700 AUXILIARY SERVICES

700 PURPOSE OF NON-INSTRUCTIONAL AND BUSINESS SERVICES

The school district's non-instructional services and business operations assist in the delivery of the education program and include, but are not limited to, transportation, the school lunch program, and child care.

The Board, as it deems necessary, will provide additional non- instructional services to support the school district’s education program. It shall be the goal of the Board to provide non-instructional services and to conduct its business operations and use of public funds in an efficient manner.

Expenditure for Public Purpose

The Board recognizes and supports the principle that District funds are to be expended only for legitimate public purposes and not for private personal gain for which services of comparable value have not been rendered to the District. The Board of Directors believes it is important to designate those expenditures for officers, directors, employees, and volunteers, which are in addition to salaries and benefits authorized and/or specified in Code 400 and legitimate expense reimbursements, which serve a legitimate public purpose. 

The Board authorizes the expenditure of District funds for District officers, directors, employees, and volunteers for the following purposes, as these are commonly-granted benefits for employees and volunteers in public and private organizations which aid in recruitment of personnel, promote improvement of staff morale and cooperation, assist in building a commitment to the District, and improve employee and business efficiency, thus assisting in creating a more productive learning environment: 

The Board also authorizes the expenditure of District funds for coffee and soft drinks in the school buildings. Coffee, soft drinks, and light refreshments, may also be made available at Board and committee meetings to promote a welcoming environment and as a common courtesy for individuals who travel to the District building for attendance at District meetings and conferences. 

No District funds will be used to pay the cost of any alcoholic beverage and no alcoholic beverage will be available on school grounds.

Legal References: Iowa Constitution Article III, Section 31; 279.8, 721.2(5) Code of Iowa

 

*Reviewed:  04/08/02

*Reviewed:  01/29/07

*Reviewed:  04/12/10

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 10/13/14

*Reviewed: 12/10/18

*Revised: 02/10/20

700.1 Internal Controls & Whistleblower

The Board expects all Board members, employees, volunteers, consultants, vendors, contractors, students, and other parties maintaining any relationship with the District to act with integrity, due diligence, and in accordance with all laws in their duties involving the District’s resources.  The Board is entrusted with public dollars and no one connected with the District should do anything to erode that trust.

Internal control is the responsibility of all employees of the District.  The Superintendent, chief financial officer, business manager and Board secretary [or designee] shall be responsible for developing internal controls designed to prevent and detect fraud, financial impropriety, or fiscal irregularities within the District subject to review and approval by the Board.  Administrators shall be alert for any indication of fraud, financial impropriety, or irregularity within the administrator’s area of responsibility.

Any employee who suspects fraud, impropriety, or irregularity shall report their suspicions immediately to the Superintendent, the business manager, the human resources director, or a Finance/Audit Committee member.  The Superintendent shall have primary responsibility for any necessary investigations and shall coordinate investigative efforts with the board’s legal counsel, auditing firm, and other internal or external departments and agencies, including law enforcement officials, as the Superintendent may deem appropriate.

Employees bringing forth a legitimate concern about a potential impropriety will not be retaliated against and those who do retaliate against such an employee will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

In the event the concern or complaint about a potential financial impropriety involves the Superintendent, the concern shall be brought to the attention of the Board Vice President who shall be empowered to contact the board’s legal counsel, insurance agent, auditing firm, and any other agency to investigate the concern or complaint.

As the elected leader of the Board, the Board President shall manage the Board and related actions including Board meetings, analysis of information related to concerns and/or complaints, and all communication internally and externally to the district.

Upon approval of the Board, the Superintendent [or designee] may contact the state auditor or elect to employ the school district’s auditing firm or state auditor to conduct a complete or partial forensic/internal control/SAS99 audit annually or otherwise as often as deemed necessary. The Superintendent is authorized to order a complete forensic audit if, in the Superintendent’s judgment, such an audit would be useful and beneficial to the school district. The Superintendent shall ensure the state auditor is notified of any suspected embezzlement or theft pursuant to Iowa law. In the event there is an investigation, records will be maintained for use in the investigation. Individuals found to have altered or destroyed records will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

 

*Adopted: 02/10/20

 

700.1R Administrative Regulations Regarding Internal Control Procedures and Whistleblower Complaints

Fraud, financial improprieties, or irregularities include but are not limited to:

  • Forgery or unauthorized alteration of any document or account belonging to the district.

  • Forgery or unauthorized alteration of a check, bank draft, or any other financial document.

  • Misappropriation of funds, securities, supplies, or other assets.

  • Impropriety in the handling of money or reporting of financial transactions.

