It is the expressed policy of the board of directors to actively cooperate with official area community agencies and organizations concerned with the welfare of students.  All efforts of this school system should be directed toward maintaining an open communication between the school and the public.  Community support for the program of the schools can best be established through a public that understands and is active in school affairs.

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985, March 19, 2018, August 16, 2021        
Reviewed:   Aug. 24, 2005, February 19, 2018, July 19, 2021            
Revised: February 19, 2018, March 19, 2018             

The board recognizes the value of and supports open, fair and honest communication with the news media.  The board will maintain a cooperative relationship with the news media.  As part of this cooperative relationship, the board and the media will develop a means for sharing information while respecting each party's limitations.

Members of the news media are encouraged and welcome to attend open board meetings.  The board president is the spokesperson for the board, and the superintendent is the spokesperson for the school district.  It is the responsibility of the board president and superintendent to respond to inquiries from the news media about the school district.

Members of the news media seeking information about the school district will direct their inquiries to the superintendent.  The superintendent will accurately and objectively provide the facts and board positions in response to inquiries from the news media about the school district.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8 (2013).

Cross-Reference:  902 Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985, March 19, 2018, August 16, 2021                 
Reviewed:   Aug. 24, 2005, February 19, 2018, July 19, 2021        
Revised:  Jan. 12, 1998, February 19, 2018       

The superintendent, on behalf of the board and the school district, may hold a news conference or respond to a request for an interview with the news media.

The superintendent will respond accurately, openly, honestly, and objectively to inquiries from the news media about the school district.

News conferences and interviews planned or pre-arranged for school district activities will include the board and the superintendent.  News conferences for issues requiring an immediate response may be held by the superintendent.  It is be within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether a news conference or interview will be held to provide an immediate response to an issue.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of news conferences and interviews.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22; 279.8 (2013).

Cross-Reference:  902 Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved:  Jan. 12, 1998, March 19, 2018, August 16, 2021            
Reviewed:   Aug. 24, 2005, February 19, 2018, July 19, 2021            
Revised:  February 19, 2018       

The superintendent will determine when a news release about internal school district and board matters will be issued.  In making this determination, the superintendent will strive to keep the media and the school district community accurately and objectively informed.  Further, the superintendent will strive to create and maintain a positive image for the school district.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to approve news releases originating within the school district prior to their release.

News releases will be prepared and disseminated to news media in the school district community.  Questions about news releases will be directed to the superintendent.

Legal Reference:  Widmer v. Reitzler, 182 N.W.2d 177 (Iowa 1970).
                                      Dobrovolny v. Reinhardt, 173 N.W.2d 837 (Iowa 1970).
                                      Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 22.2 (2013).
                                      1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 73.
                                      1952 Op. Att'y Gen. 133.

Cross-Reference:  902 Press, Radio and Television News Media

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985, March 19, 2018, August 16, 2021                
Reviewed:   Aug. 24, 2005, February 19, 2018, July 19, 2021           
Revised:  Jan. 12, 1998, February 19, 2018, July 19, 2021                   

Individuals may broadcast or record public school district events, including open board meetings, as long as it does not interfere with, or disrupt, the school district event and it does not create an undue burden in adapting the buildings and sites to accommodate the request.

It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether the request is unduly burdensome and whether the broadcast or recording will interfere with or disrupt the school district event.

Recording of classroom activities will be allowed at the discretion of the superintendent.  Parents will be notified prior to recording of classroom activities.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations outlining the procedures for making the request and the rules for operation if the request is granted.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 21.4, .7; 22; 279.8 (2013).

Cross-Reference:  902.1 News Media Relations
                                       903.3 Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

Approved:  Jan. 12, 1998, March 19, 2018, August 16, 2021    
Reviewed:   Aug. 24, 2005, February 19, 2018, July 19, 2021               
Revised: February 19, 2018       

The board values the participation and the support of school district- community groups, including, but not limited to, the booster club and parent-teacher organizations, which strive for the betterment of the school district and the education program.  The board will work closely with these groups.

Prior to any purchase of, or fund raising for the purchase of goods or services for the school district, the group will confer with the superintendent or designee to assist the group in purchasing goods or services to meet the school district's needs.

