States Constitution and carry out the responsibilities of the office to the best of the board member’s ability.

Each newly-elected board member will take the oath of office prior to any action taken as a school official.  The oath of office is taken by each new board member elected at the school election at or before the organizational meeting of the board.  In the event of an appointment or special election to fill a vacancy, the new board member will take the oath of office within ten days of the appointment or election.

Board members elected to offices of the board will also take the same oath of office but replacing the office of board member with the title of the office to which they were elected.

The oath of office is administered by the board secretary and does not need to be given at a board meeting.  In the event the board secretary is absent, the oath is administered by another board member.

“Do you solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Iowa, and that you will faithfully and impartially to the best of your ability discharge the duties of the office of                                (naming the office) in                                  (naming the district) as now and hereafter required by law?”

 

 

(April 23, 1980, December 21, 1987; September 20, 2010; November 15, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

A vacancy occurs when a board member resigns, forfeits, or otherwise leaves the office.  A vacancy also includes, but is not limited to, the following:  failure to be properly elected, failure to qualify within the time fixed by law, failure to reside in the school district or director district, a court order declaring the seat vacant, conviction of a felony, three violations of the open meetings law, or conviction of a public offense in violation of the oath of office.

If a vacancy occurs prior to the expiration of a term of office, the vacancy will be filled by board appointment within 30 days of the vacancy and consistent with the requirements of Iowa law.  The newly-appointed board member will hold the position until the next scheduled school election.  At that time the appointed board member may run for a three year term, if one is available, or run for the remainder of the unexpired term.

If the board is unable to fill a vacancy by appointment within 30 days after the vacancy occurs, the board secretary will call a special election to be held consistent with the requirements of Iowa law.  A board member elected at the special election will serve the remaining portion of the unexpired term.

 

 

 (April 23, 1980; July 19, 1993; September 20, 2010; November 15, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

It is the responsibility of the board president to lead a well-organized board in an efficient and effective manner.  The board president will set the tone of the board meetings and, as the representative of the consensus of the board, speak on behalf of the board to the public.

The president of the board is elected by a majority vote at the organizational meeting in odd-numbered years, or at the annual meeting in even-numbered years, to serve a one year term of office. A member may be elected to successive one-year terms as president.

The president, in addition to presiding at the board meetings, will take an active role in board decisions by discussing and voting on each motion before the board in the same manner as other board members.  Before making or seconding a motion, the board president will turn over control of the meeting to either the vice-president or other board member.

The board president has the authority to call special meetings of the board.  Prior to board meetings, the board president will consult with the superintendent on the development of the agenda for the meeting.

The board president, as the chief officer of the school district, will sign employment contracts and sign other contracts and school district warrants approved by the board.  The board president will appear on behalf of the school corporation in causes of action involving the school district, unless the board president must appear individually as a party, in which case, this duty shall be performed by the board secretary.

 

 

(April 23, 1980; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The vice-president shall serve in the absence of the president and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the president or by the board.  If the board president is unable or unwilling to carry out the duties required, it is the responsibility of the vice-president of the board to carry out the duties of the president.  If the president is unable or unwilling to complete the term of office, the vice-president will serve as president for the balance of the president’s term of office, and a new vice-president will be elected.

The vice-president of the board is elected by a majority vote at the organizational meeting in odd-numbered years, or at the annual meeting in even-numbered years, to serve a one year term of office.  A member may be elected to successive one-year terms as vice-president.

The vice-president will accept control of the meeting from the president when the president wishes to make or second a motion.  The vice-president will take an active role in board decisions by discussing and voting on matters before the board in the same manner as other board members.

 

 

(April 23,1980; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

It shall be the responsibility of the board to annually appoint a board secretary-treasurer.

A board secretary-treasurer may be appointed from employees, other than a position requiring a teaching certificate, or from the public.  To finalize the appointment, the board secretary-treasurer will take the oath of office during the meeting at which the individual was appointed or no later than ten days thereafter.  It is the responsibility of the board to evaluate the board secretary-treasurer annually.

It is the responsibility of the board secretary-treasurer, as custodian of school district records, to preserve and maintain the records and documents pertaining to the business of the board; to keep complete minutes of special and regular board meetings, including closed sessions; to keep a record of the results of regular and special elections; to keep an accurate account of school funds; to sign warrants drawn on the school funds after board approval; and collect data on truant students.  The board secretary-treasurer will also be responsible for filing the required reports with the Iowa Department of Education.

It is the responsibility of the board secretary-treasurer to oversee the investment portfolio, to receive funds of the school district, to pay out the funds for expenses approved by the board, to maintain accurate accounting records for each fund, to report monthly regarding the investment portfolio and the status of each fund and to file required reports with the appropriate state agencies and other entities.  It will also be the responsibility of the secretary-treasurer to coordinate the financial records, the financial reports, the cash flow needs and the investment portfolio of the school district.

