The Board of Director’s goal is 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 use the District’s education program 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.

Approved:  7/15/2019                                Reviewed:                     Revised:   

Resident Students
Children who are residents of the District will attend the school District without paying tuition.

Residence, for purposes of attendance in the school district means the place, abode, or dwelling of the student.  Generally, the legal dwelling of minors is the same as their parents. However, a student may establish a dwelling with someone other than the parents and attend public school in the school district without paying tuition if the primary purpose for residing in the school district is not for the purpose of obtaining a free public education.  Further, students who have reached the age of majority and who are still eligible to attend an Iowa secondary school may declare their residence independent of the residence of their parents.

Each case involving the bona fide residence of a student will be decided upon its individual merits by the superintendent.

Students who have attained legal age may continue the education program without payment of tuition as long as they are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and are residents of the school district.

Non-Resident Students
Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of the school district may be admitted into the school district at the discretion of the superintendent upon application and payment of tuition.  The tuition rate is the current per-pupil cost of the school district as computed by the Board secretary and as authorized by the Iowa Department of Education.

Resident students whose families move from the school district after the start of a semester and who wish to complete the semester in the school district may be permitted to attend without the payment of tuition at the discretion of the superintendent and approval of the Board.  Students who plan to open enroll to the nonresident district may complete the school year without approval of the superintendent or Board. These students, other than students in grades eleven and twelve, must have the recommendation of the principal.

Students in grades eleven (11) or twelve (12) who are no longer residents of the school District, but were residents in the preceding school year, may continue to attend school until they graduate without the payment of tuition.  These students may be required to identify an adult, who resides in the school District, for purposes of administration.

Nonresident students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and who have evidence they will become legal residents of the school District prior to October 1 may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.

International Students in Student Foreign Exchange Programs
Qualified international students may be enrolled and attend school without charge for tuition if they are part of an approved Student Foreign Exchange Program.  The principal must give final approval before any such student can enroll.

Programs or activities for which foreign exchange students are not eligible are: Driver Education and National Honor Society.

For those items not specifically mentioned above, a foreign exchange student has the same rights and responsibilities of all other students.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                 Reviewed: 05/26/2023                    Revised:   07/29/2024

Students will be allowed to leave the school District facilities during school hours only with prior authorization from their parents, unless the parent appears personally at the student's attendance center to arrange for the release of the student during school hours or with the permission of the principal.

Approved reasons for release of a student during the school day will include, but not be limited to, illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious instruction, and/or classes outside the student's attendance center and other reasons determined appropriate by the principal.

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

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:  6/4/2024                   Revised:   

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a sending district.  As a sending district, the board will allow resident students who meet the requirements to open enroll to another public school district.

Parents requesting open enrollment out of the school district for their student will notify the sending and receiving school district no later than March 1 in the school year precedeing the first year desired for open enrollment. The notice is made on forms provided by the Department of Education. The forms are available at the central administration office. Parents who have good cause as defined by law for failing to meet the March 1 deadline may make an open enrollment request by September1 unless another deadline applies.

Parents of children who will begin kindergarten in the school district are exempt from the open enrollment March 1 deadline. Parents of children who will begin kindergarten and prekindergaten children enrolled in special education programs and included in the district's basic enrollment will file in the same manner set forth above by September 1. 

The receiving district will approve or deny open enrollment requests according to the timelines established by law.  The parents may withdraw the open enrollment request prior to the start of the school year. The receiving district’s superintendent will notify the parents and sending school district by mail within five days of the school district’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.

Subject to applicable laws, the board may will not approve a student's request to allow the receiving district to enter the school district for the purposes of transportation.

An open enrollment request out of the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  The determining factor for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the receiving school district is appropriate for the student's needs.  The area education agency director of special education serving the receiving district will determine whether the program is appropriate. The special education student will remain in the school district until the final determination is made.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to maintain open enrollment request applications and notice forms.  It will also be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   07/29/2024

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a receiving District.  As a receiving District, the Board will allow non-resident students, who meet the legal requirements, to open enroll into the school District.  The Board will have complete discretion to determine the attendance center of the students attending the school District under open enrollment.

The superintendent will approve all timely filed applications by June 1: incoming kindergarten applications, good cause applications and continuation of an educational program applications filed by September 1.

The superintendent will notify the sending school District and parents within five (5) days of the school District’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.  The district will notify the Iowa Department of Education regarding open enrollment decisions as required by the Department.

Open enrollment requests into the school District will not be approved if insufficient classroom space exists.  Open enrollment requests into the school District will also not be approved for students who have been suspended or expelled by the administration or the Board of the school District the student is or was attending until the student has been reinstated into the school District from which the student was suspended or expelled.  Once the student is reinstated, the student's open enrollment request will be considered in the same manner as other open enrollment requests provided the required timelines are met. The district reserves the right to deny continued open enrollment to any students who meets the definition of truant.  The district will notify the truant student’s parent or guardian and district of residence of the decision to deny enrollment in the future in accordance with applicable laws.

Open enrollment requests into the school District that, if denied, would result in students from the same nuclear family being enrolled in different school Districts, will be given highest priority.  The Board, in its discretion, may waive the insufficient classroom space reason for denial for students of the same nuclear family to prevent the division of a nuclear family between two school Districts.  Other open enrollment requests into the school District are considered in the order received by the school District with the first open enrollment request given a higher priority than the second open enrollment request and so forth.

Generally, students in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) open enrolling into the school District will be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, in accordance with applicable law.

Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved, are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school District without reimbursement.  Transportation will not be approved into the sending District.

An open enrollment request into the school District from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  The determining factors for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the school District is appropriate for the student's needs and whether the enrollment of the special education student will cause the class size to exceed the maximum allowed.  The area education agency director of special education serving the school District will determine whether the program is appropriate. The special education student will remain in the sending District until the final determination is made.

The policies of the school District will apply to students attending the school District under open enrollment.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:  7/29/2024

The Knoxville Community School District believes all students should have access to a free, appropriate public education. The district will ensure that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as other children and youth. 

The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes: 

• Children and youth who are: 
  • Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (sometimes referred to as “doubled up”); 
  • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations; 
  • Living in emergency or transitional shelters; or
  • Abandoned in hospitals. 
• Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; 
• Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and 
• Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above. 

To help ensure that homeless children and youth have a full opportunity to enroll, attend, and succeed at school, the board shall:

• Designate the District Student Services Coordinator as the local homeless children and youth liaison; 
• Provide training opportunities for staff so staff may help identify and meet the needs of homeless children and youth; 
• Remove barriers, including those associated with fees, fines, and absences, to the identification, enrollment, retention, attendance and/or success in school for homeless children and youth; 
• Ensure collaboration and coordination with other service providers; 
• Ensure transportation is provided in accordance with legal requirements; 
• Provide school stability in school assignment according to the child’s best interests; 
• Ensure the privacy of student records, as provided by applicable law, including information about a homeless child or youth’s living situation; 
• Engage in the dispute resolution process for decisions relating to the educational placement of homeless children and youth as provided by applicable law; and 
• Prohibit the segregation of a homeless child or youth from other students enrolled in the district. 

The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy. 

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   07/29/2024

Parent/guardians within the school District who have children over age six (6) and under age sixteen (16) by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, will have the children attend the school District at the attendance center designated by the Board.  

Students will attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar.  Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of 1080 hours.

Students not attending the minimum days or hours must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, referred to the county attorney.  Exceptions to this policy include children who:

• have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma;
• are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;
• are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
• are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;
• has an individualized education program that affects the child's attendance; 
• has a plan under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. §794, that affects the child's attendance; 
• are attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;
• are attending an accredited nonpublic school; 
• are receiving independent private instruction; or,
• are receiving competent private instruction.

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian of a child to provide evidence of the child's mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child's qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                  Reviewed:                     Revised:  7/29/2024

Children in the school district community will be allowed to enroll in the school district's regular education program beginning at age five.  The child must be age five (5) on or prior to September 15 to participate in the school District's kindergarten program. The child must be age six (6) on or prior to September 15 to begin the first grade of the education program.

The Board will require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence before the student may enroll in the school district's education program.  It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine what is satisfactory evidence for proof of age.

Prior to enrollment, the child must provide the administration with their health and immunization certificate.  Failure to provide this information within the time period set by the superintendent is reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student. An exception to this would be a homeless student.
 

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   07/29/2024

Transfers Into District
The student's parents or the student may transfer the student to the school district.  Students who transfer into the school District must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school District.

The school District will request the student's cumulative records from the previous school District.  If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the superintendent or designee will make the grade level determination.  The superintendent or designee may require testing or other information to determine the grade level. Students expelled from their previous school District will only be enrolled after approval of the Board.

The superintendent or designee will determine the amount of credits to be transferred.  If the student has not previously attended an accredited school, it is within the superintendent's discretion to accept or reject credits or grades.

The Board may deny admission if the student is not willing to provide the Board with the necessary information.

Transfers Out of District
The student's parents or the student may withdraw or transfer the student from school district prior to completing and graduating from the education program.  The student or parent shall notify the superintendent or designee in writing as soon as possible of the decision to withdraw or transfer the student from the education program.  The notice shall state the student's final day of attendance. The student or parent should present this written notice at the office and receive instructions regarding the return of textbooks, library books, and locker equipment, etc.

If the student is not enrolling in another school District, the school District shall maintain the student's records in the same manner as the records of students who have graduated from the school District.

If the student is of compulsory education age and not transferring to another public school District or an accredited nonpublic school, the parents shall notify the superintendent or designee that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.

If the parents wish to have the student's cumulative record sent to the new school District, the parents shall notify the superintendent or designee in writing.  This notice shall include the name of the school District and the person at the new school District to whom the student's cumulative records should be sent. If the new school District requests the student's cumulative records, the school District shall forward the cumulative records and notify the parents the records have been sent.  The notice shall inform the parents of their right to review the records sent.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   07/29/2024

As part of the school District's records, the daily attendance of each student is recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records under the supervision of the Board secretary.  It is the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the Board secretary, who is the custodian of school records.

Approved:  7/15/2019                           Reviewed: 06/04/2024                    Revised:   

The district believes that traditional, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students. Students who are present in school and engaged active learners take greater ownership over their educational outcomes.  For this reason, it is the priority of the district to foster regular student attendance throughout the school year and reduce barriers to regular attendance for students in the district.

Chronic absenteeism/absences means any absence from school for more than ten percent of the hours in the semester established by the district.

Truant/truancy means a child of compulsory attendance age who is absent from school for any reason for at least twenty percent of the days in the semester. Truancy does not apply to the following students who:

• have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or has obtained a high school equivalency diploma
• are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;
• are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
• are attending a private college preparatory school accredited or probationally accredited;
• are excused under Iowa Code §299.22; and
• are exempt under Iowa Code §299.24.

Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion.  It is within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy.  Students receiving special education services will not be assigned to disciplinary action unless the goals and objectives of the student's Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the designated school officials, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.  The administrative regulations will indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.

Approved: 07/29/2024          Reviewed:              Revised:

Daily, punctual attendance is an integral part of the learning experience.  The education that goes on in the classroom builds from day to day and absences can cause disruption in the educational progress of the absent student. Irregular attendance or tardiness by students not only limits their own studies, but also interferes with the progress of those students who are regular and prompt in attendance.  Attendance is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation and communication among students, parents and the school. 

This regulation is divided into two sections: Section I addresses legal requirements related to chronic absenteeism and truancy for students of compulsory age, and Section II addresses additional academic, disciplinary and extracurricular consequences that all students may face due to chronic absenteeism and truancy.  It is important for students to recognize that chronic absenteeism and truancy impacts all these facets of their educational experience.

SECTION I – Legal Requirements 

Chronic Absenteeism
When a student meets the threshold to be considered chronically absent (10%), the school official will send notice by mail or e-mail to the county attorney where the district’s central office is located. The school official will also notify the student, or if a minor, the student’s parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian via certified mail that includes information related to the student’s absences from school and the policies and disciplinary processes associated with additional absences.  

School officials will send notice when the student’s absences meet the following threshold:  K-8 eight (8) days in a semester and high school four (4) days in a term.

School Engagement Meeting
If a student is absent from school for fifteen percent of the days in the grading period, the school official will attempt to find the cause of the absences and start and participate in a school engagement meeting. All of the following individuals must participate in the school engagement meeting:

• The student;

• The student’s parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian if the student is an unemancipated minor; and

• A school official.

The purpose of the meeting is to understand the reasons for the student’s absences and attempt to remove barriers to the student’s ongoing absences; and to create and sign an absenteeism prevention plan.  Fifteen percent of the days for K-8 is twelve (12) days per semester and high school is six (6) days per term.

Absenteeism Prevention Plan
The absenteeism prevention plan will identify the causes of the student’s absences and the future responsibilities of each participant.  The school official will contact the student and student’s parent/guardian at least once per week for the remainder of the plan to monitor the performance of the student and the student’s parent/guardian under the plan.  If the student and student’s parent/guardian do not attend the meeting, do not enter into a plan or violate the terms of the plan, the school official will notify the county attorney.

