It shall be the expressed policy of the Board 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 open communications between the schools and the public.  Community support for the program of the school can best be established through a public that understands and is active in school affairs.

*Reviewed:  05/13/02

*Reviewed:  02/12/07

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 10/12/15

*Reviewed: 10/12/20

Releases About Internal School Matters

It is the policy of the Board to have news releases prepared about internal matters of the school(s), and to disseminate such releases to all news media in the area.

The Superintendent of schools or a delegated assistant or assistants shall be responsible for clearance of all news releases that originate in the schools.

Public information that is not personal or confidential should be made available to all news media upon their request.  In order to establish and maintain a cooperative atmosphere in our public relations program, close ties should be kept with persons representing the various news media.

Releases About Board Matters

It shall be the policy of the Board to have news releases prepared about board matters and to disseminate them to all news media in the area.

Copies of agendas for regular Board meetings shall be supplied to all news media that have filed a request for notice, at the same time they are made available to board members or at least twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting.

The Board president or Superintendent of schools, or delegated staff should be available to media representatives to answer any questions that may arise concerning board matters.

*Reviewed:  05/13/02

*Reviewed:  02/12/07

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 10/12/15

*Reviewed: 10/12/20

Public records of the District may be viewed by the public during the regular business hours of the administrative office of the District.  These hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays and recesses.

Persons wishing to review the District's public records shall contact the Board secretary and make arrangements for the viewing.  The Board secretary will make arrangements for anyone to view the records as soon as practicable, depending on the nature of the request.

Persons wanting copies will be assessed a fee for the copy.  Persons wanting compilation of data will be assessed a fee for the time of the District employee to compile such data.  A fee amount could be adjusted to meet the District's actual expenses.

Pursuant to Iowa law, the Board has determined certain records need to be confidential as their disclosure could jeopardize the safety of persons or property and include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Security procedures
• Emergency preparedness procedures
• Evacuation procedures
• Security codes and passwords

Records defined by law as confidential records shall only be viewed or copied upon receipt of written permission by the Board secretary from the person whose confidential records are being requested.

The Board secretary shall be the custodian of District and Board records.  It shall be the responsibility of the Board secretary to respond in a timely manner to requests for viewing and receiving public records of the District.

*Revised:  02/11/92

*Reviewed:  05/13/02

*Revised:  03/12/07

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 10/12/15

*Revised: 10/12/20

The Board recognizes that students, employees, parents or citizens may want to distribute or display materials within the District that are noncurricular.  Noncurricular materials to be distributed or displayed 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.

*Adopted:  03/12/07

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 10/12/15

*Revised: 10/12/20

The Board recognizes that situations may arise in the operation of the system which are of concern to parents or the public. The Board believes strongly that all concerns should be resolved at the lowest possible level of decision making by the individual closest to the concern. The concerns are best dealt with through communication with appropriate staff members and officers of the system, such as the faculty, the Principals, the Central Office, and the Board.

The following guidelines are the proper procedure to be followed by persons with questions or complaints:

1. Matters concerning individual student, a teacher, or other employee should first be addressed to the teacher or employee.

2. Unsettled matters from (1) above or problems and questions concerning individual schools should be directed to the building Principal, or employee's immediate supervisor.

3. Unsettled matters from (2) above or problems and questions concerning the school system should be directed to the Superintendent in letter form.

4. If the matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the Superintendent, it may be brought to the Board. Questions and comments submitted to the chairperson of the Board in letter form will be brought to the attention of the entire Board. The concern may be brought up at a Board meeting by following the procedures to have an item placed on the agenda or may be brought up as an item of information during the open forum portion of the agenda.

The Board considers it the obligation of employees of the District to entertain the questions of parents or the public respectfully.

*Revised: 02/08/93

*Revised: 06/17/02

*Reviewed: 02/12/07

*Revised: 12/13/10

*Reviewed: 11/09/15

*Revised: 11/09/20

The Board recognizes the valuable resource it has in the members of the District community.  When possible and in concert with the education program, members of the District community may be asked to make presentations to the students or to assist employees in duties other than teaching.  The 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 District volunteers is the responsibility of the Superintendent.