In the event the board secretary-treasurer is unable to fulfill the responsibilities set out by the board and the law, the board will appoint a protem secretary-treasurer to assume those duties until the board secretary-treasurer is able to resume the responsibility or a new board secretary-treasurer is appointed.  The board secretary-treasurer will give bond in an amount set by the board.  The cost of the bond will be paid by the school district.

 

 

(April 23, 1980; December 19, 1988; September 18, 1989; September 17, 2001; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

204: Code of Ethics 

 

Board members' actions, verbal and nonverbal, reflect the attitude and the beliefs of the school district. Therefore, board members must conduct themselves professionally and in a manner fitting to their position. 

Each board member shall follow the code of ethics stated in this policy.

AS A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER:

1. I will listen. 

2. I will respect the opinion of others. 

3. I will recognize the integrity of my predecessors and associates and the merit of their work. 

4. I will be motivated only by an earnest desire to serve my school district and the children of my school district

community in the best possible way. 

5. I will not use the school district or any part of the school district program for my own personal advantage or

for the advantage of my friends or supporters. 

6. I will vote for a closed session of the board if the situation requires it, but I will consider "star chamber" or "secret" sessions of board members unethical. 

7. I will recognize that to promise in advance of a meeting how I will vote on any proposition which is to be

considered is to close my mind and agree not to think through other facts and points of view which may be

presented in the meeting. 

8. I will expect, in board meetings, to spend more time on education programs and procedures than on business details. 

9. I will recognize that authority rests with the board in legal session and not with individual members of the

board, except as authorized by law. 

10. I will make no disparaging remarks, in or out of the board meeting, about other members of the board or their opinions. 

11. I will express my honest and most thoughtful opinions frankly in board meetings in an effort to have decisions made for the best interests of the children and the education program. 

12. I will insist that the members of the board participate fully in board action and recommend that when special committees are appointed, they serve only in an investigative and advisory capacity. 

13. I will abide by majority decisions of the board. 

14. I will carefully consider petitions, resolutions and complaints and will act in the best interests of the school

district. 

15. I will not discuss the confidential business of the board in my home, on the street or in my office; the place for such discussion is the board meeting. 

16. I will endeavor to keep informed on local, state and national educational developments of significance so I may become a better board member.

 

IN MEETING MY RESPONSIBILITY TO MY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMUNITY

1. I will consider myself a trustee of public education and will do my best to protect it, conserve it, and advance it, giving to the children of my school district community the educational facilities that are as complete and

adequate as it is possible to provide. 

2. I will consider it an important responsibility of the board to interpret the aims, methods and attitudes of the

school district to the community. 

3. I will earnestly try to interpret the needs and attitudes of the school district community and do my best to

translate them into the education program of the school district. 

4. I will attempt to procure adequate financial support for the school district. 

5. I will represent the entire school district rather than individual electors, patrons or groups. 

6. I will not regard the school district facilities as my own private property but as the property of the people.

 

IN MY RELATIONSHIP WITH SUPERINTENDENT AND EMPLOYEES

1. I will function, in meeting the legal responsibility that is mine, as a part of a legislative, evaluative, policy-

forming body, not as an administrative officer. 

2. I will recognize that it is my responsibility, together with that of my fellow board members, to see the school

district is properly run and not to run them myself.

3. I will expect the school district to be administered by the best-trained technical and professional people it is

possible to procure within the financial resources of the school district. 

4. I will recognize the superintendent as executive officer of the board. 

5. I will work through the administrative employees of the board, not over or around them. 

6. I will expect the superintendent to keep the board adequately informed through oral and written reports. 

7. I will vote to employ employees only after the recommendation of the superintendent has been received.

8. I will insist that contracts be equally binding on teachers and the board. 

9. I will give the superintendent power commensurate with the superintendent's responsibility and will not in any way interfere with, or seek to undermine, the superintendent's authority. 

10. I will give the superintendent friendly counsel and advice. 

11. I will present any personal criticism of employees to the superintendent. 

12. I will refer complaints to the proper administrative officer.

 

TO COOPERATE WITH OTHER SCHOOL BOARDS

1. I will not employ a superintendent, principal or teacher who is already under contract with another school

district without first securing assurance from the proper authority that the person can be released from

contract. 

2. I will consider it unethical to pursue any procedure calculated to embarrass a neighboring board or its

representatives. 

3. I will associate myself with board members of other school districts for the purpose of discussing school

district issues and cooperating in the improvement of the education program.

 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 21; 68B; 69; 277.28; 279.7A, 279.8, 301.28.

 

Approved: December 18, 2023

Reviewed: December 18, 2023

Revised: December 18, 2023

 

Board members may receive a gift on behalf of the school district.  Board members shall not, either directly or indirectly, solicit, accept or receive any gift, series of gifts or an honorarium unless the giver does not meet the definition of a “restricted donor” as outlined in Iowa law or the gift does not meet the definition of “gift” or “honorarium” as outlined in Iowa law.