SECTION II – Academic and Disciplinary Requirements 

Elementary & Middle School 

Students are required to be in attendance, pursuant to board policy, for 170 days per school year unless their absences have been excused by the principal for illness, family emergencies, doctor, dental, or other professional appointment, recognized religious observances and school sponsored or approved activities.  Reasonable excuses may also include family trips or vacations approved by the building principal if the student's work is finished prior to the trip or vacation. Absences that do not fall within the categories listed above will be considered unexcused unless approved by the principal. Parents are expected to telephone the school office to report a student's absence prior to 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence.   

School work missed because of absences must be made up within two times the number of days absent, not to exceed 10 days. The time allowed for make-up work may be extended at the discretion of the classroom teacher.

If a student has an unexcused absence, they may be required to make up classwork during recess, before, or after school. If additional unexcused absences occur, the Student Success Coordinator will be notified. A meeting with parents may be scheduled if the student continues to accumulate unexcused absences.  The purpose of the meeting will be to collaborate and enact an attendance cooperation agreement. The attendance cooperation agreement will set attendance parameters for the child for the remainder of the school year.

This process starts over each semester.

High School
Students are required to be in attendance, pursuant to board policy, for 170 days per school year unless their absences have been excused by the principal for illness, family emergencies, doctor, dental, or other professional appointment, recognized religious observances and school sponsored or approved activities.  Reasonable excuses may also include family trips or vacations approved by the building principal if the student's work is finished prior to the trip or vacation.  Absences that do not fall within the categories listed above will be considered unexcused unless approved by the principal.  Parents are expected to telephone the school office to report a student's absence prior to  9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence.   

School work missed because of absences must be made up within two times the number of days absent, not to exceed 10 days. The time allowed for make-up work may be extended at the discretion of the classroom teacher.

If a student reaches 8 unexcused absences, the student will receive a written warning of loss of credit.  If after the written warning the student accumulates 2 additional unexcused absences (10), it may result in loss of credit for the course. Prior to imposing the loss of credit in one or more classes, the principal will provide the student and parent/guardian an opportunity for a meeting with counselor and administrator.

A student who loses credit due to excessive absences will be assigned to supervised study hall for the block in which the course(s) meets, and the student may be reassigned an online course to be completed prior to re-enrolling in the course for which the student lost credit.

Students will remain in class until the high school administration makes a decision regarding loss or restoration of credit. Full credit is awarded to all assignments and tests submitted that meet the teacher's specifications until a decision regarding credit has been made.  

If a student loses credit, this will be recorded in the student's record as an "AW" [administrative withdrawal].

The administration and guidance staff will make reasonable efforts to advise and counsel and may impose discipline upon any student approaching 8 unexcused absences in a grading period. Such advice, discipline and counseling is in addition to the requirements listed in Section I of this regulation and includes, but is not limited to, oral or written notices to the student and his or her parents, conferences with the student and parents, written contracts, or loss of non-academic privileges such as extracurricular activities, open campus, late arrival, early dismissal, or others as added by the district.

This process starts over at the beginning of each term (grading period).

The District and the Board believe inappropriate student appearance causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors.

Students are expected to adhere to standards of cleanliness and dress that are compatible with the requirements of a good learning environment.  The standards will be those generally acceptable to the community as appropriate in a school setting.

The board expects students to be clean and well-groomed and wear clothes in good repair and appropriate for the time, place and occasion.  Clothing or other apparel promoting products illegal for use by minors and clothing displaying obscene material, profanity, or reference to prohibited conduct are disallowed.  While the primary responsibility for appearance lies with the students and their parents, appearance disruptive to the education program will not be tolerated.  When, in the judgment of a principal, a student's appearance or mode of dress disrupts the educational process or constitutes a threat to health or safety, the student may be required to make modifications.

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

The board recognizes the convenience to families and students of having students drive to and park at their school attendance center.  Driving a motor vehicle to and parking it at the student's attendance center is a privilege.

Students who drive to and park at their school attendance center shall only drive to and park at their designated attendance center or at either their attendance center or a shared district’s attendance center for the purpose of attending extracurricular activities. Students may not loiter around or be in their vehicle during the school day without permission from the principal.  Students shall leave their attendance center when there is no longer a legitimate reason for them to be at their attendance center. Students who drive shall enter and leave the parking lot by the routes designated by the principal.  

Students who live within one mile of school, and would not otherwise be eligible for a student driving permit, may be eligible for a student driving permit, for driving to and from school and school activities and practices, if the student activity is being held at a location more than one mile.

Students who wish to drive to and park at their school attendance center shall comply with the rules and regulations established by the building principal. Failure to comply with this policy or the school district rules shall be reason for revocation of school driving and parking privileges as well as other disciplinary action including suspension and expulsion.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                  Reviewed:  11/11/2024                   Revised:   07/29/2024

Students will treat school district property with the care and the respect they would treat their own property. Students found to have destroyed or otherwise harmed school district property may be required to reimburse the school district.  They may be subject to discipline under board policy and the school district rules and regulations. They may also be referred to local law enforcement authorities.

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

Approved: 07/29/2024                      Reviewed:                   Revised:   

1. Student Expression defined:  Student Expression is speech, action or other forms of expression which convey a student’s beliefs, views or opinions.
    
2. Official school publications defined:  An "official school publication" is material produced by students in journalism, newspaper, yearbook, or writing classes and distributed to students either free or for a fee.
    
3. Limitations to Student Expression 
   1. No student will express, publish or distribute publication material which is:
      
      1. obscene;
      2. libelous;
      3. slanderous; or 
      4. encourages students to:
         1. commit unlawful acts;
         2. violate lawful school regulations;
         3. cause the material and substantial disruption of the orderly and efficient operation of the school or school activity;
         4. disrupt or interfere with the education program;
         5. interrupt the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere; or
         6. infringe on the rights of others.
             
4. Responsibilities of students for official school publications.
   1. Students writing or editing official school publications will assign and edit the news, editorial and feature contents of the official school publications subject to the limitations of the student publications code and the law.
   2. Students will strive to achieve professional standards of accuracy, fairness, objectivity and thoroughness in each and every aspect of official school publications.
   3. Students will strive to achieve professional standards of grammar, usage, punctuation and spelling for clarity and accuracy of official school publications.
       
5. Responsibilities of faculty advisors for official school publications.
   Faculty advisors will supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with the law including, but not limited to, the restrictions against unlawful speech. Official school publications are produced under the supervision of a faculty advisor.  Faculty advisors to students producing official school publications shall supervise the production of the student staff in order to maintain professional standards of English journalism.  District employees acting within the scope of their professional ethics will not suffer adverse employment action or retaliated against for acting to protect a student for engaging in authorized student expression or for refusing to infringe on protected student expression.
    
6. District employee rights
   ​​​​​​​Any District employee or official, acting within the scope of that person’s professional ethics, if any, shall not be dismissed, suspended, disciplined, reassigned, transferred, subject to termination or nonrenewal of a teaching contract or extracurricular contract, or otherwise retaliated against for acting to protect a student for engaging in expression protected by law, or refusing to infringe upon student expression that is protected by law. 
    
7. Liability
   Student expression, including student expression in an official school publication will not be deemed to be an expression of the school district.  The school district, the board, and the employees or officials are not liable in any civil or criminal action for any student expression made or published by students unless the employees or officials have interfered with or altered the content of the student expression.  The liability, if any, is only to the extent of interference or alteration of the speech or expression.
    
8. Appeal procedure
   1. Students who believe they have been unreasonably restricted in their exercise of expression in an official student publication will seek review of the decision through the student grievance procedure, under board policy 502.4.
   2. Persons who believe they have been aggrieved by a student-produced official student publication will file their complaint through the citizen grievance procedure, under board policy 213.1.
      ​​​​​​​
9. Time, place and manner of restrictions on student expression.
   1. Student expression may be conveyed and official student publications may be distributed in a reasonable manner on or off school premises.
   2. Student expression and distribution of official school publications in a reasonable manner will not encourage students to:
      
      1. commit unlawful acts;
      2. violate school rules;
      3. cause the material and substantial disruption of the orderly and efficient operation of the school district or school activity;
      4. disrupt or interfere with the education program;
      5. interrupt the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere; or
      6. infringe on the rights of others.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed: 7/29/2024                   Revised:   

Student Expression

It is the goal of the district to protect the educational environment for all students to help ensure it is free from substantial disruption or infringement upon their rights.  Student expression should be appropriate to help ensure that the students learn and meet the goals of the school activity and that the potential audience is not exposed to material that may be harmful or inappropriate for their level of maturity.

While students will generally be allowed to express their viewpoints and opinions, in certain qualifying circumstances, student speech may require administrative regulation to help ensure the safety and welfare of the school community.  The district may regulate speech that:  causes or is reasonably anticipated to cause a material and substantial disruption to the education environment; infringes upon the rights of others; is obscene or lewd; is school sponsored; and/or promotes illegal activity.  The administration, when making this judgment, will consider whether the activity in which the expression was made is school-sponsored and whether review or prohibition of the students' speech furthers an educational purpose.  The expression must be done in a reasonable time, place, and manner that is not disruptive to the orderly and efficient operation of the school district.

The superintendent may develop procedures for safely addressing qualifying types of mass protests by students, including walk-ins and walk-outs.  Walk-ins occur when students leave their learning environments during school hours and gather in a group or groups with the purpose of promoting a belief or beliefs.  Walk-outs occur when students leave their learning environments during school hours and gather in a group or groups off district property with the purpose of promoting a belief or beliefs.  

The superintendent is encouraged to obtain feedback from community stakeholders in the development of these procedures.  The goal of the procedures shall be to address student safety, maintain the education environment and promote communication during demonstrations while remaining viewpoint neutral.

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

Student Publications

Students may produce official school publications as part of the curriculum under the supervision of a faculty advisor and the principal.  Official school publications include material produced in journalism, newspaper, yearbook, or writing classes and distributed to the student body either free or for a fee.

Any expression made by students, including student expression in official school publications, is not an expression of official school policy.  The school district, the board, and the employees or officials are
not liable in any civil or criminal action for any student expression made or published by students unless the employees or officials have interfered with or altered the content of the student speech or expression.  The liability, if any, is only to the extent of the interference or alteration of the speech or expression.

Official school publications are free from prior restraint by employees or officials except as provided by law.  A faculty advisor will supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with the law including, but not limited to, the restrictions against unlawful speech.  The production of official school publications is guided by the law and by the ethical standards adopted by professional associations or societies of journalism.

Persons, other than students, who believe they have been aggrieved by student expression in a student-produced official school publication will follow the grievance procedure outlined in board policy 214.1.  Students who believe their freedom of expression in a student-produced official school publication has been restricted will follow the grievance procedure outlined in board policy 563.

The superintendent is responsible for developing a student publications code.  This code will include, but not be limited to, reasonable rules including time, place, and manner of restrictions.  The superintendent will also be responsible for distributing this policy and the student publications code to the students and their parents.

Approved: 11/28/2022.                    Review: 6/4/2024                 Revised 11/28/2022

Creating an environment where students feel comfortable addressing their concerns in a meaningful manner is vital to the learning process.  It is the goal of the board to resolve student complaints at the lowest organizational level. Student complaints and grievances regarding board policy or administrative regulations, or other matters should first be addressed to the student's teacher or another licensed employee, other than the administration, for resolution of the complaint.  

If the complaint cannot be resolved by a student’s teacher or other licensed employee, the student may discuss the matter with the principal within 3 days of the employee's decision.  If the matter cannot be resolved by the principal, the student may discuss it with the superintendent within 5 days after speaking with the principal.

If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved by the superintendent, the student may ask to have the matter placed on the board agenda of a regularly scheduled board meeting in compliance with board policy.  The board retains discretion as to whether to consider or take action on any complaint. 

Approved:     7/15/2019                         Reviewed:                     Revised:  07/29/2024

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

To ensure students are properly maintaining their assigned lockers, the principal/designee of the building may periodically inspect all or a random selection of lockers.  Either students or another individual will be present during the inspection of lockers. Student lockers may also be searched at any time and without advance notice, in compliance with Board policy regulating search and seizure.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed: 6/4/2024                    Revised:   

The Board believes weapons, look-a likes, other dangerous objects and any instrument used as a weapon in District facilities cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors on the District premises or property within the jurisdiction of the District.

District facilities are not an appropriate place for weapons, look-a-likes, dangerous objects or any instrument used as a weapon.  Weapons, look-a-likes, other dangerous objects, and any instrument used as a weapon shall be taken from students and others who bring them onto District property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the District or from students who are within the control of the District.  Students bringing a weapon, look-a-like, other dangerous object or any instrument used as a weapon onto school property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the school may be suspended or expelled from school.

Parents/guardians of students found to possess a weapon, look-a-like, dangerous object or any instrument used as a weapon on school property shall be notified of the incident.  Confiscation of weapons, look-a-likes, dangerous objects or any instruments used as a weapon shall be reported to the law enforcement officials, and students shall be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

Students bringing firearms to school or knowingly possessing firearms at school shall be expelled for not less than one year.  The superintendent/designee shall have the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for students on a case-by-case basis.  For purposes of this portion of this policy, the term "firearm" includes, but is not limited to, any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon, or any explosive, incendiary or poison gas.