*Adopted:  03/12/07

*Reviewed:  12/13/10

*Reviewed:  11/09/15

*Revised: 11/09/20

The Board values the participation and the support of the District community "group", including, but not limited to, the Booster Club, Band Parents, and Parent-Teacher Associations, which strive for the betterment of the District and the education program.  The Board will work closely with these groups.

Prior to group's purchase of-or fund raising for the purchase of goods or services for the District, a group will confer with the Superintendent or designee to assist the group in purchasing goods or services to meet the District's needs. Prior to a group’s use of the District’s logo, images, name, pictures, and/or likenesses for a group’s purchases or fundraising, the group will provide to the Superintendent a copy of the group’s intended use of the District’s logo, images, name, pictures, and/or likenesses and receive permission from the Superintendent to do so. Community groups shall provide an accounting of funds identified above to the District on an annual basis or upon request.

Funds raised by group for the District may be kept as part of the accounts of the District. Goods or services purchased by these funds will become and remain the property of the District.

It is the responsibility of the building principal or designee to be the liaison with community groups affiliated with the building principal's attendance center.

*Adopted:  03/12/07

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed:  11/09/15

*Revised: 11/09/20

*Revised: 11/14/22

The District will provide free passes to all senior citizens who reside in the District and are of the age of sixty-five (65) or older for the purpose of attending any school sponsored activity events and/or programs.

The Superintendent may provide, on a case by case basis, an exception to the policy for senior citizens who are not residents of the District.

Each pass will admit one (1) individual to school sponsored activity events and/or programs and shall be used only by the person to whom it is registered.

Senior citizens' passes can be obtained at the Superintendent's office.  Proper identification and proof of age may be required.

*Revised:  06/17/02

*Reviewed:  02/12/07

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed:  06/13/11

*Reviewed:  11/09/15

*Revised: 11/09/20

School District facilities and equipment will be made available to local nonprofit entities which promote cultural, educational, civic, community or recreational activities. “Entities” will include organizations, groups, individuals, and their agents (as described in 1003.3). Such use will be permitted only when the use does not interfere with or disrupt the education program or a school-related activity, the use is consistent with state law, and will end no later than midnight. It is within the discretion of the Board to allow for-profit entities to use school district facilities and equipment. The Board reserves the right to deny use of the facilities and equipment to an entity. It is within the discretion of the Superintendent/designee to allow use of District facilities and equipment on Sundays provided that no such use shall commence prior to 1:00 p.m. Those wanting to use the facility prior to 1:00 pm on Sunday must seek approval in writing to the Superintendent/building administrator.

Entities that wish to use District facilities or equipment must apply at the main office containing the facility requested. It is the responsibility of the building administrator/designee to determine whether the school district facility or equipment requested is available and whether the application for use meets Board policy and administrative regulations. It is the responsibility of the building administrator/designee to provide application forms, obtain proof of insurance, and draw up the contract for use of school district facilities and equipment.

Use of District facilities and equipment by entities will be supervised by a District employee unless special prior arrangements are made with the building administrator/designee. The District employee will not accept a fee from the entity using District facilities and equipment. If appropriate, the District employee may be paid by the District. The District may recoup the cost of paying the employee by charging a fee to the entity.

Entities that use District buildings or sites must leave the building or site in the same condition it was in prior to its use. Entities that use District equipment must return the equipment in the same working condition it was in prior to its use. Inappropriate use of District facilities, sites or equipment may result in additional fees charged to, or the inability of the entity to use District facilities, sites or equipment in the future.

The Board may allow entities, such as the Boy and Girl Scouts and 4-H, to use the school district facilities and equipment without charge for non-fund raising activities. While such entities may use the facilities and equipment without charge, they may be required to pay a custodial fee.

The administration may deny request or impose additional restrictions when it is deemed in the best interest of the District or the students.