Funds raised by these groups for the school district may be kept as part of the accounts of the school district. Goods and items purchased for the school district will become property of the district.

It will be the responsibility of the building principal to be the liaison with the school district-community groups affiliated with the building principal's attendance center.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8 (2013).

Cross Reference:  903 Public Participation in the School District

Approved:  Jan. 12, 1998; May 15, 2017, March 19, 2018, August 16, 2021         
Reviewed:   Aug. 24, 2005; May 15, 2017, February 19, 2018, July 19, 2021                                  
Revised:   April 10, 2017, March 19, 2018     

The board recognizes the valuable resource it has in the members of the school district community.  When possible and in concert with the education program, members of the school district community may be asked to make presentations to the students or to assist employees in duties other than teaching.  The school district may officially recognize the contributions made by volunteers.

Recruitment, training, utilization, and the maintenance of records for the purposes of insurance coverage and/or recognition of school district volunteers is the responsibility of the superintendent.

Volunteers within the district are held to the same high standards of behavior as school employees and will be subject to background checks prior to interacting with the students in a volunteer capacity.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent or the superintendent's designee to create regulations necessary to carry out this policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 670 (2013).

Cross Reference:  603.1    Basic Instruction Program
                                       903.3    Visitors to School District Buildings and Sites

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985; May 15, 2017, March 19, 2018, August 16, 2021        
Reviewed:   Aug. 24, 2005, February 19, 2018, July 19, 2021                                  
Revised:  Jan. 12, 1998, April 10, 2017, July 19, 2021                                   

The board welcomes the interest of parents and other members of the school district community and invites them to visit the school buildings and sites.  Visitors, which include persons other than employees or students, must notify the principal of their presence in the facility upon arrival.

Persons who wish to visit a classroom while school is in session are asked to notify the principal and obtain approval from the principal prior to the visit so appropriate arrangements can be made and so class disruption can be minimized.  Teachers and other employees will not take time from their duties to discuss matters with visitors.

Visitors will conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with mutual respect and consideration for the rights of others while attending school events.  Visitors failing to conduct themselves accordingly may be asked to leave the premises.  Children who wish to visit school must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

It is the responsibility of employees to report inappropriate conduct.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent and principals to take the action necessary to cease the inappropriate conduct.  If the superintendent or principals are not available, a school district employee will act to cease the inappropriate conduct.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 716.7 (2013).

Cross Reference:  902       Press, Radio and Television News Media
                                       903.2    Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985, May 15, 2017, March 19, 2018, August 16, 2021            
Reviewed:   Aug. 24, 2005, May 15, 2017, February 19, 2018, July 19, 2021                                                     
Revised:  Jan. 12, 1998, April 10, 2017

The board expects that students, employees and visitors will treat each other with respect, engage in responsible behavior, exercise self-discipline and model fairness, equity and respect.  Individuals violating this policy will be subject to discipline.  Students will be disciplined consistent with the student conduct policies.  Employees will be disciplined consistent with employee discipline policies and laws.  Others will be subject to discipline according to this policy.

Individuals are permitted to attend school sponsored or approved activities or visit school premises only as guests of the school district, and, as a condition, they must comply with the school district's rules and policies.   Individuals will not be allowed to interfere with or disrupt the education program or activity.   Visitors, like the participants, are expected to display mature, responsible behavior.  The failure of individuals to do so is not only disruptive but embarrassing to the students, the school district and the entire community.

To protect the rights of students to participate in the education program or activities without fear of interference or disruption and to permit the school officials, employees and activity sponsors and officials to perform their duties without interference or disruption, the following provisions are in effect:

• Abusive, verbal or physical conduct of individuals directed at students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities or at other individuals will not be tolerated.
• Verbal or physical conduct of individuals that interferes with the performance of students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities will not be tolerated.
• The use of vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression directed at students, school officials, employees, officials and activity sponsors of sponsored or approved activities participating in a sponsored or approved activity or at other individuals will not be tolerated.

If an individual becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression, or interrupts an activity, the individual may be removed from the event by the individual in charge of the event.  Law enforcement may be contacted for assistance.