For purposes of this policy, the term “dangerous object” includes any instrument or device designed primarily for use in inflicting death or injury upon a human being or animal, and which is capable of inflicting death upon a human being when used in the manner for which it was designed.  The term “dangerous object” also includes any instrument or device or any sort whatsoever which is actually used in such a manner as to indicate that the individual intends to inflict death or injury upon the other, and which, when so used, is capable of inflicting death upon a human being.  In addition, dangerous objects or any instrument used as a weapon in the school includes any object used to intimidate, coerce, scare or threaten a student, school district employee or visitor. Dangerous objects therefore include, but are not limited to, clubs, nunchakus, brass knuckles, knives regardless of blade length, stun guns, BB and pellet guns, toy guns used or displayed as real guns, and unloaded guns.

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

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed: 6/4/2024                     Revised:   

The board believes it is imperative to promote the health and well-being of all students in the district.  The district will provide a substance use prevention program and set restrictions on substance use by students in accordance with applicable law.

The board prohibits the distribution, dispensing, manufacture, possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco/nicotine products, other controlled substances, or "look alike" substances that appear to be tobacco/nicotine products, alcohol or controlled substances by students while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district. "Controlled substances" in this policy refers to the misuse of both licit and illicit drugs. 

The board believes such illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials generally cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors.

Violation of this policy by students will result in disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.  Use, purchase or being in possession of tobacco/nicotine products for those under the age of twenty-one, may be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.  Possession, use or being under the influence of alcohol and/or of a controlled substance may also be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.

Students who violate the terms of this policy may be required to satisfactorily complete a substance use assistance or rehabilitation program approved by the school board.  If such student fails to satisfactorily complete such a program, the student may be subject to discipline including suspension or expulsion.

The board believes the substance use prevention program will include:

• Age-appropriate, evidence-based substance use prevention curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through twelve, which address the legal, social, and health consequences of tobacco, drug and alcohol use and which provide information about effective techniques for resisting social pressure to use tobacco, drugs or alcohol;
• A statement to students that the use of controlled substances and the unlawful possession and use of tobacco/nicotine products and alcohol is harmful to student well-being;
• Standards of conduct for students that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, being under the influence of or distribution of controlled substances, tobacco/nicotine products and/or alcohol by students on school premises or as part of any of its activities;
• A clear statement that disciplinary sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the policy and a description of those sanctions;
• A statement that students may be required to complete a substance use evaluation to determine whether substance use disorder treatment is recommended and, if recommended, successfully complete an appropriate rehabilitation program;
• Information about drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs available to students;
• A requirement that parents and students be given a copy of the standards of conduct and the statement of disciplinary sanctions required; and,
• Notification to parents and students that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory.

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

Approved:   7/15/2019       Reviewed: 6/4/2024                    Revised:  02/26/2024

I.          General Searches
    A. Reasonable and Articulable Suspicion: A search of a student will be justified when there are reasonable grounds for the suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law or school district policy, rules or regulations affecting school order.  Reasonable suspicion may be formed by considering factors such as the following:
1.  Eyewitness observations by employees;
2.  Information received from reliable sources;
3.  Suspicious behavior by the student; or
4.  The student's past history and school record, although this factor alone is not sufficient to provide the basis for reasonable suspicion.          

    B. Reasonable Scope: A search will be permissible in its scope or intrusiveness when the measures adopted are reasonably related to the objectives of the search.  Reasonableness of scope or intrusiveness may be determined based on factors such as the following:
1.  The age of the student;
2.  The gender of the student;
3.   The nature of the infraction; and
4.   The existence of an emergency requiring the search without delay.

II.         Types of Searches
      A. Personal Searches
1.  A student's person and/or personal effects (e.g., purse, backpack, etc.) may be searched when a school official has reasonable suspicion to believe the student is in possession of illegal or contraband items or has violated school district policies, rules, regulations or the law affecting school order.
2.  Personally intrusive searches will require more compelling circumstances to be considered reasonable.
      a. If a pat-down search or a search of a student's garments (such as jackets, socks, pockets, etc.) is conducted, it will be conducted in private by a school official of the same gender as the student and with another adult witness of the same gender present, when feasible.
      b. A more intrusive search, short of a strip search, of the student's person, handbags, book bags, etc., is permissible in emergency situations when the health and safety of students, employees or visitors are threatened.  Such a search may only be conducted in private by a school official of the same gender as the student, with an adult of the same gender present unless the health or safety of students will be endangered by the delay which may be caused by following these procedures.

      B. Locker and Desk Inspections
1.  Although school lockers and desks are temporarily assigned to individual students, they remain the property of the school district at all times.  The school district has a reasonable and valid interest in insuring the lockers and desks are properly maintained. For this reason, lockers and desks are subject to unannounced inspections and students have no legitimate expectations of privacy in the locker or desk.  Periodic inspections of all or a random selection of lockers or desks may be conducted by school officials in the presence of the student or another individual. Any contraband discovered during such searches will be confiscated by school officials and may be turned over to law enforcement officials.
2.  The contents of a student's locker  or desk (coat, backpack, purse, etc.) may be searched when a school official has reasonable and articulable suspicion that the contents contains illegal or contraband items or evidence of a violation of law or school policy or rule.  Such searches should be conducted in the presence of another adult witness when feasible.
      C.    Automobile Searches
1.  Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right.  The school retains authority to conduct routine patrols of the student parking lots. The interior of a student's automobile on the school premises may be searched if the school official has reasonable and articulatable suspicion to believe that illegal, unauthorized or contraband items are contained inside.

Approved:  7/15/2019                        Reviewed: 6/4/2024                    Revised:   

School District property is held in public trust by the Board.  School District authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student areas, based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a school District policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated.  The search is in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline in the schools, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students, employees, and visitors to the school District facilities.  The furnishing of a locker, desk or other facility or space owned by the school and provided as a courtesy to a student, even if the student provides the lock for it, shall not create a protected student area and shall not give rise to an expectation of privacy with respect the locker, desk, or other facility.

School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search.  Items of contraband may include, but are not limited to, nonprescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property.  Such items are not to be possessed by a student while they are on school District property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school District; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school District.  Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion and may be reported to local law enforcement officials. The Board believes that illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials may cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors on the school District premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school District.

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

Approved: 7/15/2019                                  Reviewed:  6/4/2024                   Revised:   

Generally, persons other than parents and school District officials and employees may not interview students during the school day. 

Requests from law enforcement officers and from persons other than parents, school District officials, and employees to interview students are made through the principal's office. Upon receiving a request, it is the responsibility of the principal to determine whether the request will be granted. Generally, prior to granting a request, the principal will attempt to contact the parents to inform them of the request and to ask them to be present.

If a child abuse investigator wishes to interview a student, the principal will determine whether the student should be interviewed independently from the student's parents, whether the school is the most appropriate setting for the interview, and who will be present during the interview.

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

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised: 07/29/2024  

The District shall provide equal opportunity to all students for quality education in accordance with federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

Approved:  7/15/2019                         Reviewed:                     Revised:  

The board believes inappropriate student conduct causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment, interferes with the rights of others, or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors on school premises.  Appropriate classroom behavior allows teachers to communicate more effectively with students.

Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.  Consequences for the misconduct will be fair and developmentally appropriate in light of the circumstances.

Students who fail to abide by this policy, and the administrative regulations supporting it, may be disciplined for conduct which disrupts or interferes with the education program; conduct which disrupts the orderly and efficient operation of the school district or school activity; conduct which disrupts the rights of other students to participate in or obtain their education; conduct that is violent or destructive; or conduct which interrupts the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere.  Disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion.

Removal from the classroom means a student is sent to the building principal's office.  It is within the discretion of the person in charge of the classroom to remove the student.  

Detention means the student's presence is required during non-school hours for disciplinary purposes.  The student can be required to appear prior to the beginning of the school day, after school has been dismissed for the day, or on a non-school day.  Whether a student will serve detention, and the length of the detention, is within the discretion of the licensed employee or the building principal, disciplining the student.

 In-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision.  An in-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days.  

Out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities.  An out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days unless due process is provided as required by federal and state law.  A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities.

Probation means a student is given a conditional suspension of a penalty for a definite period of time in addition to being reprimanded.  The conditional suspension will mean the student must meet the conditions and terms for the suspension of the penalty.  Failure of the student to meet these conditions and terms will result in immediate reinstatement of the penalty.

Expulsion means an action by the board to remove a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, for a period of time set by the board.

This policy is not intended to address the use of therapeutic classrooms or seclusion rooms for students. 

Discipline of special education students, including suspensions and expulsions, will comply with the provisions of applicable federal and state laws. 

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

Administrative Action

1. Probation
    
   1. Probation is conditional suspension of a penalty for a set period of time.  Probation may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school.
   2. The principal will conduct an investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of probation.  The investigation will include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond.  Notice and reasons for the probation will be given to the parents.
       
2. In-School Suspension
    
   1.  In-school suspensions may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules, which are serious but which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school.
   2. The principal will conduct an investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of an in-school suspension.  The investigation will include, but not be limited to, notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond.  In-school suspension will not be imposed for more than ten school days. Notice and reasons for the in-school suspension will be given to the student's parents.
       
   3. Out-of-School Suspension
       
      1.  Out-of-school suspension is to be used when other available school resources are unable to constructively remedy student misconduct.
      2. A student may be suspended out of school for up to ten school days by a principal for a commission of gross or repeated infractions of school rules, regulations, policy or the law, or when the presence of the student will cause interference with the maintenance of the educational environment or the operation of the school.  The principal may suspend students after conducting an investigation of the charges against the student, giving the student:
         
         1. Oral or written notice of the allegations against the student, and
         2. The opportunity to respond to those charges 
      3. Notice of the out-of-school suspension will be given no later than the end of the school day following the suspension to the student's parents and the superintendent. A reasonable effort is made to personally notify the student's parents and such effort is documented by the person making or attempting to make the contact.  
          
   4. Suspensions and Special Education Students
      1. Students who have been identified as special education students may be referred for a review of the student's Individual Education Program (IEP).  The IEP may be revised to include a continuum of intervention strategies and programming to change the behavior.
      2. Students who have not been identified as special education students may be referred for evaluation after the student's suspension to determine whether the student has a disability and is in need of special education.

Only the board may remove a student from the school environment for more than ten (10) consecutive school days.  

Students may be expelled for violations of board policy, school rules or the law.  It is within the discretion of the board to discipline a student by using an expulsion for a single offense or for a series of offenses depending on the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the offense.

It is within the discretion of the superintendent to recommend to the board the expulsion of a student for disciplinary purposes. Only the board may take action to expel a student and to readmit the student.  The principal will keep records of expulsions in addition to the board's records.

When a student is recommended for expulsion by the board, the student is provided with:

1. Notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion;
2. The names of the witnesses and an oral or written report on the facts to which each witness testifies unless the witnesses are students whose names may be released at the discretion of the superintendent;
3. An opportunity to present a defense against the charges and provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses on the student's behalf;
4. The right to be represented by counsel; and
5. The results and finding of the board in writing open to the student's inspection.

In addition to these procedures, a special education student must be provided with additional procedures.  A determination should be made of whether the student is actually guilty of the misconduct.  A staffing team should determine whether the student's behavior is caused by the student's disability and whether the conduct is the result of inappropriate placement.  Discussions and conclusions of this meeting should be recorded.

If the special education student's conduct is not caused by the disability, the student may be expelled or suspended for a long-term period following written notice to the parent and pursuant to the school district's expulsion hearing procedures.  If the misconduct is caused by the disability and a change in placement is recommended, the change must be made pursuant to the placement procedures used by the school district.

                     Approved: 07/29/2024                       Reviewed:                    Revised:              

The board believes students should respect school district property and assist in its preservation for future use by others. Students may be assessed fines, charges or fees for the materials needed in a course, for overdue school materials, for participating in activities or for misuse of school property.

The superintendent/designee shall inform the Board of the dollar amount to be charged to students or others for charges or fees annually.  Parents of students meeting specific financial eligibility standards will be eligible for a waiver of student fees or a reduction of student fees based upon the request of the parent/guardian.

Fines or charges assessed for damage or loss to school property are not fees and will not be waived.

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

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised: 07/29/2024  

The Board recognizes that while certain fees charged students are appropriate and authorized, certain students and their families are not financially able to pay the fees.  The school district will grant either full waivers, partial waivers or temporary waivers depending upon the circumstances and the student or student's parents' ability to meet the financial criteria.

A. Waivers

                  1. Full Waivers. A student will be granted a full waiver of fees charged by the school District if the student or student's parents meet the financial eligibility criteria for free meals under the Child Nutrition program (including receiving free or reduced price lunch), Family Investment Program (FIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) guidelines or transportation assistance under open enrollment.  Students in foster care are also eligible for full waivers.

                  2. Partial Waivers.  A student will be granted a partial waiver of fees charged by the school district if the student or the student's parents meet the financial eligibility criteria for reduced price meals offered under the Child Nutrition program. The reduction percentage will be 50%.
                 

B. Application.  Parents or students eligible for a fee waiver will make an application on the form provided by the school District.  Applications may be made at any time but must be renewed annually.

C.  Confidentiality.  The school district will treat the application and application process as any other student record and student confidentiality and access provisions will be followed.