Board members may receive nonmonetary gifts of a value less than $3.00 if the donor does not intend to influence the board member’s professional judgment.

It is the responsibility of each board member to know when it is appropriate to accept or reject gifts or honorariums.

 

 

(November 16, 1992; September 19, 1994; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

Board members will not be held personally liable for actions taken in the performance of their duties and responsibilities vested in them by the laws of Iowa and the members of the school district community.  In carrying out the duties and responsibilities of their office, Board members will act in good faith.

The District believes that it has an obligation to protect the Board of Directors while acting within their official capacity or on a committee established by the Board.  The District will defend, save harmless and indemnify board members against tort claims or demands, whether groundless or otherwise, arising out of an alleged act or omission occurring within the scope of their official duties, unless it constitutes a willful or wanton act or omission.  However, the school district will not save harmless or indemnify board members for punitive damages.

 

 

 (June 23, 1986; September 18, 1989; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The policy-making authority of the Community School District of South Tama County rests with the Board of Directors.  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 primary responsibility for proposing board policies rests with the Superintendent.  However, policies may be proposed by any member of the Board of Directors, by school personnel, or by any citizen or group of citizens in the District.

Policy proposal shall be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors, through the Superintendent, prior to a regularly-scheduled meeting.  Final action on new policies or amended policies shall be taken no earlier than the next regular meeting following the one at which the proposal is made.

The Superintendent and a designated Board member shall review the policies in accordance with board policy and make any suggestions in writing for new policies or changes at any work session.

 

 

 (April 23, 1980; September 18, 1989; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The board has jurisdiction to legislate policy for the school district with the force and effect of law.  Board policy shall provide the general direction as to what the board wishes to accomplish while allowing the Superintendent the professional prerogative to implement board policy.

The written policy statements adopted by the board provide guidelines and goals to the citizens, administration, staff, and students in the school district community.  The policy statements shall be the basis for the information of regulations by the administration.  The board shall determine the effectiveness of the policy statements by evaluating periodic reports from the administration in the area of the policy statement.

Policy statements may be proposed by a member of the board, administration, school district personnel, students, or any other member of the district community.  Proposed policy statements or ideas must be submitted to the board through the office of the superintendent in order to be placed on the agenda of a school board meeting.  It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to bring these proposals to the attention of the board. 

 

 

(April 17, 1989; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The board shall give notice of proposed policy changes or adoption of new policies by placing the item on the agenda of two board meetings.  The proposed policy changes shall be distributed, and public comments may be allowed, at both meetings prior to final board action.  However, if the motion to approve a policy is passed with the stipulation that the second reading is waived, the motion will become effective when passed in one meeting.  Dispensing of the second reading of a policy will result only when there is a stated emergency (as determined by the Board), or because the policy change or adoption is considered routine.

The final action taken to adopt the proposed policy shall be approved by a simple majority vote of the board at two separate board meetings, except when the second reading is waived according to the above procedure.  The policy will be effective on the later of the date of passage or the date stated in the motion.

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.

 

 

(April 17, 1989; June 15, 1992; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The Board may suspend or waive an established policy for a particular instance without rescinding policy.  Reasons for suspension or waiver of board policy will be documented in board minutes.

 

 

(June 15, 1992; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

A board policy manual is available electronically.  Persons wishing to inspect the board policy manual shall contact the board secretary, who shall have a board policy manual available for public inspection.

It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent’s secretary to ensure that copies of new and revised policy statements are made available consistent with this policy within ten working days of the change or addition to the manual.  Copies of changes in board policy shall also be attached to the minutes of the meeting at which the final action was taken to adopt the new or changed policy.

It shall be the responsibility of each board member, during their term of office, to keep the manual up-to-date and to surrender the manual to the board secretary at the conclusion of their term of office. 

 

 

(April 17, 1989; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

When there is no board policy in existence to provide guidance on a matter before the administration, the Superintendent is authorized to act appropriately under the circumstances surrounding the situation, keeping in mind the educational philosophy 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 shall draft a policy recommendation if deemed appropriate.

 

 

 (April 17, 1989; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The Board shall, at least once every three years, review the policy statements in the board policy manual.  For all policies being reviewed, the Board shall follow the procedures outlined in board policy relating to adoption of policy.  Once the policy has been reviewed, even if no changes were made, a notation of the date of review shall be made in the policy manual.

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.

 

 

(April 17, 1989; June 15, 1992; June 17, 1995; May 18, 1998; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2013, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

Board policy sets the direction for the administration of the education program and school district operations.  Some policies require administrative regulations to implement them.

It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent to develop administrative regulations, where necessary, to implement the board policies.  All regulations will be provided to the Board at a regular board meeting under “Correspondence” prior to their use in the school district.