Individuals removed from school premises have the ability to follow the board’s chain of command and complaint policies should they choose to do so.  The exclusion is in effect should the individual choose to appeal the decision of the superintendent.  The term “individual” as used in the policy also includes students and employees.

If an individual has been notified of exclusion and thereafter tries to enter a school building or attends a sponsored or approved activity, the individual will be advised that his/her attendance will result in prosecution.  The school district may obtain a court order for permanent exclusion from the school building or from future school sponsored or approved activities.

Note: This policy reflects the Iowa civility and trespass law, and outlines a school district’s authority to enforce the law.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .66; 716.7 (2013).

Cross Reference:  205       Board Member Liability
                                       504       Student Activities
                                       802.6    Vandalism
                                       903       Public Participation in the School District

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985 May 15, 2017, March 19, 2018, August 16, 2021            
Reviewed:  Oct. 8, 2007, May 15, 2017, February 19, 2018, July 19, 2021              
Revised:  Jan.12, 1998, Dec. 13, 1999, Nov. 12, 2007, July 19, 2021              

The board recognizes that students, employees, parents or citizens may want to distribute noncurricular materials within the school district which includes the buildings, school grounds, playgrounds, parking lots and school owned vehicles.  Noncurricular materials to be distributed must be approved by the building principal and meet certain standards prior to their distribution.

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

The regulation accompanying this policy has been approved by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987). 

Legal Reference:  U.S. Const. amend. I.
                                       Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).
                                       Bethel School District v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).
                                       New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985).
                                       Tinker v. Des Moines Ind. Comm. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969).
                                       Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).
                                       Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.22 (2013).

Cross References:  502.3    Freedom of Expression
                                         503.1    Student Conduct
                                         504       Student Activities
                                         603.9    Academic Freedom

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985, May 15, 2017, March 19, 2018, August 16, 2021       
Reviewed:   Aug. 24, 2005, May 15, 2017, February 19, 2018, July 19, 2021                                                   
Revised:  Jan. 12, 1998, Feb. 12, 2001

Generally, transporting students for school purposes is done in a vehicle owned by the school district and driven by a school bus driver. Students may be transported in private vehicles for school purposes. It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine when this is appropriate.   

Individuals transporting students for school purposes in private vehicles must have the permission of the superintendent and meet all applicable requirements set by the district. Private vehicles will be used only when:      

•   The vehicle is in good condition and meets all applicable safety requirements;      

•   The driver possesses a valid drivers’ license;            

•   Proof of insurance has been supplied to the superintendent and the insurance satisfies the minimum coverage requirements for driving personal vehicles in the State of Iowa; and        

•   When the parents of the students to be transported have given written permission to the superintendent or designee.   

The school district assumes no responsibility for those students who have not received the approval of the superintendent and who ride in private vehicles for school purposes. If transportation is not provided by the school district, or if transportation provided by the school district is declined by the student or parent/guardian, then the responsibility and corresponding liability for transportation for school purposes shall rest solely with the student and parent/guardian.         

This policy statement applies to transportation of students for school purposes in addition to transporting students to and from their designated attendance center. The superintendent may develop an administrative process to implement this policy.                

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 285; 321 (2013).
                                      281 I.A.C. 43.

Cross-Reference:  401.6        Transporting of Students by Employees
                                               401.7        Employee Travel Compensation
                                       711           Transportation

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985 , March 19, 2018         
Reviewed:   Aug. 24, 2005, February 19, 2018                   
Revised:  Jan. 12, 1998, February 19, 2018       

The use of students, the school district name, or its buildings and sites for advertising and promoting products and/or services of entities and organizations operating for a profit is not allowed, except with prior board approval.  Nonprofit entities and organizations may be allowed to use students, the school district name, or its buildings and sites if the purpose is educationally related and prior approval has been obtained from the board.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).

Cross-Reference:  504.5 Student Fund Raising
                                       904    Community Activities Involving Students

Approved:  Jan. 12, 1998, Mar. 19, 2018, Oct. 18, 2021                           
Reviewed:   Aug. 24, 2005, Feb. 19, 2018, Sept. 20, 2021                      
Revised:  Feb. 19, 2018       

No activity requiring students and teachers to assist in promoting campaigns, (financial, education, charitable, or otherwise), which demands the time of students, teachers, and administrators, will be permitted, except as hereinafter provided, unless the same will be in accord with the general policies of the board of directors.