D. Appeals. Denials of a waiver will follow the Free and Reduced Meal appeal process

E. Fines or charges assesd for damage or loos to school property are not fees and will not be waived.

F.   Notice.  The school district will annually notify parents and students of the waiver.  The following information will be included in registration materials.

Students whose families meet the income guidelines for free and reduced price lunch, the Family Investment Program (FIP), or transportation assistance under open enrollment, or who are in foster care are eligible to have their student fees waived or partially waived.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                Reviewed:                     Revised: 07/29/2024   

Participation in school activities is a privilege.  School activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and abilities in the students during their school years and for their lifetimes.

Students who participate in extracurricular activities serve as ambassadors of the school district throughout the calendar year, whether away from school or at school.  Students who wish to have the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities must conduct themselves in accordance with board policy and must refrain from activities which are illegal, immoral or unhealthy.

Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be subject to disciplinary measures.  The principal will keep records of violations of the good conduct rule.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop rules and regulations for school activities.  Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised: 7/29/2024  

The use of corporal punishment, mechanical restraint and/or prone restraint is prohibited in all schools.  Corporal punishment is defined as the intentional physical punishment of a student.  It includes the use of unreasonable or unnecessary physical force or physical contact made with the intent to harm or cause pain.  No employee is prohibited from any of the following which are not considered corporal punishment:

• Using reasonable and necessary force, not designed or intended to cause pain, in order to accomplish any of the following:
  • To quell a disturbance or prevent an act that threatens physical harm to any person.
  • To obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object(s) within a student's control.
  • For the purposes of self-defense or defense of others as provided for in Iowa Code section 704.03.
  • For the protection of property as provided for in IOWA CODE section 704.04 or 704.05.
  • To remove a disruptive student from class or any area of school premises or from school-sponsored activities off school premises.
  • To protect a student from the self-infliction of harm.
  • To protect the safety of others.

• Using incidental, minor, or reasonable physical contact to maintain order and control.

Mechanical restraint means the use of a device as a means of restricting a student’s freedom of movement. Mechanical restraint does not mean a device used by a trained individual for specific approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the device was designed and, if applicable, prescribed, including restraints for medical immobilization, adaptive devices or mechanical supports used to allow greater freedom of mobility than would be possible without use of such devices or mechanical supports; and vehicle safety restraints when used as intended during the transport of a student in a moving vehicle.  

Prone restraint means any restraint in which the student is held face down on the floor.  

Reasonable force should be commensurate with the circumstances of the situation.  The following factors should be considered in using reasonable physical force for the reasons stated in this policy:

1. The size and physical, mental, and psychological condition of the student;
2. The nature of the student's behavior or misconduct provoking the use of physical force;
3. The instrumentality used in applying the physical force;
4. The extent and nature of resulting injury to the student, if any, including mental and psychological injury;
5. The motivation of the school employee using physical force.

Upon request, the student's parents are given an explanation of the reasons for physical force.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Approved:  7/29/2024             Review:                Revised:         

It is the goal of the district that all students can learn and grow in a safe and peaceful environment that nurtures the student and models respect for oneself and others.  On occasion, trained district employees and others may have to use behavior management interventions, physical restraint and/or seclusion of students.  The goal of these interventions is to promote the dignity, care, safety, welfare and security of each child and the school community.  With this objective in mind, the district will prioritize the use of the least restrictive behavioral interventions appropriate for the situation. 

Physical restraint means a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move the student’s arms, legs, body, or head freely.  Physical restraint does not mean a technique used by trained school personnel, or used by a student, for the specific and approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the technique was designed and, if applicable, prescribed.  Physical restraint does not include instructional strategies, such as physically guiding a student during an educational task, hand-shaking, hugging, or other non-disciplinary physical contact.  

Seclusion means the involuntary confinement of a child in a seclusion room or area from which the child is prevented or prohibited from leaving; however, preventing a child from leaving a classroom or school building are not considered seclusion.  Seclusion does not include instances when a school employee is present within the room and providing services to the child, such as crisis intervention or instruction.  

Physical restraint or seclusion is reasonable or necessary only:

• To prevent or terminate an imminent threat of bodily injury to the student or others; or
• To prevent serious damage to property of significant monetary value or significant nonmonetary value or importance; or
• When the student’s actions seriously disrupt the learning environment or when physical restraint or seclusion is necessary to ensure the safety of the student or others; and
• When less restrictive alternatives to seclusion or physical restraint would not be effective, would not be feasible under the circumstances, or have failed in preventing or terminating the imminent threat or behavior; and
• When the physical restraint or seclusion complies with all applicable laws.

Prior to using physical restraint or seclusion, employees must receive training in accordance with the law.  Any individual who is not employed by the district but whose duties could require the individual to use or be present during the use of physical restraint or seclusion on a student will be invited to participate in the same training offered to employees on this topic.  

When required by law, the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee will ensure a post-occurrence debriefing meeting is held, maintain documentation and fulfill all reporting requirements for each occurrence of physical restraint or seclusion as required by law. 

                           Approved:  7/29/2024             Reviewed:           Revised: 

It is the goal of the district that all students can learn and grow in a safe and peaceful environment that nurtures the student and models respect for oneself and others.  On occasion, trained district employees and others may have to use behavior management interventions, physical restraint and/or seclusion of students.  The goal of these interventions is to promote the dignity, care, safety, welfare and security of each child and the school community.  With this objective in mind, the district will prioritize the use of the least restrictive behavioral interventions appropriate for the situation. 

Physical restraint means a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move the student’s arms, legs, body, or head freely.  Physical restraint does not mean a technique used by trained school personnel, or used by a student, for the specific and approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the technique was designed and, if applicable, prescribed.  Physical restraint does not include instructional strategies, such as physically guiding a student during an educational task, hand-shaking, hugging, or other non-disciplinary physical contact.  

Seclusion means the involuntary confinement of a child in a seclusion room or area from which the child is prevented or prohibited from leaving; however, preventing a child from leaving a classroom or school building are not considered seclusion.  Seclusion does not include instances when a school employee is present within the room and providing services to the child, such as crisis intervention or instruction.  

Physical restraint or seclusion is reasonable or necessary only:

• To prevent or terminate an imminent threat of bodily injury to the student or others; or
• To prevent serious damage to property of significant monetary value or significant nonmonetary value or importance; or
• When the student’s actions seriously disrupt the learning environment or when physical restraint or seclusion is necessary to ensure the safety of the student or others; and
• When less restrictive alternatives to seclusion or physical restraint would not be effective, would not be feasible under the circumstances, or have failed in preventing or terminating the imminent threat or behavior; and
• When the physical restraint or seclusion complies with all applicable laws.

Prior to using physical restraint or seclusion, employees must receive training in accordance with the law.  Any individual who is not employed by the district but whose duties could require the individual to use or be present during the use of physical restraint or seclusion on a student will be invited to participate in the same training offered to employees on this topic.  

When required by law, the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee will ensure a post-occurrence debriefing meeting is held, maintain documentation and fulfill all reporting requirements for each occurrence of physical restraint or seclusion as required by law.  

Approved: 7/29/2024                                         Reviewed:                                      Revised:

The District will comply with 281 Iowa Administrative Code Ch. 103 for the use of physical restraint and seclusion with students, including, but not limited to:

• Physical restraint and seclusion will be used only by employees who have been trained in accordance with applicable law unless a trained employee is not immediately available due to the unforeseeable nature of the occurrence.
• As soon as practical after the situation is under control, but within one hour after either the occurrence or the end of the school day, whichever occurs first, the school will attempt to contact the student’s parent or guardian using the school’s emergency contact system.
• The seclusion or physical restraint is used only for as long as necessary based on research and evidence to allow the student to regain control of their behavior to the point that the threat or behavior necessitating the use of the seclusion or physical restraint has ended, or when a medical condition occurs that puts the student at risk of harm.  Unless otherwise provided for in the student’s written approved IEP, BIP, IHP or safety plan, if the seclusion or physical restraint continues for more than 15 minutes:
  • The student will be provided with any necessary breaks to attend to personal and bodily needs, unless doing so would endanger the child or others.
  • An employee will obtain approval from an administrator or administrator’s designee to continue seclusion or physical restraint beyond 15 minutes.  After the initial approval, an employee must obtain additional approval every 30 minutes thereafter for the continuation of the seclusion or physical restraint.
  • The student’s parent or guardian and the school may agree to more frequent notifications than is required by law.
  • Schools and district employees must document and explain in writing the reasons why it was not possible for the employees to obtain approval, notify parents, or take action within prescribed time limits.
  • Schools and district employees who begin and then end use of nonapproved restraints will document and explain in writing the reasons why they had no other option but to use this type of behavioral intervention. 
• The area of seclusion will be a designated seclusion room that complies with the seclusion room requirements in accordance with law, unless the nature of the occurrence makes the use of the designated seclusion room impossible, clearly impractical, or clearly contrary to the safety of the student, others, or both; in that event, the school must document and explain in writing the reasons why a designated seclusion room was not used.
• An employee must continually visually monitor the student for the duration of the seclusion or physical restraint.
• If an employee restrains a student who uses sign language or an augmentive mode of communication as the student’s primary mode of communication, the student shall be permitted to have the student’s hands free of physical restraint, unless doing so is not feasible in view of the threat posed.
• Seclusion or physical restraint shall not be used:  as punishment or discipline; to force compliance or to retaliate; as a substitute for appropriate educational or behavioral support; to prevent property damage except as provided in law; as a routine school safety measure; or as a convenience to staff. 
• The Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee will investigate any complaint or allegation that one or more employees violated any provisions of 281 Iowa Administrative Code Ch. 103.  If the District determines a violation has occurred, corrective action will be taken up to and including termination of the employees involved.  If the allegation or complaint involves a specific student the District will notify the parents or guardian of the involved student about the results of the investigation.  If any allegation or complaint is also defined as abuse in 281 Iowa Administrative Code 102.2, the procedures listed in chapter 102 will apply.
• The District must comply with and implement Chapter 103 whether or not a parent consents to the use of physical restraint or seclusion.

                                Approved: 7/29/2024              Reviewed:               Revised:          

It is the goal of the district to provide a safe and supportive educational environment in which all students may learn.  As part of creating that safe educational environment, no employee of the district will provide false or misleading information to the parent/guardian of a student regarding that student’s gender identity or intention to transition to a gender that is different from their birth certificate or certificate issued upon adoption.   

If a student makes a request to a licensed employee to accommodate a gender identity, name, or pronoun that is different than what was assigned to the student in the student’s registration forms or records, the licensed employee is required by Iowa law to report the request to an administrator. The school administrator receiving the report is required by Iowa law to report the request to the student’s parent/guardian.  This requirement also applies to all nicknames.

To maintain compliance with Iowa law and also provide efficiency in the reporting requirements listed above, the Superintendent will provide the opportunity for parents and guardians to list in the student’s registration paperwork any and all nicknames used for students.
 

Approved:  08/14/2023                    Reviewed:                       Revised:

This is the model policy published by the Iowa Department of Education, which all districts are required to adopt as a result of HF 604 passed in 2023. 

1 Sept. 14, 2023

Model Policies for Discipline of Students Who Make Threats of Violence or Cause Incidents of Violence

Introduction

The 2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), signed by Governor Reynolds on May 26, 2023, requires the Iowa Department of Education to develop and distribute a model policy for school districts and charter schools that, if adopted, satisfies a school district's or charter school’s responsibilities under Iowa Code 279.79 established by the Act. These model policies are intended to support a school district and charter school in meeting the requirements of new Iowa Code section 279.79 and in developing policies for different grade levels that describe how a school district or charter school may discipline a student for making a threat of violence or causing an incident of violence that results in injury or property damage or assault. Districts are required to: • Publish the district policy on the district website (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 1). • Provide each parent or guardian with a copy of the policy and require the parent or guardian acknowledge receipt of the policy in writing or electronically (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 8).

Discipline Policy

Discipline is designed to promote behavior that will enable students to learn and successfully participate in their educational and social environments. The district discipline policy for students who make a threat of violence or commit an act of violence is developed to help students understand their obligations to others in the school setting, secure the safety of all students, staff and the community, and to correct student behavior if a violation occurs (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 1). Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting their age, grade level, and maturity, and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district. Consequences for the misconduct will be fair and tailored to the age, grade level and maturity of the student. Discipline and other responses to threats or incidents of violence by a student with a disability, including removal from a class, placement in a therapeutic classroom, suspensions, and expulsions, will comply with the provisions of applicable federal and state laws including, but not limited to, the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 3).

District Response to a Threat or Incident of Violence by a Student

Reporting A Threat of Violence or Incidence of Violence
In the case of any threat of violence or incident of violence that results in injury, property damage or assault by a student, the teacher will report to the school principal or lead administrator within 24 hours of the incident. The principal or lead administrator will notify the parent or guardian of the student(s) who threatened or perpetrated an act of violence and the student(s) who the threatened or perpetrated act of violence was made against within 24 hours after receipt of the teacher’s report and complete an investigation of the incident as soon as possible. The classroom teacher may also notify the parent or guardian of the student who made the threat or caused the incident, and the parent or guardian of the student against whom the threat or incident was directed (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 4). An investigation will be initiated by the principal or lead administrator upon learning of an incident of violence or threat of violence through any credible means. If the principal or lead administrator finds that an incident of violence or threat of violence did occur, the administrator will determine the level of threat or incident by considering all aspects of the situation, including the student's intent and knowledge of the impact of their actions, their developmental level and context of the incident. The resolution will focus on identifying the cause behind the behavior and appropriate corrective action (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsections 1 and 4). A student who makes a threat of violence, causes an incident of violence that results in injury or property damage, or who commits an assault, will be subject to escalating levels of discipline for each occurrence. When appropriate, referrals will be made to local law enforcement. The district retains the authority to assign the level of disciplinary measures appropriate to the severity of the threat of violence or incident of violence (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 5).