It is the responsibility of the building administrator/designee to develop a fee schedule for the Board's approval and to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

ICN is a statewide telecommunications network designed primarily to enhance learning opportunities for students, employees and Board members.  The District recognizes that it is not the only authorized user of ICN and other users will frequently be using the District's ICN facilities.  Sponsored and authorized users of ICN must comply with state and federal law in using ICN.

The building Principal is responsible for coordinating ICN classroom use.  Requests for use of ICN classroom by employees for the educational program are filed with the building Principal.

It is the responsibility of the Entity using ICN classroom to comply with the requirements of the law and District policy and its supporting administrative regulations.

1. ICN is a limited access network and sponsored or authorized users cannot use the system for profit making ventures.
2. The use must be consistent with the mission of the sponsored or authorized user. 
3. Users cannot resell time on ICN.
4. Sponsored and authorized users are responsible for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Iowa Civil Rights Act.  Sponsored and authorized users are responsible for making the necessary accommodations and are responsible for obtaining and paying for needed interpreters or interpretive equipment.
5. Sponsored and authorized users are required to stay within ICN classroom and use the most direct route to ICN classroom.  Other District facilities, sites, areas in the District building or equipment are off limits to the authorized users.*
6. The charge for use of ICN room is $12.50. 
7. ICN will be available  Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
8. The sponsored or authorized user is responsible for all site and site usage charges.
9. A District employee will be present in the District facility while ICN is in use.
10. Food and drink are not permitted in ICN room.
11. First time use of ICN will require prior training and should be organized through the building Principal.
12. Use or transmission of copyrighted material, without prior approval of the copyright holder, is strictly prohibited.  Appropriate use of the copyrighted material is the responsibility of the sponsored or authorized user, not the District.
13. The District reserves the right to amend these rules as necessary to reflect ICN's usage and changes at the state or federal level.
14. The District reserves the right to charge all costs, including attorneys' fees, that may arise to the authorized user for the sponsored or authorized user's failure to comply with the law, Board policy and administrative regulations.

*Adopted:  03/12/07

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed:  11/09/15

*Revised: 09/14/20

The fees for use of school facilities are based on the following classes:

Class A

No fees will be charged to groups in this class unless additional clean-up is necessary, above normal utility expenses are incurred, or damage is done to facilities.  The Superintendent/designee will determine the rate of additional charges if necessary.

1. Designated school-affiliated organizations and clubs.  Such groups shall include but not be limited to Glenwood Parent Teacher Association, Glenwood Community Booster Club, Glenwood Community Fine Arts Booster, ACES, K Kids, LTD, Glenwood Community Educational Association.

2. Glenwood, Silver City, Pacific Junction, Mineola, or Mills County governmental units or committees

3. Glenwood, Silver City, Pacific Junction, or Mineola area youth groups such as Boy and Girl Scouts, local area 4-H Clubs, IA State Extension

4. Locally sponsored youth athletic feeder programs and clubs. Such groups shall include but not be limited to Glenwood Wrestling Club, Glenwood Volleyball Club, Lil Rams Football, Glenwood Jr. Rams Basketball, Glenwood Soccer Club.

5. Glenwood City League Basketball, Softball, Baseball & Volleyball

Class B

The rate of rent for groups in this class will align with the specific space rented and the cost of custodial service required rate of $35.00 per hour per custodian as determined by the District designee.  Additional fees may be charged if additional clean-up is necessary, above normal utility expenses are incurred, or damage is done to facilities.  The Superintendent/Designee will determine the rate of additional charges if necessary.

1. Glenwood, Silver City, Pacific Junction, and Mineola service organizations—formally organized and universally recognized groups which are non-profit and exist primarily to serve the community.  Such groups shall include but not be limited to Glenwood, Silver City, Pacific Junction and Mineola adult service groups such as Rotary,  Lions Club, Kiwanis, Glenwood Chamber of Commerce, Mills County Development Association, ISU County Extension and YMCA.

2. Churches located within the school district for an event.  For anything on an on-going basis will be considered class C.