No agent or person, or persons will be permitted to solicit any student or teacher for any purpose, or distribute circulars, handbills, or advertisements of any kind or make announcements of any nature, or take up contributions in any school building or on the premises. For any purpose whatsoever, except by approval from the superintendent, as being in accord with the general policies of the board of directors.

Participation by students in charity activities is considered to be a desirable part of their total education. However, as a matter of basic policy the board of directors will authorize the administration to determine the nature and extent of such activity.

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985, Feb. 18, 2019, Oct. 18, 2021
Reviewed:   Aug. 24, 2005, Jan. 21, 2019, Sept. 20,2021
Revised:  Jan. 12, 1998, Jan. 21, 2019

The buildings and sites and equipment of the Fairfield Community School District will be made available as per the school board approved fee schedule (Code No. 905.1R1) to local nonprofit entities that promote cultural, educational, civic, community, or recreational activities.  Such use will be permitted only when the use does not interfere with or disrupt the educational program or school-related activity, the use is consistent with state law, and will end no later than midnight unless given administrative approval for a later end time.  It is within the discretion of the superintendent or designee to allow for-profit entities to use the school district buildings and sites as per the school board approved fee schedule.  The superintendent or designee reserves the right to deny use of buildings and sites and equipment to any group and to waive rental fees for groups if deemed appropriate to do so.  It will be within the discretion of the superintendent or designee to allow use of school district buildings and sites on Sundays.

Organizations, individuals, and other entities that wish to use the school district property must apply at the principal’s office or activity director’s office.  It will be the responsibility of the principal or activities director to determine whether the school district facility requested is available and whether the application for use meets board policy and administrative regulations.  It will be the responsibility of the principal or activities director to provide application forms, obtain proof of insurance, and draw up the contract for use of the school district property.

Sponsoring organizations must stay on site until all underage individuals are off the property.

An employee of the school district will supervise activities in the school district buildings and sites unless special prior arrangements are made with the superintendent or designee.  The employee of the school district will not accept a fee from the nonprofit user for supervision duties performed; rather, if appropriate, the school district employee will be paid by the school district, and the user will be billed as per the rental agreement.

It will be the responsibility of the superintendent or designee to develop a fee schedule for the school board’s approval and to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Groups using the facilities will be classified in priority order A, B, C, D, E with Class A having the highest priority for use.

1. Group A – School Groups Recognized by the Fairfield Community School District.
    
2. 1. Groups included are:
      
      1. School District recognized Boosters/Organizations supporting school sponsored activities or events, for example, athletic, fine art, and club boosters
      2. School District recognized Parent-Teacher Associations and Parent-Teacher Organizations
   2. If custodial services or technical services are required beyond normal duties, then the group or organization will be billed according to the rate established on Policy 905.1R1
   3. Use of facility will terminate at a time determined by the building principal or activities director.
   4. A Certificate of Liability is required to be on file.
   5. Group will be responsible for any damage to equipment or property that occurs during or as a result of the usage of the school district’s facility.

2. Group B – Non-School Related Nonprofit Fairfield Community Organizations for Non-Fundraising activities

1. Groups included are:
   1. 1. Scout Organizations
      2. 4-H Organizations
      3. Fairfield Park & Recreation Department leagues and games
      4. Local civic groups and local political parties
      5. Boys’ and Girls’ Club leagues (football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, soccer, softball, baseball, etc.) games and practices that are eligible to all Fairfield resident students
2. If custodial services or technical services are required beyond normal duties, then the group or organization will be billed according to the rate established on Policy 905.1R1
3. Use of facility will terminate at a time determined by the building principal or activities director.
4. A Certificate of Liability is required to be on file.
5. Group will be responsible for any damage to equipment or property that occurs during or as a result of the usage of the school district’s facility.
6. If event being held by the non-school related nonprofit organization generates income through admission or registration fees (youth tournaments, etc.) then rate schedule C will be followed.