Threat of Violence
Threat of violence means a written, verbal, electronic or behavioral message that either explicitly or implicitly expresses an intention to inflict emotional or physical injury, property damage, or assault.

Incident of Violence
Incident of violence means the intentional use of physical force or power against oneself, another person, a group or community or property resulting in injury, property damage or assault.

Injury
Injury means “physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical condition.” State v. McKee, 312 N.W.2d 907, 913 (Iowa 1981).

Property Damage
Property damage means any destruction, damage, impairment or alteration of property to which the individual does not have a right to take such an action. Property means real property, which includes any real estate, building, or fixture attached to a building or structure, and personal property, which includes intangible property (Iowa Code section 4.1(21)).

Assault
Assault means when, without justification, a student does any of the following: an act which is intended to cause pain or injury to, or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or intentionally points any firearm toward another or displays in a threatening manner any dangerous weapon toward another. The act is not an assault when the person doing any of the above and the other person are voluntary participants in a sport, social or other activity, not in itself criminal, when the act is a reasonably foreseeable incident of such sport or activity, and does not create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or breach of the peace (Following Iowa Code section 708.1).

Approved:           Reviewed:             Revised: 07/29/2024

Please visit the links on the Knoxville Community School (KCSD) Website:

Overview of the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG)

Forms: Comprehensive School Threat Assessment

Approved:          Revised:              Reviewed: 07/29/2024

In order to promote the best educational experience, students should feel connected to their educational environment and to others in the school community. Building meaningful connections can occur in a variety of ways. Technology has advanced peoples' ability to connect with one another across a variety of virtual platforms, and when used appropriately, adds value to the learning environment. However, it is vital to the developmental health and growth of students that the district provides opportunities for students to connect with peers and other members of their school community in-person whenever possible. In-person learning and interactions teach vital life and social skills that students will need for their continued success in the community. 

Students have access to district-owned electronic devices as appropriate for the instructional needs of the learning environment and authorized by the classroom teacher. Personal electronic devices means any device that is capable of electronically communicating, sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing and/or displaying information and data. Students may wear smart or electronic watches but may not use any communication applications or features that are prohibited from use on other electronic devices and all notifications must be turned off. Personal electronic devices that have been specifically authorized under a current individual education plan (IEP), a Section 504 plan, or an Individual Health Plan (IHP) are exempt from this policy.

Please refer to student handbooks for building-specific procedures related to this policy.  Every district staff member is empowered to assist in the enforcement of this policy and regulation as appropriate.

The district is not responsible for the loss, theft, or destruction of personal electronic devices brought onto school, or district property, or while the student is attending district or school-sponsored events.

***Recommendation: Replace full policy above with italicized version below that is highlighted.

In order to promote the best educational experience, students should feel connected to their educational environment and to others in the school community. Building meaningful connections can occur in a variety of ways. Technology has advanced peoples' ability to connect with one another across a variety of virtual platforms, and when used appropriately, adds value to the learning environment. However, it is vital to the developmental health and growth of students that the district provides opportunities for students to connect with peers and other members of their school community in-person whenever possible. In-person learning and interactions teach vital life and social skills that students will need for their continued success in the community. 

Students have access to district-owned electronic devices as appropriate for the instructional needs of the learning environment and authorized by the classroom teacher. For this reason, student use of personal electronic devices during the academic school day is prohibited. For purposes of this policy, the academic school day is defined within the annual board approved KCSD Calendar with the official start and end time designated for each day. Personal electronic devices means any device that is capable of electronically communicating, sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing and/or displaying information and data. Personal electronic devices that have been specifically authorized under a current individual education plan (IEP), a Section 504 plan, or an Individual Health Plan (IHP) for a specific purpose will be permitted only for the tasks identified in those plans and procedures outlined in the IEP/504/IHP will need to be followed as written. This policy will be in effect for any other use of that personal electronic device.

Please refer to student handbooks for building-specific procedures related to this policy.  Every district staff member is empowered to assist in the enforcement of this policy as appropriate.

The district is not responsible for the loss, theft, or destruction of personal electronic devices brought onto school, or district property, or while the student is attending district or school-sponsored events.

Students who choose to use personal electronic devices outside the academic school day but while on school property, at school-sponsored events, or in a manner that may impact the educational environment must use these devices in accordance with all applicable laws and board policies. Students who violate this policy may face disciplinary consequences.

Approved:   11/11/2024                         Reviewed:                                     Revised: 
 

The District supports the delivery of the education program and services to students free of discrimination on the basis of age (except for students), race, color, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.  This concept of equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the District, the Board and the 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 may 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.

Approved: 7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   

The student senate provides for student activities, serves as a training experience for student leaders, promotes the common good, gives students a share in the management of the school, develops high ideals of personal conduct, acts as a clearinghouse for student activities, seeks to interest students in school District affairs and helps solve problems that may arise.  Members of the senate are student representatives who have direct access to the administration.

The principal, in conjunction with the students and licensed employees, will set forth the guidelines for the student government's elections, operations, and other elements of the government.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed: 6/4/2024                    Revised:  

Secondary school student-initiated, noncurriculum-related groups and student curriculum-related groups, upon receiving permission from the principal, may use school facilities for group meetings during non-instructional time.

Non-instructional time will mean any time before the first period of the day and after the last period of the day in which any student attends class. Meetings will not interfere with the orderly conduct of the education program or other school district operations.  It is within the discretion of the principal to determine whether the meetings will interfere with the orderly conduct of the education program or other school district operations. Activities relating to and part of the education program will have priority over the activities of another organization.

Curriculum-Related Organizations

It will also be the responsibility of the principal to determine whether a student group is curriculum-related.  One or more of the following questions will be answered affirmatively if the group is curriculum-related:

• Is the subject matter of the group actually taught in a regularly offered course?
• Will the subject matter of the group soon be taught in a regularly offered course?
• Does the subject matter of the group concern the body of courses as a whole?
• Is participation in the group required for a particular course?
• Does participation in the group result in academic credit?

Secondary school curriculum-related student organizations may use the school district facilities for meetings and other purposes before and after the instructional school day.  Employees are assigned to monitor approved meetings and may interact with curriculum-related organizations.

Noncurriculum-Related Organizations

Student-initiated, noncurriculum-related organizations are provided access to meeting space and school district facilities.

Only students may attend and participate in meetings of noncurriculum-related groups.  Such attendance is strictly voluntary and student-initiated.  As a means of determining whether a student's attendance is voluntary, the principal may require parental consent for the student to attend the meetings.

Employees will be assigned to monitor approved meetings.  Employees will not participate in the meeting or assist in planning, criticizing, or encouraging attendance.  Only students may be involved in and attend the noncurriculum group's meetings. 

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

Approved: 7/15/2019                                Reviewed:                     Revised: 07/29/2024  

Participation in school activities is a privilege.  School activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and ability in the students during their school years and for their lifetime.

Students will have an opportunity to participate in a school activity unless the activity is not offered or the student cannot participate for disciplinary reasons.  If the activity is an intramural or interscholastic athletic activity, students of the opposite sex will have a comparable opportunity for participation.  Comparable opportunity does not guarantee boys and girls will be allowed to play on each other's teams when there are athletic activities available that will allow both boys and girls to reap the benefits of school activities, which are the promotion of additional interests and abilities in the students.

Student activity events must be approved by administration unless they involve unusual travel expense, in which case the board will take action. The events must not disrupt the education program or other school district operations.

A high school student who participates in school sponsored athletics may participate in a non-school sponsored port during the same season.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent/designee to develop administrative regulations for each school activity.  These regulations will include, but not be limited to, when physical examinations will be required, how and when parents will be informed about the risk of the activity, academic requirements, and proof of insurance on the student participating in certain activities.  Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.

Approved:              Reviewed:               Revised: 07/29/2024

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 in school owned and/or operated, or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school District.

The Board will annually approve a District Student Handbook that contains board policies, rules and regulations that affect students.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                 Reviewed:                     Revised:   

Students will receive a progress report at the end of each grading period.  Students, who are doing poorly, and their parents, are notified prior to the end of the semester in order to have an opportunity to improve their grade.  The board encourages the notification of students who have made marked improvement prior to the end of the semester.

Parent-teacher conferences will be held bi-annually for all students to keep parents informed.  

Parents, teachers, or principals may request a conference for students in grades kindergarten through twelve in addition to the scheduled conference time.  Parents and students are encouraged to discuss the student's progress or other matters with the student's teacher. 

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised: 07/29/2024  

Students will be promoted to the next grade level at the end of each school year based on the student's achievement, age, maturity, emotional stability, and social adjustment.

The district shall adhere to the following: 

• Retention/Promotion in kindergarten – eighth grade: The retention of a student will be determined based upon the judgment of the district’s professional staff. When it becomes evident a student in grades kindergarten through eighth may be retained in a grade level for an additional year, the parents will be informed prior to making the retention decision.  It is within the sole discretion of the district to retain students in their current grade level and to deny promotion to a student.
• Retention/Promotion in ninth – twelfth grade: Students in grades nine through twelve will be informed of the required coursework necessary to be promoted each year. When it becomes evident a student in these grades will be unable to meet the minimum credit requirements for the year, the student and parents will be informed. It is within the sole discretion of the district to retain students in their current grade level and to deny promotion to a student.
• Acceleration in kindergarten – twelfth grade: Students in grades kindergarten through twelve with exceptional talents may, with the permission of the principal and parents, take classes beyond their current grade level. Enrichment opportunities outside the school district may be allowed when they do not conflict with the school district's graduation requirements.
• Retention or Acceleration in kindergarten – twelfth grade may also occur in additional instances as provided by law. 

For students in grades kindergarten through sixth, if a student is not reading at a proficient level, the district will notify a student’s parent or guardian of the student’s reading level, and the option for parents to request that the student be retained in the student’s current grade level for the subsequent school year.  The district is prohibited from promoting a student to the next grade level if the student is not reading proficiently, AND the student’s parent or guardian requests the student be retained at their current grade level for the next year.

Any student or parent who is not satisfied with the decision of the district’s professional staff may seek recourse through policy 502.4 – Student Complaints and Grievances.​

Approved:    7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised: 07/29/2024  

Any regularly enrolled student may be considered for honors or awards awarded by the school.  Qualifications for such awards shall be established by licensed school personnel who have been delegated the responsibility by the superintendent or the building principal.

Approved:   7/15/2019                               Reviewed: 06/04/2024                    Revised:   

A comprehensive testing program is established and maintained to evaluate the education program of the school District and to assist in providing guidance or counseling services to students and their families.

No student is required, as part of any applicable program, funded by the United State Department of Education, to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation that reveals information concerning:

• political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent or guardian;

• mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family;

• sexual behavior or attitudes;

• illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;

• critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;

• legally recognized, privileged and analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;

• religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent or guardian

• income,(other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).

without the prior consent of the student (if the student is an adult or emancipated minor), or in the case of an unemancipated minor, without the prior written consent of the parent.

Prior to an employee or contractor of the district providing information on a student enrolled in the district on any survey related to the social or emotional abilities, competencies or characteristics of the student; the district will provide the parent/guardian of the student detailed information related to the survey and obtain written consent of the parent/guardian of the student. This includes the person who created the survey, the person who sponsors the survey, how the information generated by the survey is used and how information generated by the survey is stored. This requirement will not prohibit a district employee from answering questions related to a student enrolled in the district as part of developing or implementing an individualized education program for the student.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.  It is the responsibility of the Board to review and approve the evaluation and testing program.

Approved:     7/15/2019                           Reviewed: 6/4/2024                    Revised:   08/14/2023

Students must successfully complete the courses required by the board and Iowa Department of Education in order to graduate. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure that students complete grades one through twelve and that high school students complete 49 credits prior to graduation. Credits will be required for graduation in accordance with state law. See the KCSD Course Catalog for specific credit requirements.

The required courses of study will be reviewed by the board annually.

Prior to graduation, the district will advise students on how to successfully complete the free application for federal student aid.

Graduation requirements for special education students include successful completion of four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies and three years of science.

Students who complete a regular session in the Legislative Page Program of the general assembly at the state capitol will be credited ½ credit of social studies.

Students enrolled in a junior officers’ training corp will receive 1/8th physical education credit for each semester the student is enrolled in the program

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed: 08/08/2023                     Revised:   02/27/2023

Generally, students will be required to complete the necessary course work and graduate from high school at the end of grade twelve (12).  Students may graduate prior to this time if they meet the minimum graduation requirements stated in the Board Policy.