  • Profiteering because of insider information of district information or activities.

  • Disclosing confidential and/or proprietary information to outside parties.

  • Accepting or seeking anything of material value other than items used in the normal course of advertising from contractors, vendors, or persons providing services to the district.

  • Destroying, removing, or inappropriately using district records, furniture, fixtures, or equipment.

  • Failing to provide financial records to authorized state or local entities.

  • Failure to cooperate fully with any financial auditors, investigators, or law enforcement.

  • Any other dishonest or fraudulent act involving district monies or resources.

The Superintendent [or designee] shall investigate reports of fraudulent activity in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and the facts.  All employees involved in the investigation shall be advised to keep information about the investigation confidential.

The employee bringing forth such actions in good faith to the Superintendent, the business manager, the human resources director or a Finance/Audit Committee Member, may not be discharged, threatened, or otherwise discriminated against regarding the employee’s compensation, terms, conditions, location, or privileges of employment. The employee must exercise sound judgment to avoid baseless allegations. An employee who intentionally files a false report of wrongdoing will be subject to disciplinary action.

If an investigation substantiates the occurrence of a fraudulent activity, the Superintendent, or Board Vice President if the investigation centers on the Superintendent, shall issue a report to the Board and appropriate personnel.  The final disposition of the matter and any decision to file or not file a criminal complaint or to refer the matter to the appropriate law enforcement and/or regulatory agency for independent investigation shall be made in consultation with district legal counsel.  The results of the investigation shall not be disclosed to or discussed with anyone other than those individuals with a legitimate right to know until the results are made public.

 

*Adopted: 02/10/20

 

701 SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

701.1 SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

The school system operates a school food service program in its schools; it is administered by the director of food service, under the general supervision of the Superintendent.

 

Food services include hot lunches and breakfasts, through participation in the National School Lunch/Breakfast Program, and supplementary foods necessary to meet the school day nutritional needs of students.

 

School food service programs are provided to serve students and employees when school is in session and during school-related activities.  They may also be used under the supervision of the Superintendent for food service to employee groups, parent-teacher meetings, civic organizations meetings for the purpose of better understanding the schools, and senior citizens in accordance with board policy.

 

Food Service Prices

The Board will set, and periodically review, the prices for school lunches/breakfasts, supplementary foods and milk.  It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent to make a recommendation regarding the prices of school lunches, breakfasts, and milk.  Students and others will be required to deposit money into a lunch account to pay for meals consumed.  Employees, except for food service personnel, will be required to deposit money into a lunch account for meals consumed.

 

School food services are operated on a nonprofit basis, and will comply with all regulations pertaining to health, sanitation, and service of foods.  School food services will meet all state and federal requirements for participation in state and federal programs.

 

School food service receipts will be used only to pay for regular food service operating costs.  When facilities are used by outside groups or agencies, an adequate fee will be charged, as approved by the board.  If facilities are used for other than the regular program, the manager will ensure that no supplies provided for the regular program (or by USDA) are used.  The law allows the use of school lunch facilities by senior citizens; when requests for such use are directed to the board, they will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

 

Organization

 

The director of food service will cooperate with the building food service managers and with the building principals in all matters essential to the proper functioning of the food service program.  The building principal in each school will be responsible for maintaining proper student discipline.  Food service personnel in each school building will be directly responsible to the building's food service manager, and to the building principal.

 

 

General Regulations

 

As required for participation in the National School Lunch/Breakfast Program, the Board agrees to the following general regulations:

 

  1. That a “school lunch/breakfast meal pattern” type lunch/breakfast be made available to students;
  2. That free or reduced‑price lunches/breakfasts be provided to students who cannot afford the price of the “school lunch/breakfast meal pattern” lunch/breakfast.

 

Students will also be permitted to bring their lunches from home and to purchase only beverages and incidental items.

 

*Revised:  04/08/02

*Reviewed:  01/29/07

*Reviewed:  06/14/10

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Revised: 11/10/14

*Reviewed: 12/10/18

701.2 FREE OR REDUCED COST MEALS ELIGIBILITY

Students enrolled and attending school in the school district who are unable to afford the the cost or a portion of the cost of a school lunch and breakfast may apply for free or reduced meal costs by filling out income eligibility applications for approval. The food service office will verify the application and determine if meals are at no cost or at a reduced cost.