Once the regulations have been submitted to the Board, they shall become effective unless a board member requests the regulation as an agenda item for the next regularly scheduled meeting.

 

 

(April 17, 1989; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The Board of Directors may authorize such special committees as are deemed necessary.  A special committee shall be dissolved when its report is considered by the Board of Directors or as otherwise determined by the Board.

If the Board creates or appoints a committee, the Board and the committee will strive to follow all applicable federal and state laws.  The Board and the committee will strive to follow state open meetings and public records requirements.

In no case shall a committee constitute a quorum of the Board of Directors.

 

 

(April 23, 1980; August 16, 1993; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

In accordance with Code of Iowa Section 280.12, the Superintendent shall convene an advisory committee comprised of representatives of the school district community and the school district.  The advisory committee shall make recommendations for the goals and objectives of the education program.

The Board shall ultimately establish the short-term and long-term goals and objectives.  These goals and objectives shall take into account the recommendations of the advisory committee, from recommendations from the superintendent, and the changes in law.  The Board will require that an annual report be developed regarding the goals and objectives of the education program.

 

 

 (June 15, 1992; September. 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

Whenever the Board deems it necessary, the Board may appoint a committee composed of citizens, employees or students to assist the Board.  Committees formed by the Board are ad hoc committees.

An ad hoc committee may be formed by board resolution which will outline the duties and purpose of the committee.  The committee is advisory in nature and has no duty or responsibility other than that specifically stated in the board resolution.  The committee will automatically dissolve upon the delivery of its final recommendation to the Board or upon completion of the duties outlined in the board resolution.  The Board will receive the report of the committee for consideration.  The Board retains the authority to make a final decision on the issue. 

The method for selection of committee members will be stated in the board resolution.  When possible, and when the necessary expertise required allows, the committee members will be representative of the school district community and will consider the various viewpoints on the issue.  The Board may designate a board member and/or the superintendent to serve on an ad hoc committee.  The committee will select its own chairperson, unless the board designates otherwise.

 

 

(March 4, 2019)

 

It is the responsibility of the board to employ legal counsel to assist the board and the administration in carrying out their duties with respect to the numerous legal issues confronting the school district.  The board may appoint legal counsel at its annual meeting.

The superintendent will have the authority to contact the board’s legal counsel on behalf of the board when the superintendent believes it is necessary for the management of the school district.  The board president may contact and seek advice from the school board’s legal counsel.  Board members may contact legal counsel upon approval of a majority of the board.  It is the responsibility of each board member to pay the legal fees, if any, of an attorney the board member consulted regarding matters of the school district unless the board has authorized the board member to consult an attorney on the matter.

The board’s legal counsel will attend both regular and special school board meetings upon the request of the board or the superintendent. 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board informed of matters for which legal counsel was consulted, particularly if the legal services will involve unusual expense for the school district.

 

 

(April 23, 1980; November 21, 1988, September 20, 2010; November 15, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

Each year after August 31 and prior to the organizational meeting of the board in election years, the board will hold its annual meeting. 

At the annual meeting, the board will examine the financial books and settle the secretary’s and treasurer’s statements for the fiscal year ending the preceding June 30 and transact such other business as may properly come before it.  As part of the annual reports, the treasurer will present affidavits from depository banks.  The board may also appoint the board’s legal counsel at the annual meeting.

 

 

 (April 23, 1980; June 15, 1992; September 17, 2001; September 20, 2010; February 21, 2011; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The board will hold its organizational meeting annually at the first regular meeting following the canvass of votes in odd-numbered years.  Notice of the meeting’s place and time will be given by the board secretary to each member, member-elect and the public.

The purpose of the meeting is to transfer material and responsibility from the outgoing board to the new board.  At the meeting, the board will elect a president who will hold office for one year.  Once elected, the president will be entitled to vote on all matters before the board.

 

 

(March 4, 2019)

 

The regular meeting time and date will be set by the Board of Directors at its annual or organizational meeting.  In general, the regular meetings will occur on the third Monday of each month at 5:00 P.M. unless otherwise specified by law or changed by the Board. 

The public shall be notified of all Board Meetings consistent with Iowa law and board policy.  Meetings will be held in the meeting place officially designated by the board, which will be accessible to the public. 

 

 

(October 13, 1980; June 18, 1987; December 16, 1991; September 20, 2010; November 15, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019, March 16, 2020)

 

It may be necessary for the Board to conduct a special meeting in addition to the regularly scheduled board meeting.  Special meetings may be called by the Board of Directors, or called by the President, the Superintendent, or the Secretary upon the written request of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors.  Any request to call a special meeting may be made by oral, electronic, or written notice and must specify the purpose, time, and place of the meeting and be delivered to each member (attendance at said special meeting shall be waiver of notice).