A student who graduates early will no longer be considered a student and will become an alumnus of the District. These students will be permitted to participate in Prom, Senior Picnic and all graduation activities prior to the official graduation ceremony.

Approved:   7/15/2019                           Reviewed:                   Revised: 7/29/2024   

Students who have met the requirements for graduation will be allowed to participate in the commencement activities provided they abide by the proceedings organized by the school District.  It is the responsibility of the principal to solicit input from each graduating class regarding the proceedings for their commencement.

Failure of a student to participate in commencement will not be a reason for withholding the student's final progress report or diploma certifying the student's completion of high school.

Approved:   7/15/2019                           Reviewed: 6/4/2024                    Revised:   

Parent and family engagement is an important component in a student’s success in school. The board encourages
parents and families to become involved in their child’s education to ensure the child’s academic success. In order to
facilitate parent and family involvement, it is the goal of the district to conduct outreach and implement programs,
activities and procedures to further involve parents and families with the academic success of their students. The
board will:
(In each of the following six items, the board must describe within this policy how it will accomplish each of the items. This
mandatory policy is not complete without providing specific information for each of these six categories.)

(1) Involve parents and families in the development of the Title I plan, the process for school review of the plan, and the process for improvement by inviting all parents, including Title 1 parents, to participate in the School Improvement Advisory Committee to review and discuss plans and processes for district improvement. The Title I plan is available on the district website for review at all times.                                                                                                                           

(2) Provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist and build the capacity of all participating schools in planning and implementing effective parent and family involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance by partnering with parents, committees, and organizations as a means to engage families more creatively and successfully in order to positively impact learning.                                                                                                                                                                                           

(3) To the extent feasible, coordinate and integrate parent and family engagement strategies under Title I with parent and family engagement strategies outlined in other relevant Federal, State, and local laws and programs by working with other local programs such as the Panther Pantry, a partner of the Food Bank of Iowa, as well as other agencies, to offer support to students that are food insecure.                                                                                                                                                       

(4) Conduct with the involvement of parents and family members, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parent and family engagement policy in improving the academic quality of the school served including identifying: barriers to greater participation by parents in Title I activities (with particular attention to low-income parents, Limited English Proficient (LEP) parents, parents of any racial or ethnic minority, parents with disabilities and parents with limited literacy); needs of parents and family to assist their children’s learning; and strategies to support successful school and family interactions by providing flexible scheduling of parent-teacher conferences each semester. Title 1 parents/families and teachers will be invited to complete an annual survey at the end of the school year. The district may use focus groups and open discussion for evaluation.  Parents and families have a voice and frequent opportunities scheduled and unscheduled, to observe, evaluate and share feedback.  Personal conversations with educators and administration on a regular basis provides opportunities to share specific family needs and collaborate on appropriate supports.                                                                                                                                             

(5) Use the findings of the annual evaluation to design strategies for more effective parent and family involvement and to revise, as necessary, the parent and family involvement policies by identifying the best practices that are working through the annual evaluation and frequent communication. Sharing these ideas and best practices in regular groups such as SIAC and during Professional Development provides an opportunity to close the feedback loop and ensure district and individual needs are being met.                                                                                                                                                   

(6) Involve parents and families in Title I activities by inviting all parents, including those in Title 1, to participate in the annual meeting, annual survey, and in the district SIAC committee which is comprised of a representative group of parents and family members to adequately represent the needs to the population.

The district shall involve parents in determining how to allocate reserved Title I funds in accordance with applicable
laws.
The board will review this policy annually. The superintendent is responsible for notifying parents and families of
this policy annually or within a reasonable time after it has been amended during the school year. The
superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised: 02/26/2024  

        To further the interests of student achievement, the superintendent will create necessary rules to engage parents and family members within the district in the following ways on a building-level basis:

1. Policy Involvement:  The district will host an annual meeting and invite all parents to attend; and inform parents of their rights and the district’s requirements under Title I.  This meeting will also invite parents to become involved in the planning, review and improvement of a building policy and in developing the district plan.  The district will inform parents of:  
   
   • programs under this policy, 
   • curriculum and assessment used for students, 
   • the opportunity to meet with administration to participate in decisions related to their children’s education, 
   • a description and explanation of curriculum used in the school forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and 
   • achievement levels of the challenging State academic standards.  
      
2. Accessibility:  Provide opportunities for informed participation of parents and family members in understandable formats and languages.  This includes participation by parents and family members who may have disabilities, limited English proficiency, and migratory children. Offer a flexible number of meetings during the day, evening and weekends to facilitate parent involvement.  The superintendent has discretion to allow schools to provide childcare for families of students during these meetings through Title I funds.
    
3. High Student Academic Achievement:  Each school in the district will jointly develop with parents and family members a school-parent compact that outlines how parents, staff and students share responsibility for improving student academic achievement; and how a partnership will be built to achieve this.  The compact will describe the responsibility of the school to provide high quality curriculum and instruction, and the parents’ responsibility to support their children’s learning.  This will also address the importance of communication between schools and parents through parent teacher conferences, regular reports to parents on their children’s progress, and ensuring regular meaningful communication between family and school staff.  
    
4. Building Capacity for Involvement: Each school within the district will include in their plan ways to achieve the following:
   
   • Assist parents and families to understand topics including academic standards and assessments and how to monitor student progress; 
   • Provide materials and training to help parents work with students to improve achievement; 
   • Educate teachers and staff in how to communicate with parents and build ties to foster academic success; 
   • Coordinate and integrate other federal, state and local programs to support parents in more fully participating in students’ education; 
   • Ensure information related to programs is sent to parents and families in understandable formats; and 
   • Provide other reasonable support to encourage parental involvement 
     ​​​​​​​
5. Schools Operating a Schoolwide Program:  Each school operating a schoolwide program under this policy shall:
   
   • Involve parents on a timely and ongoing basis in the planning, review and improvement of programs, including the parent and family engagement school policy drafting and review, and the joint development of the schoolwide program.  
   • If the schoolwide program plan is not satisfactory to the parents of the participating children, parent comments will be requested and submitted with the plan to the district.

Approved: 02/26/2024               Reviewed:                  Revised: 

The board recognizes the importance of maintaining education records and preserving their confidentiality as provided by law.  Education records are kept confidential at collection, storage, disclosure and destruction stages. The board secretary is the custodian of education records.  Education records may be maintained in the district office or administrative office of the student's attendance center.  

Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the defined words have the following meaning: 

• “Education Record” means those records that contain information directly related to a student and which are maintained by an education agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. 
• “Eligible Student” means a student who has reached eighteen years or attends a postsecondary institution. Parents of an eligible student are provided access to education records only with the written permission of the eligible student unless the eligible student is defined as a dependent by the Internal Revenue Code. In that case, the parents may be provided access without the written permission of the student.  

An education record may contain information on more than one student.  Parents will have the right to access the information relating to their student or to be informed of the information.  Eligible students will also have the right to access the information relating to themselves, or be informed of the information.

Parents, eligible students, and other individuals authorized in accordance with law will have a right to access the student's education records upon request without unnecessary delay and in no instance more than forty-five calendar days after the request is made.  Parents, other than parents of an eligible student, may be denied access to a student's records if the school district has a court order stating such or when the district has been advised under the appropriate laws that the parents may not access the student records.  Parents, an eligible student or an authorized representative of the parents will have the right to access the student's education records prior to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting or hearing.

Copies of education records will be provided if failure to do so would effectively prevent the parents or student from exercising the right to access the education records.  Fees for copies of the records are waived if it would prevent the parents or student from accessing the records.  A fee may not be charged to search or retrieve information from education records.  

Upon the request of parents or an eligible student, the school district will provide an explanation and interpretation of the education records and a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained or used by the school district.

If the parents or an eligible student believes the information in the education records is inaccurate, misleading or violates the privacy of the student, the parents or an eligible student may request that the school district amend the education records.   

Education records may be disclosed in limited circumstances without parental or eligible student's written permission.  This disclosure is made on the condition that the education record will not be disclosed to a third party without the written permission of the parents or the eligible student. This disclosure may be: 

• To school officials within the school district and AEA personnel whom the superintendent has determined to have a legitimate educational interest, including, but not limited to, board members, employees, school attorney, auditor, health professionals, and individuals serving on official school committees;
• To officials of another school district in which the student wishes to enroll, provided the other school district notifies the parents the education records are being sent and the parents have an opportunity to receive a copy of the records and challenge the contents of the records unless the annual notification includes a provision that records will automatically be transferred to new school districts;
• To the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education or state and local educational authorities;
• In connection with a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial aid; 
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction, if such studies are conducted in such a manner as will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents by persons other than representatives of such organizations and such information will be destroyed when no longer needed for the purpose for which it was conducted; 
• To accrediting organizations;
• To parents of a dependent student as defined in the Internal Revenue Code;
• To comply with a court order or judicially issued subpoena;
• Consistent with an interagency agreement between the school district and juvenile justice agencies
• In connection with a health or safety emergency; 
• As directory information; or
• In additional instances as provided by law. 

The superintendent/designee will keep a list of the individuals and their positions who are authorized to view a special education student's education records without the permission of the parents or the eligible student.  Individuals not listed are not allowed access without parental or an eligible student's written permission.  This list must be current and available for public inspection and updated as changes occur.

The superintendent/designee will also keep a list of individuals, agencies and organizations which have requested or obtained access to a student's education records, the date access was given and their legitimate educational interest or purpose for which they were authorized to view the records. The superintendent/designee, however, does not need to keep a list of the parents, authorized educational employees, officers and agencies of the school district who have accessed the student’s education records.  This list for an education record may be accessed by the parents, the eligible student and the custodian of education records.  

Permanent education records, including a student's name, address, phone number, grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed and year completed may be maintained without time limitation.  Permanent education records will be kept in a fire-safe vault or they may be maintained electronically with a secure backup file.

When personally identifiable information, other than permanent education records, is no longer needed to provide educational services to a special education student, the parents or eligible student are notified.  This notice is normally given after a student graduates or otherwise leaves the school district.  If the parents or eligible student request that the personally identifiable information be destroyed, the school district will destroy the records, except for permanent records.  Prior to the destruction of the records, the school district must inform the parents or eligible student the records may be needed by the parents or eligible student for social security benefits or other purposes. For purposes of policy, “no longer needed to provide educational services” means that a record is no longer relevant to the provision of instruction, support, or related services and it is no longer needed for accountability and audit purposes. At a minimum, a record needed for accountability and audit purposes must be retained for five years after completion of the activity for which funds were used. 

The school district will cooperate with the juvenile justice system in sharing information contained in permanent student records regarding students who have become involved with the juvenile justice system.  The school district will enter into an interagency agreement with the juvenile justice agencies (agencies) involved.

The purpose of the agreement is to allow for the sharing of information prior to a student's adjudication in order to promote and collaborate between the school district and the agencies to improve school safety, reduce alcohol and illegal drug use, reduce truancy, reduce in-school and out-of-school suspensions, and to support alternatives to in-school and out-of-school suspensions and expulsions which provide structured and well supervised educational programs supplemented by coordinated and appropriate services designed to correct behaviors that lead to truancy, suspension, and expulsions and to support students in successfully completing their education.

The school district may share any information with the agencies contained in a student's permanent record, which is directly related to the juvenile justice system's ability to effectively serve the student.  Prior to adjudication information contained in the permanent record may be disclosed by the school district to the parties without parental consent or court order.  Information contained in a student's permanent record may be disclosed by the school district to the agencies after adjudication only with parental consent or a court order.  Information shared pursuant to the agreement is used solely for determining the programs and services appropriate to the needs of the student or student's family or coordinating the delivery of programs and services to the student or student's family.  

Information shared under the agreement is not admissible in any court proceedings, which take place prior to a disposition hearing, unless written consent is obtained from a student's parent, guardian, or legal or actual custodian.

Confidential information shared between the school district and the agencies will remain confidential and will not be shared with any other person, unless otherwise provided by law.  The school district may discontinue information sharing with an agency if the school district determines that the agency has violated the intent or letter of the agreement. 

Agencies will contact the principal of the attendance center where the student is currently or was enrolled.  The principal will then forward copies of the records within a reasonable time following receipt of the request.

The school district will provide training or instruction to employees about parents' and eligible students' rights under this policy.  Employees will also be informed about the procedures for carrying out this policy.  
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to annually notify parents and eligible students that they have the right to:

1. Inspect and review the student's education records; 
2. Seek amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights; 
3. Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the law authorizes disclosure without consent; and 
4. File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the law.

The notice is given in a parents' or eligible student's native language.  Should the school district collect personal information from students for the purposes of marketing or selling that information, the school district will annually notify parents of such activity.

The notice will include a statement that the parents have a right to file a complaint alleging the school district failed to comply with this policy.  Complaints are forwarded to Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, Washington, DC. 20202-8520.

Approved: 11/28/2022.           Reviewed: 6/4/2024             Revised: 11/28/2022

Parents and eligible students will have a right to access a student's education records upon request without unnecessary delay and in no instance more than forty-five calendar days after the request is made. The intent of this regulation is to establish procedures for granting requests from eligible students and parents to access a student’s education records.  

