This series of the board policy manual is devoted to the board’s goals and objectives for assisting the student of the school district in obtaining an education. Each student will have an opportunity to obtain an education in compliance with the policies in this series. It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school district. Each student attending school will have the opportunity to utilize the education programs and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth. In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same opportunity.
The board supports the delivery of the education program and services to students free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socio-economic status. This concept of equal education opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to school district facilities, employment, and selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students.
In the delivery of the education program, students will treat the employees with respect and students will receive the same in return. Employees have the best interests of the students in mind and will assist them in school-related or personal matters if they are able to do so. Students should feel free to discuss problems, whether school-related or personal, with the guidance counselor or other employees.
Board policies, rules and regulations affect students while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school ground if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.
This section of the board policy refers to the term “parents” in many of the policies. The term parents for purposes of this policy manual will mean the legal parents, the legal guardian or custodian of a student, and students who have reached the age of maturity or are otherwise considered an adult by law.
Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, are directed to Sam Peska, Equity Coordinator, 1702 Harding Street, Tama, Iowa 52339, Phone: 641-484-4811, email: speska@s-tama.k12.ia.us
Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VII Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, MO. 64114, (816) 268-0550 or Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa, (515) 281-5294. This inquiry or complaint to the federal or state office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.
Further information and copies of the procedures for filing a complaint are available in the school district’s central administrative office and the administrative office in each attendance center.
Approved:January 17, 2005
Reviewed: March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; September 19, 2016; August 19, 2019
Revised: January 16, 2023