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