Education records mean those records that contain information directly related to a student and which are maintained by an education agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. These may include, but are not necessarily limited to: dates of attendance; academic work completed; level of achievement (grades, standardized test scores); attendance data; scores on standardized intelligence, aptitude, and psychological tests; interest inventory results; health data; family background information; teacher or counselor ratings and observations; and verified reports of serious or recurrent behavior patterns.

1. Access to Records
    
   1. Parents, eligible students, and other individuals authorized in accordance with law will have access to the student's education records during the regular business hours of the school district. Parents and eligible students will have a right to access the student's education records upon request without unnecessary delay and in no instance more than forty-five calendar days after the request is made. An eligible student or parent, upon written request to the board secretary, shall receive an explanation and interpretation of the education records. A student, eighteen years or older, has the right to determine who, outside the school system, has access to the records.  Parents of students who are 18 years or older but still dependents for income tax purposes may access the student's records without prior permission of the student.
   2. School officials having access to student records are defined as having a legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board; a person or company with whom the school district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, AEA employee, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as disciplinary or grievance committee or student assistance team, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.  
      ​​​​​​​
2. Release of Information Outside the School – Information from education records may be disclosed to outside parties as outlined in board policy and otherwise provided by law. 
    
3. Procedures for Requesting a Record Amendment 
   ​​​​​​​
   1. If the eligible student, parent, or legal guardian believe the information in the education records is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy of the student, the parents or an eligible student may request that the school district amend the education student records.  
   2. The school district will decide whether to amend the education student records within a reasonable time after receipt of the request.
   3. If the school district determines an amendment is made to the education student record, the school district will make the amendment and inform the parents or the eligible student of the decision in writing.
   4. If the school district determines that amendment of the student's education record is not appropriate, it will inform the parents or the eligible student of their right to a hearing before the hearing officer provided by the school district. The hearing officer may be an employee of the school district, so long as the employee does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.
   5. Upon parental request, the school district will hold a hearing regarding the content of a student’s education records which the parent believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the privacy rights of students.
   6. The hearing will be held within a reasonable time after receipt of the parent or eligible student’s request. The parent or eligible student will receive reasonable advance notice of date, time and place of the hearing.
   7. The parents or eligible student will be given a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues. The parent or eligible student may be represented by an individual at their choice at their own expense.
   8. The hearing officer will render a written decision within a reasonable period after the hearing.  The decision will be based upon evidence presented at the hearing and must include a summary of the evidence and the reasons for the decision.
   9. The parents may appeal the hearing officer’s decision to the superintendent within [insert number] days if the superintendent does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.
   10. The parents may appeal the superintendent’s decision or the hearing officer’s decision if the superintendent was unable to hear the appeal, to the board within [insert number] days.  It is within the discretion of the board to hear the appeal.
   11. If the parents' and the eligible student's request to amend the education student record is further denied following the hearing, the parents or the eligible student are informed that they have a right to place an explanatory letter in the education student record commenting on the school district's decision or setting forth the reasoning for disagreeing with the school district. Additions to the student's education records will become a part of the education student record and be maintained like other education student records. If the school district discloses the education student records, the explanation by the parents will also be disclosed or the eligible student of the decision in writing.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                  Reviewed: 07/20/2024                    Revised:   

Student directory information is designed to be used internally within the school District.  For purposes of this policy and other policies relating to student directory information, student is defined as an enrolled individual in a pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, including children in school district-sponsored child care programs.  Directory information is defined in the annual notice. It may include the:

• student's name,
• birthdate,
• school e-mail address,
• grade level,
• enrollment status,
• participation in officially recognized activities and sports,
• weight and height of members of athletic teams,
• dates of attendance,
• degrees and awards received,
• photograph and other likeness

The school District may designate that certain directory information is available to specific parties and/or for a specific purpose.

Prior to developing a student directory or to giving general information to the public, parents of students, including those open enrolled out of the school district and parents of children homeschooled in the school district, will be given notice annually of the intent to develop a directory or to give out general information and have the opportunity to deny the inclusion of their child's information in the directory or in the general information about the students.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to provide notice and to determine the method of notice that will inform parents.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:   4/10/23                  Revised:  07/29/2024

The Knoxville Community School District has adopted a policy designed to assure parents and students the full implementation, protection and enjoyment of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).  A copy of the school district's policy is available for review electronically.

This law requires the school district to designate as "directory information" any personally identifiable information taken from a student's educational records prior to making such information available to the public.

The school district has designated the following information as directory information: 

• Student’s name
• School electronic mail address
• Photograph
• Dates of attendance 
• Grade level 
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Degrees, honors, and awards received

You have the right to refuse the designation of any or all of the categories of personally identifiable information as directory information with respect to your student provided that you notify the school district in writing not later than the student's first day of the school year. If you desire to make such a refusal, please indicate as such in your registration materials.

If you have no objection to the use of student information, you do not need to take any action.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that Knoxville Dommunity School District, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records.  However, Knoxville CSD may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures.  The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Knoxville CSD to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications.  Examples include:

• A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
• The annual yearbook;
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
• Graduation programs; and,
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent.  Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks.  In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.1

If you do not want the Knoxville CSD to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by the student's first day of school.  Knoxville CSD has designated the following information as directory information:

• Student’s name
• School electronic mail address
• Photograph
• Dates of attendance 
• Grade level 
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Degrees, honors, and awards received

The Board will permit student "portrait" photographs to be taken on school premises by a commercial photographer as a service to the students and their families.

Parents will be notified prior to the taking of pictures by a commercial photographer for student "portraits."  In no case will students be required to have their picture taken or be pressured to purchase pictures.

Students or commercial photographers may take pictures of students upon consent for such things as the yearbook or student newspaper.

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

Approved: 7/15/2019                                Reviewed: 6/18/2024                     Revised:   

Student library circulation records are designed to be used internally to assist in the orderly administration of the school District libraries.  As a general rule, student library circulation records are considered confidential records and will not be released without parental consent. Individuals who may access such records include a student's parents, the student, authorized licensed employees, authorized government officials from the U.S. Comptroller General, the Secretary of Education, the Commissioner and Director of the National Institute of Education, and the Assistant Secretary for Education and State Education Department.

Appropriate authorities in a health or safety emergency may access the student's library circulation records without the approval or the notification of the student's parents.  Parents may not access records, without the student's permission, of a student who has reached the age of majority or who is attending a post-secondary educational institution unless the student is considered a dependent for tax purposes.

It is the teacher-librarian's responsibility, as the person maintaining the student library circulation records, to approve requests for access to student library circulation records.  Students' library circulation records may be accessed during the regular business hours of the school District. If copies of documents are requested, a fee for such copying is charged.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent/designee, in conjunction with the teacher or teacher-librarian, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                Reviewed: 6/18/2024                    Revised:   

Students desiring to participate in athletic activities or enrolling in kindergarten or first grade in the school district will have a physical examination by a licensed healthcare provider and provide proof of such an examination to the school district.  A physical examination and proof of such an examination may be required by the administration for students in other grades enrolling for the first time in the school district.

A certificate of health stating the results of a physical examination and signed by the licensed healthcare provider is on file at the attendance center.  Each student will submit an up-to-date certificate of health upon the request of the superintendent.  Failure to provide this information may be grounds for disciplinary action.

Students enrolling for the first time in the school district will also submit a certificate of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, rubeola, rubella, and other immunizations required by law.  The student may be admitted conditionally to the attendance center if the student has not yet completed the immunization process but is in the process of doing so.  Failure to meet the immunization requirement will be grounds for suspension, expulsion or denial of admission.  Upon recommendation of the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Department of Public Health, students entering the district for the first time may be required to pass a TB test prior to admission.  The district may conduct TB tests of current students.

Exemptions from the immunization requirement in this policy will be allowed only for medical or religious reasons recognized under the law.  The student must provide a valid Iowa State Department of Health Certificate of Immunization Exemption to be exempt from this policy.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised: 07/29/2024  

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:  08/14/2023

Code No. 507.2E2

PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE FORM FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
OF MEDICATION OR SPECIAL HEALTH SERVICES TO STUDENTS

____________________________________                ___/___/___                     _____________________                       ___/___/___
Student's Name (Last), (First), (Middle)                           Birthday                            School                                                     Date

School medications and special health services are administered following these guidelines:

• Parent has provided a signed, dated authorization to administer prescription medication and/or provide special health services listed. Electronic signatures meet the requirement of written signatures.
• The prescribed medication is in the original, labeled container as dispensed.
• The prescription medication label contains the student’s name, name of the medication, the medication dosage, time(s) to administer, route to administer, and date.
• Authorization is renewed annually and as soon as practical when the parent notifies the school that changes are necessary.

_______________________________       _____________                  ______________                   ________________
Prescribed Medication                                   Dosage                               Route                                     Time at School

Special Health Services and instructions, in indicated:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________/______ /_________
Discontinue/Re-Evaluate/Follow-up Date for Prescribed Medication or Special Health Services Listed

___________________________              _____/___ /_____
Prescriber’s Signature                                 Date
And credentials (when indicated for health service delivery)

Parent/Guardian Signature  _______________________________________ Date ___________________

_________________________________________________                         __________________     
Parent/Guardian Address                                                                                  Home Phone

Additional Information                                                                                       Business Phone

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Authorization Form

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   08/14/2023

Code No. 507.2E3

PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE FORM FOR INDEPENDENT SELF CARRY AND
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICATION OR INDEPENDENT DELIVERY OF HEALTH
SERVICES BY THE STUDENT

____________________________________                ___/___/___                     _____________________                   ___/___/___
Student's Name (Last), (First), (Middle)                           Birthday                            School                                                  Date

I request the above-named student (Parent/Guardian initial all that apply)

______ Carry and complete co-administration of prescribed medication, when competency has been demonstrated to licensed health personnel working under the auspices of the school. In accordance with applicable laws, students with asthma, airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use epinephrine auto-injectors may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parents and prescribing licensed health care professional regardless of competency. The information provided by the parent for medication administration is confidential as provided by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any other applicable laws. I agree to provide safe delivery of the medication to and from school and to pick up remaining medication at the end of the school year or when medication is expired. If the students abuses the self-administration policy, the ability to self-administer may be withdrawn by the school or discipline may be imposed, after notification is provided to the student’s parent.

_______________________________       _____________                  ______________                   ________________
Prescribed Medication                                   Dosage                               Route                                     Time at School

______ Co-administer, participate in planning, management and implementation of special health services at school and school activities after demonstration of proficiency to licensed health personnel working under the auspices of the school. The information provided by the parent for health service delivery is confidential as provide by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any other applicable laws. I agree to coordinate and work with school personnel and the prescriber (if indicated) when questions arise. I agree to provide safe delivery of the student’s equipment necessary for health service delivery to and from school and to pick up remaining equipment at the end of the school year. 

Special Health Services Delivery:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedures for abandoned medication disposal shall be in accordance with applicable laws.

___________________________              _____/___ /_____
Prescriber’s Signature                                 Date
And credentials (when indicated for health service delivery)

Parent/Guardian Signature  _______________________________________ Date ___________________

_________________________________________________                         __________________     
Parent/Guardian Address                                                                                  Home Phone

Approved:  08/14/2023                              Reviewed:                                    Revised: 

Code No. 507.2E4
 

PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE FORM FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
OF VOLUNTARY SCHOOL STOCK OF OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION TO STUDENTS

____________________________________                ___/___/___                     _____________________                       ___/___/___
Student's Name (Last), (First), (Middle)                           Birthday                            School                                                     Date

The district supplies the following nonprescription, over-the-counter medications that are listed below. Generic brands may be substituted, (select all that apply):

•  Acetaminophen administered per manufacturer label
•  Throat Lozenges administered per manufacturer label
•  Other: ____________________ administered per manufacturer label (Please Specify)
•  Other: ____________________ administered per manufacturer label (Please Specify)
•  Other: ____________________ administered per manufacturer label (Please Specify)
•  Other: ____________________ administered per manufacturer label (Please Specify)

Voluntary school stock of nonprescription, over-the-counter medications are administered following these guidelines:

•  Parent has provided a signed, dated annual authorization to administer of the nonprescription, over-the-counter medication(s) listed according to the manufacturer instructions. Electronic signature meets the requirement of written signature.
•  The nonprescription, over-the-counter medication is in the original, labeled container and dispensed per the manufacturing label.
•  All other nonprescription, over-the-counter medication not listed will require a written parent authorization and supply for the over-the counter medication.
•  Supplements are not nonprescription, over-the-counter medications approved by the Federal Drug Administration and are NOT applicable.
•  Nonprescription, over-the-counter medications approved by the Federal Drug Administration that require emergency medical service (EMS) notification after administration are NOT applicable.
•  Persons administering nonprescription, over-the-counter medication include licensed health personnel working under the auspices of the school and individuals, whom licensed health personnel have delegated the administration of medication with valid certification who have successfully completed a medication administration course approved by the department and annual medication administration procedural skills check.
  • Districts stocking the administration of a voluntary stock of nonprescription, overthe-counter medications, collaborate with licensed health personnel to develop and adopt a protocol shared with the parent to define at a minimum:
    • when to contact the parent when a nonprescription medication, over the counter medication is administered;
    • documentation of the administration of the nonprescription, over-thecounter medication and parent contact;
    • a limit to the administration of a school’s stock nonprescription, over-thecounter medications that would require a prescriber signature for further administration of a school’s nonprescription, over-the-counter medications for the remaining school year;
    • the development of an individual health plan for ongoing medication administration or health service delivery at school.