Should a special meeting be called, public notice will be given.  If the special meeting called is an emergency meeting and the Board cannot give public notice in its usual manner, the Board will give public notice of the meeting as soon as practical and possible in light of the situation.  Emergency meetings will only be held when an issue cannot wait twenty-four hours necessary for a special meeting.  The reason for the emergency meeting and why notice in its usual manner could not be given will be stated in the minutes.

Only the purpose or issue for which the special meeting was called may be discussed and decided in the special meeting.  The Board will strictly adhere to the agenda for the special meeting and action on other issues will be reserved for the next regular or special board meeting.

 

 

(April 23, 1980; June 15, 1992; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

Public hearings may be held on school district matters at the discretion of the board.  Public notice of a public hearing will be in the same manner as for a board meeting except that the notice will be given at least ten days before the hearing is to be held unless it is impossible or impractical to do so or the law requires otherwise.

At public hearings, citizens of the district who register at the door will be allowed to speak on the issue for which the public hearing is being held.  Others may be allowed to speak at the board’s discretion.  Speakers are asked to keep their remarks as brief as possible.  Prior to the beginning of the hearing, speakers and spectators will be apprised of the rules of order to be followed regarding time limitations, questions, remarks and rebuttals.  In no event will a speaker be allowed to take the time of another speaker.

The board will conduct public hearings in an orderly fashion.  At the beginning of the hearing, statements, background materials and public hearing rules and procedures will be presented by the board president.  The board president will recognize the speakers.  A board member may ask questions of the speakers after receiving permission from the board president.  Only those speakers recognized by the chair will be allowed to speak.  Comments by others are out of order.  Individuals who interfere with or interrupt speakers, the board or the proceedings will be asked to leave.

The board may take action on the subject at the public hearing, after all presentations have been made, or at a later meeting.

 

 

(March 4, 2019)

 

The Board may use work sessions as a method to review or study information.  In general, work sessions are scheduled for the first Monday of each month except that July and August work sessions may be canceled if no need is pressing.  Due to Labor Day, there is no work session scheduled for September.  These work sessions are open to the public (except negotiations strategy) and the following conditions shall be fulfilled:

1. Notice to the Public
          
   (a)  Included on the agenda of a regular or special meeting.
                                                   -OR-
   (b)  A separate notice of the work session is posted stating the time, location, date and reason for the work session.

2. Record of the meeting

   (a) 

   A record of the meeting will be kept, stating:  time the meeting started, who was present, topic discussed and time the meeting ended.
   (b)  At the nest regular board meeting, when the minutes for the previous meetings are approved, the record of the work session will be entered into the official board minutes.

3. Open Meetings Law

   (a) 

   The work session shall be in full compliance of Iowa’s Open Meetings Law.

4.          Public Comment

The Board may hear comments from the public at or near the beginning of work sessions.  The Board President shall have the authority to end public comments at any time or limit the amount of time allocated to individuals.  The Board welcomes the opportunity to listen to comments from citizens, but is not able to take action on issue raised by citizens in a work session, and Board members do not intend to make an immediate response.

 

 

(June 23, 1986; October 21, 1991; June 15, 1992; June 16, 1997; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

Generally, board meetings will be open meetings, unless a closed session or exempt meeting is provided for by law.  The board will hold a closed session or exempt meeting only when a closed session or exempt meeting is permitted under Iowa.

Closed sessions take place as part of an open meeting.  The item for discussion in the closed session will be listed as part of the tentative agenda on the public notice.  The motion for a closed session, stating the purpose for the closed session, will be made and seconded during the open meeting.  A minimum of two-thirds of the board, or all of the board members present, must vote in favor of the motion on a roll call vote.  Final action on matters discussed in the closed session will be taken in an open meeting except as otherwise permitted under the law. 

Except for negotiation strategy meetings, detailed minutes will be kept of all discussion, persons present, and action occurring during a closed session with the minutes of a regular open meeting showing the date, time and place of the closed meeting, the members present, and action, if any, taken following the closed session and the vote recorded on that action.  Except for negotiation strategy meetings, a tape recording for each closed session will be made.  Both the minutes and taped record of a closed session will be stored for at least one (1) year from the date of the closed meeting except as otherwise required under Iowa law.

The detailed minutes and tape recording will be sealed and will not be public records open to public inspection.  The minutes and tape recording will only be available to board members or opened upon court order in an action to enforce the requirements of the open meetings law.  The board has complete discretion as to whom may be present at a closed session.

 

 

(June 15, 1992; September 20, 201; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

Generally, board meetings will be open meetings, unless a closed session or exempt meeting is provided for by law.  The board will hold a closed session or exempt meeting only when a closed session or exempt meeting is permitted under Iowa.

Board meetings at which a quorum is not present, or gatherings of the board for purely ministerial or social purposes when there is no discussion of policy or no intent to avoid the purposes of the open meetings law, are exempt from the open meetings law requirements.  The board may also hold an exempt session for the reasons outlined in Iowa law.