 

 

*Adopted:  12/13/10

*Revised: 1/12/15

*Reviewed: 12/10/18

701.3 MEAL CHARGES

In accordance with state and federal law, the Glenwood Community School District adopts the following policy to ensure school district employees, families, and students have a shared understanding of expectations regarding meal charges. The policy seeks to allow students to receive the nutrition they need to stay focused during the school day, prevent the overt identification of students with insufficient funds to pay for school meals, and maintain the financial integrity of the nonprofit school nutrition program.

Payment of Meals

Students have use of a meal account with a 4 digit pin number.  All meal purchases are to be prepaid before meal service begins. Due to time constraints cash is not accepted during the meal service time as this will slow down service and not allow students sufficient time to eat. Negative accounts are for emergencies only. When the balance reaches $0.00 a student may charge no more than $10.00 per student to this account. The Glenwood District appreciates you keeping a positive balance at all times. When an account reaches this limit, a student shall not be allowed to charge further meals until the negative account balance is paid. If needed, you can send a sack lunch to school with your student until the negative balance is taken care of. Students who do not have sufficient funds shall not be allowed to purchase any ala carte items until additional money is deposited in the student account.

We offer 2 payment methods:

  1. Online payments at ezschoolpay.com so parents can monitor their child’s meal account balance and transactions online and set up a payment reminder email for FREE.  Also, parents may make prepayments into their child’s account anytime using Visa or MasterCard (credit or debit). The convenience fee of $3.00 is charged by the school district. The fee is designed to cover or offset the normal costs of processing credit card transactions and other costs associated with maintaining a credit card merchant account. If you wish to use this service, you may sign up at www.ezschoolpay.com.

  2. Cash or check deposits are accepted by the food service clerk or the school office at each school.  You may send this deposit with your student or bring in yourself. We ask that you send it in a sealed envelope with the student's name and teacher's name on the envelope at the elementary levels.

Students who qualify for free meals shall never be denied a reimbursable meal, even if they have accrued a negative balance from previous purchases. Students with outstanding meal charge debt shall be allowed to purchase a meal if the student pays for the meal the day it is received. Please bring this in to deposit before serving time.

The Glenwood School District Superintendent or Director of Food Service may provide an exception to the negative balance limits due to hardship. Please contact the Food Service Office at 712-527-5029 to discuss options if the balance exceeds the negative $10.00 limit.

Employees may not charge for meals, negative accounts are not allowed except for an emergency that is preapproved by the Food Service Director. When an account reaches a $0.00 balance, an employee shall not be allowed to charge meals or ala carte items until the negative account balance is positive.

Negative Account Balances

The school district will make reasonable efforts to notify families when meal account balances are low. Additionally, the school district will make reasonable efforts to collect unpaid meal charges classified as delinquent debt. The school district will coordinate communications with families to resolve the matter of unpaid charges. Families will be notified of an outstanding negative balance once the negative balance reaches $0.00.

Elementary families will be notified by computer generated payment reminders, e-mails, phone calls and text.

Middle School and High School students will be notified in the lunch line of lunch balances and families will be notified by e-mail, phone calls, and text.

Families signed up for the ezschoolpay.com program can set up automatic reminders via e-mail at whatever dollar value the customer chooses for FREE.

Family negative balances of more than $50.00, not paid prior to 30 days will be turned over to the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee for collection. Options may include any legal method permitted by law.

All negative balances must be paid in order for student to walk in commencement.

If you have any questions or we can help, please call the food service office at 712-527-5029.

 
 
*Adopted: 06/12/17
*Revised: 07/09/18

702 SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

702.1 SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

The policy and rules and regulations for the transportation of pupils to and from school shall be in strict compliance with statutory provisions, State Department of Education regulations, and rules and regulations established by the Board.

 

 

*Reviewed:  04/08/02

*Reviewed:  01/29/07

*Reviewed:  04/12/10

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 11/10/14

*Reviewed: 12/10/18

702.2 STUDENT SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION ELIGIBILITY

Elementary and middle school students living more than two miles from their designated school attendance centers and high school students living more than three miles from their designated attendance centers are entitled to transportation to and from their attendance center at the expense of the school district.

 

Transportation of students who require special education services will generally be provided as for other students, when appropriate.  Specialized transportation of a student to and from a special education instructional service is a function of that service and, therefore, an appropriate expenditure of special education instructional funds generated through the weighting plan.

 

Transportation of a student to and from a special education support service is a function of that service, and is specified in the individualized education program (IEP) or the individualized family service plan (IFSP).  When the IEP or IFSP team determines that unique transportation arrangements are required and the arrangements are specified in the IEP or IFSP, the school district will provide one or more of the following transportation arrangements for instructional services and the AEA for support services:

 

  • Transportation from the student's residence to the location of the special education and back to the student's residence, or child care placement for students below the age of six.
  • Special assistance or adaptations in getting the student to and from and on and off the vehicle, en route to and from the special education.
  • Reimbursement of the actual costs of transportation when by mutual agreement the parents provide transportation for the student to and from the special education.