3. School district non-profit organizations such as:

   1. Political Parties

4. Local chapters of charitable organizations formally organized and universally recognized which are non-profit and exist to provide benefits for residents of the Glenwood Community School District. \      

Class C             

The rate of rent for groups in this class will align with the specific space rented and the cost of custodial service required rate of $35.00 per hour per custodian as determined by the District designee. Additional fees may be charged if additional clean-up is necessary, above normal utility expenses are incurred, or damage is done to facilities.  The Superintendent/Designee will determine the rate of additional charges if necessary.

1. Businesses located within and paying property taxes in the Glenwood Community School District.

2. Private individuals, private or social groups, and groups or organizations based inside the Glenwood Community School District shall not be granted rental rights without special approval by the Superintendent/Designee at which time the rental fee shall be set.

3. Events for profit by private individuals, social groups, and groups or organizations will be charged a higher rate for facility rental if approved by the Superintendent.

4. Church organizations for anything beyond an event

Class D             

The rate of rent for groups in this class will align with the specific space rented and the cost of custodial service required rate of $35.00 per hour per custodian as determined by the District designee. Additional fees may be charged if additional clean-up is necessary, above normal utility expenses are incurred, or damage is done to facilities.  The Superintendent/Designee will determine the rate of additional charges if necessary. Private individuals, private or social groups, and groups or organizations based outside the Glenwood Community School District shall not be granted rental rights without special approval by the Superintendent/Designee at which time the rental fee shall be set.

Class E

The rate of rent for groups in this class will be $50.00 per event. Additional fees may be charged if additional clean-up is necessary, above normal utility expenses are incurred, or damage is done to facilities.  The Superintendent/Designee will determine the rate of additional charges if necessary.

1. Camps, Tournaments and Leagues associated with Glenwood Youth Programs grades K-12.

School personnel will not accept gratuities from organizations that use the facilities.  The cost of service personnel furnished by the school will be charged to the party or parties renting the facilities.  Such costs will be in line with the school's normal operating costs, and will be administered in keeping with the general policies governing the use of school facilities.

*Reviewed:  05/13/02

*Reviewed:  02/12/07

*Reviewed:  12/13/10

*Reviewed:  11/09/15

*Reviewed: 09/14/20

The Board recognizes that worthy and appropriate educational value accrues from student participation in civic and community affairs.  As such, the Board encourages the use of students for public activities when such activities contribute to the educational processes and objectives of the school, and when it does not unduly interfere with the student program.

Any such performances that may interfere with the student program shall be approved by the immediate administrator involved.

*Reviewed:  05/13/02

*Reviewed:  02/12/07

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 12/14/2015

*Reviewed: 12/14/20

The Board recognizes the value of student participation in local, state, and national contests. 

1. Participation

Participation shall be limited to those contests and activities that are educationally sound, worthy, and timely.  They should be stimulating for the student and school, desirable activities for both, and be a worthwhile supplement to (not to interfere with) the academic program.

All contests should be conducted within the constitution and guidelines of the State High School Athletic, Music, Speech, and Forensic Associations.  Participation should be voluntary, and contestants shall not be excluded on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, or payment of an entry fee.

2. Approval

A Board of administrators, teachers, and students, to be recommended at the discretion of the Superintendent of schools or designee, shall review and approve or reject all applicants for participation in contests in the area, state, region, or nation, or in international contests.  Applications shall contain information about the nature of the contest, the purpose, the number of students involved, the time required, the means of financing the event, and other pertinent information.

3. Transportation

Appropriate school funds may be used to cover the costs of transportation in cases where students represent the school in competition; for other events, however, the students shall pay their own transportation costs.

*Revised:  02/11/92

*Reviewed:  05/13/02

*Reviewed:  02/12/07

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 12/14/15

*Reviewed: 12/14/20

SALES PROMOTIONS PROHIBITED

Educational facilities, teachers, and students shall not be used in any manner for the promotion or sale of services or products offered by agencies or organizations that operate for profit.  The Board specifically forbids the following:

1. Distribution by students of pamphlets urging students, parents, and other to purchase services or products sold for profit;
2. Sale by students or teachers of products or services, except in relation to production by students as part of the program;
3. Similar activities that would involve teachers' and/or students' time and interfere with the normal schedules and activities of the school.