Since gatherings of this type are exempt from the open meetings requirements, they can be held without public notice, be separate from an open meeting, be held without taping the gathering or taking minutes, and be held without a vote or motion.

 

 

(March 4, 2019)

 

The Board shall keep the members of the school district community informed about the actions taken at board meetings.  The proceedings of each open board meeting shall be submitted to a newspaper designated as a newspaper for official publication within two weeks of the date of the meeting.  The Board shall designate the newspaper for official publication during its annual meeting.  If not otherwise designated, it shall be the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle.

It shall be the responsibility of the board secretary to publish in concert with this policy. 

 

(December 21, 1987; September 18, 1989; June 15, 1992; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019, June 15, 2020)

 

A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  Unless specified otherwise by law, a majority vote of those members present shall be necessary and sufficient to pass any motion or to take any action of the Board of Directors.

A meeting shall be adjourned by a majority vote of members present.  A meeting shall also be considered adjourned in the absence of a quorum. 

 

 

(December 21, 1987; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

An orderly board meeting allows the board members to participate in the discussion and decision process on an issue confronting the school district.  Rules of order for board meetings allow school district business and the relative information concerning the business to be brought to the attention of the board.  They also allow the board to discuss, act upon and make a clear record of school district business in a regular, ordered, reasonable and consistent manner.

The board will follow Robert’s Rule of Order, Revised, latest edition as modified by this policy and subsequent rule.

The purpose of modified rules adopted by the board are:

• To establish guidelines by which the business of the governing board can be conducted in a regular and internally consistent manner;
• To organize the meetings so all necessary matters can be brought to the board and decisions of the board can be made in an orderly and reasonable manner;
• To ensure members of the board, concentrating on the substantive issues at hand, have the necessary information to make decisions, and to ensure adequate discussion of decisions to be made; and,
• To ensure meetings and actions of the board are conducted so as to be informative to the staff and the public, and to produce a clear record of actions taken and decisions made.

It is the responsibility of each board member to follow the rules of order stated in this policy at each meeting, and it is the responsibility of the presiding officer to conduct the board meeting within these rules.

The Board shall adhere to the following rules, which are consistent with Robert’s Rules of order:

1. Board members may speak while seated without being recognized by the presiding officer.
2. All motions will be made as a positive action.
3. A motion will be adopted or carried if it receives an affirmative vote from more than half of the votes cast.  Only “yes” and “no” votes are counted in this calculation.  It should be noted that some motions require larger numbers of affirmative votes, such as to move into a closed session.
4. Informal discussion of a subject is permitted while no motion is pending.
5. The board president may decide the order in which board members will be recognized to address an issue.  An attempt should be made to alternate between pro and con positions.
6. The board president shall rule on all motions that come before the board.
7. The board president may rule on points of order brought before the board.
8. The board president shall have complete authority to recognize a member of the audience regarding a request to participate in the board meeting.  Members of the public may speak on any agenda item at the time that item is present for board discussion prior to that discussion, provided they have indicated a desire to do so on a sign-in sheet provided at the entrance to the board meeting room.
9. If an agenda item is discussed, and a majority of the board members present wishes to have additional information from the public, the board has the right to ask any person or persons for that information.
10. If an agenda item is discussed, and the board president wishes to have additional information from the public, the board president has the right to ask any person or persons for that information.
11. The board president has the authority to declare a recess at any time for the purpose of restoring decorum to the meeting.
12. The presiding officer may speak in discussion, make and second motions, and vote on all questions without rising or leaving the chair.

The Board shall further adhere the following rules:

1. Motions before the Board:

• Any person not a member of the Board attempting to discuss any motion pending before the Board is out of order unless the presiding officer calls for discussion from the staff or audience, or unless the Board votes to hear such discussion.
• The Board shall receive reports and/or presentations, if applicable, from designated members of the staff prior to opening the floor to discussion.
• All motions may be made or seconded by any member of the Board.
• All motions shall be seconded before being considered for action by the board.

2. Postponement of Action:

• When less than the full Board is present at any meeting, any member, absent or present, who feels that any item to be presented should have attention of the full Board, may request that consideration of the item be postponed.  It will be the policy of the Board to determine the merit of postponement of each item by a consensus of the membership. 

 

 

(June 15, 1992; September 20, 2010; November 15, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The tentative agenda for each board meeting will state the topics for discussion and action at the board meeting.  The superintendent and/or board president shall include the tentative agenda in the public notice of the meeting as required by law. The tentative agenda for a special meeting shall accompany the required notice for that meeting. 

The superintendent and/or board president shall be responsible for preparing a tentative agenda.  The superintendent and/or board president shall submit to the board, for its consideration, at least two days before a regular meeting, the tentative agenda.  These documents are the private property of the board member.  Persons wishing to view the tentative agenda and supporting documents may do so at the central administration office.