I request that the above-named student receive the voluntary stock nonprescription, over-thecounter medications supplied by the school in accordance with the district guidelines and protocol.

________________________________________________                                    ___________________
Parent/Guardian Signature                                                                                          Date

_________________________________________________                                   __________________     
Parent/Guardian Address                                                                                             Home Phone

Approved:  08/14/2023                              Reviewed:                                    Revised: 

Students with a communicable disease will be allowed to attend school provided their presence does not create a substantial risk of illness or transmission to other students or employees.  The term "communicable disease" will mean an infectious or contagious disease spread from person to person, or animal to person, or as defined by law.

Prevention and control of communicable diseases is included in the school District's bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan.  The procedures will include scope and application, definitions, exposure control, methods of compliance, universal precautions, vaccination, post-exposure evaluation, follow-up, communication of hazards to employees and record keeping.  This plan is reviewed annually by the superintendent and school nurse.

The health risk to immunodepressed students is determined by their personal physician.  The health risk to others in the school District environment from the presence of a student with a communicable disease is determined on a case-by-case basis by the student's personal physician, a physician chosen by the school District or public health officials.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the school nurse, to develop administrative regulations stating the procedures for dealing with students with a communicable disease.

For more information on communicable disease charts, and reporting forms, go to the Iowa Department of Public Health Web site: https://idph.iowa.gov/CADE/reportable-diseases. 

Approved: 7/15/2019                                  Reviewed:                     Revised:   07/29/2024

When a student becomes ill or is injured at school, the school District will attempt to notify the student's parents as soon as possible.

The school District, while not responsible for medical treatment of an ill or injured student, will have employees present administer emergency or minor first aid if possible.  An ill or injured child will be turned over to the care of the parents or qualified medical employees as quickly as possible.

It is the responsibility of the principal to file an accident report with the board secretary within twenty-four hours after the student is injured.

Annually, parents are required to complete a medical emergency authorization form indicating the procedures to be followed, if possible, in an emergency involving their child.  The authorization form will also include the phone numbers of the parents and alternative numbers to call in case of an injury or illness.

The superintendent is responsible, in conjunction with the school nurse, to develop rules and regulations governing the procedure in the event a student should become ill or be injured at school.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed: 6/18/2024                    Revised:   

Students will be informed of the appropriate action to take in an emergency.  Emergency drills for fire, weather, and other disasters are conducted each school year.  Fire and tornado drills are each conducted regularly during the academic school year with a minimum of two before December 31 and two after January 1.  

Each attendance center will develop and maintain a written plan containing emergency and disaster procedures.  The plan will be communicated to and reviewed with employees. Employees will participate in emergency drills. Licensed employees are responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed in the drill.

Approved:  7/15/19                           Reviewed:                     Revised:7/29/2024   

Students participating in extracurricular athletics are required to have health and accident insurance.  The student will bring written proof of insurance or participate in the health and accident insurance program selected by the school district. 

Approved:    7/15/2019                           Reviewed: 6/18/2024                     Revised:   

Disagreements between family members are not the responsibility of the school District.  The school District will not take the "side" of one family member over another in a disagreement about custody or parental rights.  Court orders that have been issued are followed by the school District. It is the responsibility of the person requesting an action by the school District to inform and provide the school District the court order allowing such action.

This policy does not prohibit an employee from listening to a student's problems and concerns.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure employees remain neutral in a disagreement about custody and parental rights.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed: 06/18/2024                    Revised:   

Some students who require special education need special health services in order to participate in the educational program.  These students will receive special health services in accordance with their individualized educational program.

 A.   Definitions

Assignment and delegation - occurs when licensed health personnel, in collaboration with the education team, determine the special health services to be provided and the qualifications of individuals performing the health services.  Primary consideration is given to the recommendation of the licensed health personnel. Each designation considers the student's special health service. The rationale in accordance with licensed practicefor the designation is documented. If the designation decision of the team differs from the licensed health professional, team members may file a dissenting opinion.

Co-administration - the eligible student's participation in the planning, management and implementation of the student's special health service and demonstration of proficiency to licensed health personnel.

Educational program - includes all school curricular programs and activities both on and off school grounds.

Education team - may include the eligible student, the student's parent, administrator, teacher, licensed health personnel, and others involved in the student's educational program.

Health assessment - health data collection, observation, analysis, and interpretation relating to the eligible student's educational program.

Health instruction - education by licensed health personnel to prepare qualified designated personnel to deliver and perform special health services contained in the eligible student's health plan.  Documentation of education and periodic updates are on file at school.

Individual health plan - the confidential, written, preplanned, and ongoing special health service in the educational program.  It includes assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcomes, planning, interventions, evaluation, student goals if applicable, and a plan for emergencies. The plan is updated as needed and at least annually.  Licensed health personnel develop this written plan with collaboration from the parent or guardian, individual's health care provider or the education team.

Licensed health personnel - includes licensed registered nurse, licensed physician, and other licensed health personnel legally authorized to provide special health services and medications.

Prescribe - licensed health personnel legally authorized to prescribe special health services and medications under the auspices of the school.

Qualified designated personnel - persons instructed, supervised, and competent in implementing the eligible student's health plan.

Special health services - includes, but is not limited to, services for eligible students whose health status (stable or unstable) requires:

• Interpretation or intervention,

• Administration of health procedures and health care, or

• Use of a health device to compensate for the reduction or loss of a body function.

Supervision - the assessment, delegation, evaluation, and documentation of special health services by licensed health personnel.  Levels of supervision include situations in which licensed health personnel are:

• Physically present;

• Available at the same site; or

• Available on call.

B.    Licensed health personnel will provide special health services under the auspices of the school.  Duties of the licensed personnel include the duty to:

1.      Participate as a member of the education team;

2.      Provide the health assessment;

3.      Plan, implement, and evaluate the written individual health plan;

4.      Plan, implement, and evaluate special emergency health services;

5.      Serve as liaison and encourage participation and communication with health service agencies and individuals providing health care;

6.      Provide health consultation, counseling, and instruction with the eligible student, the student's parent, and the staff in cooperation and conjunction with the prescriber;

7.      Maintain a record of special health services.  The documentation includes the eligible student's name, special health service, prescriber or person authorizing, date and time, signature and title of the person providing the special health service, and any unusual circumstances in the provision of such services;

8.      Report unusual circumstances to the parent, school administration, and prescriber;

9.      Assign and delegate to, instruct, provide technical assistance, and supervise qualified designated personnel; and

10.    Update knowledge and skills to meet special health service needs.

 C.    Prior to the provision of special health services the following will be on file:

 1.     Written statement by the prescriber detailing the specific method and schedule of the special health service, when indicated;

2.     Written statement by the student's parent requesting the provision of the special health services;

3.     Written report of the preplanning staffing or meeting of the education team; and

4.     Written individual health plan available in the health record and integrated into the IEP or IFSP.

D.    Licensed health personnel, in collaboration with the education team, will determine the special health services to be provided and the qualifications of individuals performing the special health services.  The documented rationale will include the following:

1.     Analysis and interpretation of the special health service needs, health status stability, complexity of the service, predictability of the service outcome and risk of improperly performed service;

2.     Determination that the special health service, task, procedure or function is part of the person's job description;

3.     Determination of the assignment and delegation based on the student's needs and qualifications of school personnel performing health services;

4.     Review of the designated person's competency; and

5.     Determination of initial and ongoing level of supervision, monitoring and evaluation required to ensure quality services.

E.     Licensed health personnel will supervise the special health services, define the level and frequency of supervision, and document the supervision.

F.     Licensed health personnel will instruct qualified designated personnel to deliver and perform special health services contained in the eligible individual health plan.  Documentation of instruction and instruction written consent of personnel as required in Iowa Code 280.23, and periodic updates are on file at school.

G.    Parents will provide the usual equipment, supplies, and necessary maintenance for such, unless the school is required to provide the equipment, supplies, and maintenance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  The equipment is stored in a secure area. The personnel responsible for the equipment are designated in the individual health plan.  The individual health plan will designate the role of the school, parents, and others in the provision, supply, storage, and maintenance of necessary equipment.

Approved:    7/15/2019                           Reviewed:                     Revised: 7/29/2024  

The Board recognizes that some special education students need special health services during the school day.  These students will receive special health services in conjunction with their individualized education program.

The superintendent, in conjunction with licensed health personnel, will establish administrative regulations for the implementation of this policy.

Approved:      7/15/2019                       Reviewed: 6/18/2024                    Revised:   

The Knoxville Community School Board of Education is committed to the optimal development of every student. The board believes for students to have the opportunity to achieve personal, academic, developmental, and social success, there needs to be a positive, safe, and health-promoting learning environment at every level, in every setting.

The school district provides a comprehensive learning environment for developing and practicing lifelong wellness behaviors. The entire school environment, not just the classroom, shall be aligned with healthy school district goals to positively influence a student's understanding, beliefs and habits as they relate to good nutrition and regular physical activity. In accordance with law and this belief, the board commits to the following: 

The school district will identify at least one goal in each of the following areas: 

• Nutrition Education and Promotion:  Schools will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that helps students develop lifelong healthy eating behaviors.

• Physical Activity: Schools will provide students with age and grade appropriate opportunities to engage in physical activity that meet the Iowa Healthy Kids Act.

• Other School Based Activities that Promote Wellness: As appropriate, schools will support students, staff, and parents’ efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

 The following nutritional guidelines for food available on school campuses will be adhered to: 

• Meals served through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program will be appealing and meet, at a minimum, nutrition requirements established by state and federal law;

• Schools providing access to healthy foods outside the reimbursable meal programs before school, during school and thirty minutes after school shall meet the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards, at a minimum.  This includes such items as those sold through a la carte lines, vending machines, student run stores, and fundraising activities;

• Snacks provided to students during the school day without charge (e.g., class parties) will meet standards set by the district in accordance law. The district will provide parents a list of foods and beverages that meet nutrition standards for classroom snacks and celebrations; and

• Schools will only allow marketing and advertising of foods and beverages that meet the Smart Snacks in school nutritional standards on campus during the school day (e.g. vending machines, score boards)

The superintendent or superintendent’s designee shall implement and ensure compliance with the policy by:

• Reviewing the policy at least every three years and recommending updates as appropriate for board approval;

• Implementing a process for permitting parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the school board, administrators and the public to participate in the development, implementation, and periodic review and update of the policy; 

• Making the policy and updated assessment of the implementation available to the public (e.g., posting on the website, newsletters, etc). This information shall include the extent to which the schools are in compliance with policy and a description of the progress being made in attaining the goals of the policy; and

• Developing administrative regulations, which shall include specific wellness goals and indicators for measurement of progress consistent with law and district policy.  

Approved:  02-09-2015                  Reviewed: 6/18/2024                    Revised:  7/15/2019

To implement the Wellness Policy, the following district specific goals have been established: 

Goal 1 – Nutrition Education and Promotion:  Schools will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that help students develop lifelong healthy eating behaviors. The goals for addressing nutrition education and nutrition promotion include the following:

• Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect their health;

• Ensure nutrition education and promotion are not only part of health education classes, but also integrated into other classroom instruction.

• Promote fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, low-fat and fat-free dairy products, and healthy foods;

• Implement evidence-based healthy food promotion techniques through the school meal programs using Smarter Lunchroom techniques.

Goal 2 – Physical Activity: Schools will provide students and staff with age and grade appropriate opportunities to engage in physical activity that meet federal and state guidelines, including the Iowa Healthy Kids Act. The goals for addressing physical activity include the following:

• Promote the benefits of a physically active lifestyle and help students develop skills to engage in lifelong healthy habits; 

• Physical activity shall not be used for or withheld as a punishment; 

• All physically able students in grades six through twelve shall be required to engage in physical activity for a minimum of one hundred twenty minutes per week. This may include Physical Education and recess.

• All elementary students shall have recess according to the following: 

  • At least 20 minutes a day; 

  • Outdoors as weather and time permits; 

  • Encourages moderate to vigorous physical activity; and

• Scheduled to avoid extended periods of inactivity (i.e., periods of two or more hours).

Goal 3 – Other School-Based Activities that Promote Student Wellness: Schools will support student, staff, and parents’ efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as appropriate. The goals for addressing other school-based activities that promote student wellness include the following:​

• Foods and beverages will not be used as a reward and foods/beverages will not be withheld as punishment; 

• Permit students to bring and carry water bottles filled with water throughout the day; 

• Make drinking water available where school meals are served during meal times; 

Public Involvement: There is a process for permitting parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the school board, administrators and the public to participate in the development, implementation, and periodic review and update of the policy.

• The Child Nutrition Director invites suggestions or comments concerning the development, implementation, and improvement of the school wellness policy. As such, interested persons are encouraged to contact the Child Nutrition Director.

Approved: 7/15/2019                              Reviewed:                     Revised: 7/29/2024  

The board welcomes gifts to the school district from a class or student group.  While class gifts to the school district do not require the approval of the superintendent, the board encourages students to consult with the superintendent or other licensed employees prior to selecting a gift for the school district.

Approved:   7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:  7/29/2024