Specifically exempted from the provisions of this policy shall be a student insurance program.

When the Board and the Superintendent feel that the educational gain outweighs any promotional purpose, prior approval for an activity may be granted by the board.

*Reviewed:  05/13/02

*Reviewed:  02/12/07

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 12/14/15

*Reviewed: 12/14/20

No activity requiring students and teachers to assist in promoting campaigns (financial, educational, charitable, or otherwise) that demand the time of students, teachers, and administrators shall be permitted, except as hereinafter provided, unless such campaigns are in accord with the general policies of the Board.

No agent, person, or persons shall be permitted to solicit any student or teacher for any purpose, or distribute circulars, handbills, cards, or advertisements of any kind, or make announcements of any nature, or take up contributions in any school building or on school grounds, for any purpose whatsoever, except by approval from the Superintendent of schools as being in accord with the general policies of the Board.

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

*Reviewed:  05/13/02

*Reviewed:  02/12/07

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 12/14/15

*Revised: 12/14/20

Students may raise funds or otherwise solicit for school sponsored events. 

Fundraising and soliciting shall be in good taste and for a school-sponsored event or activity.  Only with the approval of their Principal may fundraising and soliciting be done by students as representatives of the District.

All funds raised in the name of the District must be deposited in the appropriate District accounts for management and auditing purposes.

*Revised:  02/16/95

*Reviewed:  05/13/02

*Reviewed:  02/12/07

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 12/14/15

*Revised: 12/14/20

The Board welcomes the active interest of parents and citizens in their public schools, and invites the community to visit any time.  However, since schools are a place of work and learning, certain limits must be set to visits.  The building Principal is responsible for all persons in the building and on the grounds.  For these reasons, the following policy applies to visitors to the school:

1. Anyone who is not a regular staff member or student of the school shall be termed a "visitor".
2. Any visitor to the school must report to the office of the Principal upon arrival at the school; failure to do so may lead to legal charges.
3. Parents or citizens who wish to observe a classroom while school is in session shall arrange such visits in advance with the teacher, so that class disruption may be kept to a minimum.
4. Teachers are expected not to take class time to discuss individual matters with outside visitors.
5. Visitors whose conduct is disruptive to the learning environment may be required to leave the premises.

*Revised:  06/17/02

*Revised:  03/12/07

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 12/14/15

*Reviewed: 12/14/20

School sponsored or approved activities are an important part of the school program and offer students the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities not offered during the regular school day.  School sponsored or approved activities are provided for the enjoyment and opportunity for involvement that they afford the students.

Spectators are permitted to attend school sponsored or approved activities only as guests of the District, and accordingly as a condition of such permission, they must comply with the District’s rules and policies.  Spectators will not be allowed to interfere with the enjoyment of the students participating, other spectators, or with the performance of employees and officials supervising the school sponsored or approved activity.  Spectators, like the student participants, are expected to display mature behavior and sportsmanship.  The failure of spectators to do so is not only disruptive but also embarrassing to the students, the District, and the entire community.

To protect the rights of students to participate without fear of interference and to permit the sponsors and officials of sponsored or approved activities to perform their duties without interference, the following provisions are in effect:

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

If a spectator at a sponsored or approved activity becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar or obscene language or in any way impedes the performance of an activity, the individual in charge of the event may remove the spectator from the event.  The Superintendent may recommend the exclusion of the spectator at future sponsored or approved activities.

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board shall cause a notice of exclusion from sponsored or approved activities to be sent to the spectator involved.  The notice shall advise the spectator of the District’s right to exclude the individual from District activities and events and the duration of the exclusion.  If the spectator disobeys the school official or District’s order, law enforcement authorities may be contacted and asked to remove the spectator.  If a spectator has been notified of exclusion and thereafter attends a sponsored or approved activity, the spectator shall be advised that his/her attendance will result in prosecution.  The District may obtain a court order for permanent exclusion for future school sponsored or approved activities.

*Revised:  06/17/02

*Reviewed:  02/12/07

*Reviewed:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 12/14/15

*Revised: 12/14/20