The agenda for each meeting shall be adopted by a majority vote of members of the Board of Directors present at the meeting.  An addition to the agenda, with less than twenty-four hours notice to the public, must be approved by a majority vote of members of the Board of Directors present at the meeting and the nature of the good cause justifying the addition shall be stated in the minutes.

Persons requesting to place an item on the agenda must make a request to the superintendent prior to the drafting of the tentative agenda.  The person making the request must state the person’s name, address, purpose of the presentation, action desired and pertinent background information.  Requests from the public may be added to the tentative agenda at the discretion of the superintendent after consultation with the board president.  Requests received after the deadline may only be added to the agenda for good cause.

In order for a more efficient administration of board meetings, the board may elect to use a consent agenda for the passage of noncontroversial items or items of a similar nature.  Such agenda items might include ministerial tasks such as, but not limited to, the approval of the agenda, approval of previous minutes, approval of bills, approval of reports, etc.  These items might also include similar groups of decisions such as, but not limited to, approval of staff contracts, approval of maintenance details for the school buildings and grounds, open enrollment requests or approval of various schedules.

The superintendent in consultation with the board president shall place items on the consent agenda.  By using a consent agenda, the board has consented to the consideration of certain items as a group under one resolution.  Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of a board member.

Nothing in this policy is to be construed as an attempt to avoid full compliance with laws dealing with open meetings or public notice of the agenda and meeting.

 

 

(December 21, 1987, September 20, 2010; November 15, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

Regular Meetings

The order of business at all regular meetings insofar as practicable, except as otherwise directed by the Board President when not objected to or by the majority vote of members of the Board of Directors present, shall be as follows:

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call and Declaration of Quorum
3. Adoption of Agenda
4. Approval of the Minutes of Previous Meetings, Work Session, Bills, Financial Statements.
5. Action Items
   (A)
   (B)
   (C)
6. Routine Action Items (May be referred to discussion)
7. Public Comment
   The Board will hear comments from the public during Regular Meetings.  Each person speaking will only be allowed to speak for a specified period of time during public comment.  The Board welcomes the opportunity to listen to comments from citizens, but is not able to take action on issues raised by citizens in public comments, and Board members do not intend to make an immediate response.
8. Discussion Items
   (A)
   (B)
   (C)
9. Old and/or New Business
   Correspondence
10. Superintendent’s Report
11. Adjournment

Special Meetings

The order of business at all special meetings insofar as practicable, except as otherwise directed by the President when not objected to or by the majority vote of members of the Board of Directors present, shall be as follows:

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call and Declaration of Quorum
3. Adoption of Agenda
4. Purpose(s) of Meeting
5. Announcements
6. Adjournment

 

 

(April 23, 1980; June 23, 1986; December 17, 1990; October 21, 1991; June 15, 1992; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The board shall keep and maintain permanent records of the board including, but not limited to, records of the minutes of board meetings, and other required records received by the board.  These records shall be created and preserved in accordance with state law and board policy relating to “School District Records.”

It shall be the responsibility of the board secretary to keep a complete and accurate set of minutes of the school board meetings.  The minutes of each meeting shall include as a minimum the following items:  a record of date, time, place, members present, action taken, information sufficient to indicate the votes of each member present, with financial records of receipts and expenditures attached.  The vote of each member present shall be public at the open session.

Minutes waiting approval at the next board meeting will be available for inspection after the board secretary transcribes the notes and has made them available to board members. 

 

 

(April 23, 1980; April 17, 1989; August 16, 1993; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The Board shall keep detailed minutes of all discussion, persons present, and action occurring at a closed session, and shall also record the closed session.

The detailed minutes of a closed session shall be read by each member of the Board of Directors individually prior to or at the next scheduled regular meeting, at which time the secretary shall secure from each member of the board of Directors present at the closed session a written statement of agreement or objection to the detailed minutes.  In the event that there is not agreement of a majority of the members present at the closed session, the secretary, at the next closed session of the Board of Directors shall ask for corrections.  Then, in open session, the detailed minutes shall be approved by a majority vote of members present.

The detailed minutes and tape recording of a closed session shall be sealed and shall not be public record open to public inspection.  The detailed minutes and tape recording of any closed session shall be kept on file for a period of one year from the date of that meeting except as otherwise required by law.  One year after the date of a closed session, the secretary shall systematically destroy the detailed minutes and tape recording of that session, unless the Board of Directors or the law directs otherwise.  The secretary shall act as custodian of the minutes of closed session.   

 

 

 (April 23, 1980; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

Members of the Board of Directors shall serve without pay unless the State of Iowa authorizes and subsidizes pay.  Board members shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as members of the Board of Directors. 