3. Group C – Non-School Related Nonprofit Fairfield Community Organizations for  Fundraising Activities and/or Audience in Attendance

1. Groups included are:
   
   1. Traveling Athletic Teams
   2. Church congregational meetings, worship services, and leagues
   3. Schools other than those comprising the Fairfield Community School District.
2. If custodial services or technical services are required beyond normal duties, then the group or organization will be billed according to the rate established on Policy 905.1R1
3. Use of facility will terminate at a time determined by the building principal or activities director.
4. A Certificate of Liability is required to be on file.
5. Group will be responsible for any damage to equipment or property that occurs during or as a result of the usage of the school district’s facility.

4. Group D – Fairfield Community School District Residents\

1.  Fairfield Community School District residents may have access to use school district facilities for individual non-profit activities when these
   facilities are not needed for school functions or for rate schedule A,B, or C group activities.
2. If custodial services or technical services are required beyond normal duties, then the resident will be billed according to the rate established on Policy 905.1R1
3. Use of facility will terminate at a time determined by the building principal or activities director.
4. A Certificate of Liability or copy of the resident’s homeowner’s policy is required to be on file.
5. Resident will be responsible for any damage to equipment or property that occurs during or as a result of the usage of the school district’s facility.
6. For large group D gatherings and events, the superintendent or designee reserves the right to charge resident schedule C or E rental rates so that the district expenses associated with event are covered.

5. Group E – Non-School Related For Profit Organizations
    
6. 1. Non-School Related For Profit Organizations may have access to school facilities under schedule E in order of date of application when these facilities are not needed for school functions or for rate schedule A,B,C, or D group activities.
   2. If custodial services or technical services are required beyond normal duties, then the resident will be billed according to the rate established on Policy 905.1R1
   3. Use of facility will terminate at a time determined by the building principal or activities director.
   4. A Certificate of Liability is required to be on file.
   5. Group will be responsible for any damage to equipment or property that occurs during or as a result of the usage of the school district’s facility.

6.     Group F—School Related For Profit

1. District teachers that are providing tutoring lessons to district students, other than their own students for profit.
2. Music lessons for pay.
3. Per handbook prior approval is needed by the superintendent and the time scheduled is to be submitted to the superintendent.
4. Group will be responsible for any damage to equipment or property that occurs during or as a result of the usage of the school district’s facility.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code 276; 278.1 (4); 279.8; 288; 297.9-.11 (2011).
                                       1982 Op. Att’y Gen. 561.
                                       1940 Op. Att’y Gen. 232.
                                       1936 Op. Att’y Gen. 196.

Cross-Reference:  704 Revenue

Approved: Feb. 11, 1985, March 19, 2018
Reviewed: Aug. 24, 2005, February 19, 2018       
Revised: Jan. 12, 1998, September 18, 2017 

School district facilities and grounds, including school vehicles, are off limits for tobacco or nicotine use, including the use of look-a-likes where the original would include tobacco or nicotine.  This requirement extends to students, employees and visitors.  This policy applies at all times, including school sponsored and non-school sponsored events.  Persons failing to abide by this request are required to extinguish their smoking material, dispose of the tobacco, nicotine or other product or leave the school district premises immediately.  It is the responsibility of the administration to enforce this policy.

NOTE:  According to Iowa law, all school grounds are smoke free.  Boards have the authority to expand the policy to make the school facilities and grounds tobacco or nicotine free as well.

Legal Reference:     
Goals 2000:  Educate America Act, Pub. L. No. 103-227, 108 Stat. 125 (1994).  
House File 2212, Iowa General Assembly (2008)              
Iowa Code §§ 142D; 279.8, .9; 297 (2013).                        

Cross Reference:     
903.4 Public Conduct on School Premises                         
905.1 Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment

Approved:  Oct. 12, 1987, Oct 27, 2014, March 19, 2018, Nov. 15, 2021   
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Apr.28, 2014, Oct 20, 2014, February 19, 2018, October 18, 2021                    
Revised:  Oct. 12, 1992, April 7, 1999, Dec. 13, 2010, Apr.28, 2014, Oct 20, 2014, February 19, 2018, October 18, 2021