Prior to reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses, the board member must submit a detailed receipt indicating the date, purpose and nature of the expense for each claim item.  A credit card receipt is generally not considered a detailed receipt.  Failure to provide a detailed receipt will make the expense non-reimbursable.  In exceptional circumstances, the board may allow a claim without proper receipt.  Written documentation explaining the exceptional circumstances will be maintained as part of the school district’s record of the claim.

 

 

(April 23, 1980; September 18, 1989; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

It is the policy of the South Tama County Board of Education that all official inquiries be directed to the Superintendent and/or the President of the Board of Education.

Individual board members, when discussing issues outside of a board meeting, are functioning individually unless acting in pursuant of other board policy. 

 

 

(April 17, 1989; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

The Board of Directors will maintain active membership in the Iowa Association of School Boards and the National School Boards Association. 

 

 

(April 23, 1980; September 18, 1989; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019)

 

Policy 210.05: Meeting Notice

 

Public notice will be given for meetings and work sessions held by the board. Public notice will indicate the time, place, date and tentative agenda of board meetings. The public notice will be posted in a prominent place clearly designated for posting agendas in the central administration office, and on an exterior facing door/window so that community members may see the agenda when the building is physically closed. The agenda will be posted at least 48 hours before it is scheduled, but, at the minimum, twenty-four hours notice needs to be given. 

 

A copy of the public notice will be provided to those who have filed a request for notice with the secretary. A copy of the public notice will also be accessible to employees and students.

 

In the case of special meetings, public notice will be given in the same manner as for a regular meeting unless it is an emergency meeting. In that case, public notice of the meeting will be given as soon as practical and possible in light of the situation. The media and others who have requested notice will be notified of the emergency meeting. Attendance at a special meeting or emergency meeting by the media or board members will constitute a waiver of notice.

 

It is the responsibility of the board secretary to give public notice of board meetings and work sessions.

 

Legal Reference: Dobrovolny v. Reinhardt, 173 N.W.2d 837 (Iowa 1970).

Iowa Code §§ 21.2-.4; 279.1, .2.

 

Approved: April 23, 1980; September 20, 2010; June 18, 2012, June 20, 2016, March 4, 2019, August 7, 2023

Reviewed: August 7, 2023

Revised: August 7, 2023

                                         Policy 213: Public Participation in Board Meetings

 

The board recognizes the importance of citizen participation in school district matters. In order to assure citizens are heard and board meetings are conducted efficiently and in an organized manner, the board will set aside a specific time for public comment.

 

Public Comment During Board Meetings

Citizens wishing to address the board during public comment must notify the board secretary prior to the board meeting. The board president will recognize these individuals to make their comments at the appropriate time during public comment. Citizens wishing to present petitions to the board may also do so at this time. The board however, will only receive the petitions and not act upon them or their contents. 

 

The board has the discretion to limit the amount of time set aside for public participation. Normally, speakers will be limited to _3_minutes with a total allotted time for public participation _60_of minutes. However, the board president may modify this time limit, if deemed appropriate or necessary. Public comment is a time set aside for community input, but the board will not discuss or take any action on any matter during public comment. 

 

Public comment shall be limited to regular board meetings and will not be routinely held during special board meetings. 

 

Petitions to Place a Topic on the Agenda

Individuals who wish for an item to be placed on the board agenda may submit a valid petition to the board. For a petition to be valid, it must be signed by at least 500 eligible electors of the district, or ten percent of the individuals who voted in the last school election, whichever number is lower. 

 

Upon receiving a valid petition to the board to place a proposal on the next board agenda for public hearing, the board will place the proposal identified in the petition on the agenda of the next regular meeting, or a special meeting held within 30 days of receipt of the petition. The board will provide a sign-up sheet for all individuals who wish to speak on the proposal, and individuals will be called to speak in order of sign-up. The sign-up sheet will require each individual to list their legal name and mailing address. Each speaker will be limited to an amount of time established by the board president that is reasonable and necessary based on the number of speakers signed up. The same time limit will apply to all speakers on the proposal. Each individual will be limited to one opportunity to speak. The board maintains absolute discretion on whether or not to discuss or act on the public comments made on the proposal. If a petition is related to curriculum, the district maintains discretion to determine whether to stop teaching that curriculum until the board holds the public hearing to discuss the curriculum. 

 

The board has a significant interest in maintaining the decorum of its meetings, and it is expected that members of the public and the board will address each other with civility. The orderly process of the board meeting will not be interfered with or disrupted by public comment. Only individuals recognized by the board president will be allowed to speak. Comments by others are out of order. If disruptive, the individual causing disruption may be asked to leave the board meeting. Defamatory comments may be subject to legal action.

 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 21; 22; 279.8, 279.8B

 

Approved: March 4, 2019

Reviewed: August 7, 2023

Revised: August 7, 2023

 

 

(March 4, 2019)

 

216.02 Board of Directors' Member Development and Training