 

The school district is not required to provide reimbursement to parents who elect to provide transportation in lieu of agency-provided transportation.

 

A student may be required, at the Board's discretion, to meet a school vehicle without reimbursement up to three-fourths of a mile.  The Board may require the parent to transport their children up to two miles to connect with school bus vehicles at the expense of the school district when conditions deem it advisable.  It is within the discretion of the Board to determine such conditions.  Parents of students who live where transportation by bus is impracticable or unavailable may be required to furnish transportation to and from the designated attendance center at the expense of the school district.  Parents, who transport their children at the expense of the school district, are reimbursed at the rate per mile set by the state. 

 

Transportation arrangements made by agreement with a neighboring school district will follow the terms of the agreement.  Students, who choose to attend a school in a school district other than their resident school district, will provide transportation to and from the school at their own expense.

 

*Adopted:  02/12/07

*Reviewed:  04/12/10

*Reviewed:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 11/10/14

*Reviewed: 12/10/18

702.3 SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Board in its discretion may provide school district transportation for extracurricular activities including, but not limited to, transporting student participants and other students to and from extracurricular practices or events and/or transporting equipment necessary for an extracurricular activity to and from extracurricular practices or events. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the Board annually as to whether the school district will provide the transportation authorized in this policy. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to make a recommendation to the Board, as necessary, as to what individuals or group of individuals are eligible to provide transportation and/or drive school district vehicles. In making any recommendation to the Board regarding the transportation of students and/or equipment for extracurricular activities, the Superintendent will consider the financial condition of the school district, the number of students who would qualify for such transportation, the type of equipment to be transferred, any considerations regarding the individuals who would be assigned to drive school district vehicles, and other factors the Board or Superintendent deem relevant. Transportation in School District Vehicles Students participating in and/or attending extracurricular practices or events, other than those held at the school district facilities, may be transported to the extracurricular practice or event by school district transportation vehicles or by another means approved by the Superintendent or activities director. Students who are provided transportation in school district transportation vehicles for extracurricular practices or events will ride both to and from the event in the school vehicle unless arrangements have been made with the activities director prior to the practice or event. A student may travel home from an extracurricular practice or event with that student’s parent/guardian only if the parent/guardian signs the student out with the coach or sponsor following the practice or event. A student may travel home from an extracurricular practice or event with or another student’s parent/guardian only if it has been requested by that student’s parent/guardian and that student's parent/ guardian has made said arrangements with the activities director prior to the extracurricular practice or event. The student or the student’s parent/guardian must provide notice to the coach or activity sponsor of this arrangement prior to the extracurricular practice or event so that the coach or activity sponsor can confirm the arrangement with the activities director. Equipment necessary for an extracurricular activity, which may include pre-approved weapons and/or ammunition for the appropriate extracurricular activity, may be transported to the extracurricular practice or event by school district transportation vehicles or by another means approved by the Superintendent or athletic director. If pre-approved weapons and/or ammunition for an extracurricular activity are transported to the extracurricular practice or event by school district transportation vehicles, then the weapons and/or ammunition will always be transported in a separate vehicle from the vehicle transporting students. The Board in its discretion may determine that any individual, including but not limited to a coach, activity sponsor or parent, may operate a school vehicle for purposes of transporting students and/or equipment to and from extracurricular activities. Any such individual operating a school vehicle for purposes of transporting students and/or equipment to and from extracurricular activities who is not employed by the school district shall not receive additional compensation for the operation of the school vehicle for said purposes. The Board shall require any such individual operating a school vehicle for purposes of transporting students and/or equipment to and from extracurricular activities to provide evidence that the individual: (1) has a valid driver’s license; (2) has a driving record with minimal violations (i.e., fewer than two (2) moving violations in the previous twelve (12) month period); (3) has valid insurance with coverage and limits deemed acceptable by the District (which is determined to be $20,000 bodily injury coverage limits for any one person in any one accident and $40,000 bodily injury coverage limits for two or more persons in any one accident); and (4) has submitted to and passed a volunteer background check. Annually the Board and/or Superintendent shall provide a list of potential drivers to the school district’s insurance provider to determine whether the individual’s operation of a school district vehicle is covered under the school district’s insurance coverage. Transportation in Private Vehicles A parent or guardian is responsible for ensuring their student is transported to and from an extracurricular practice or event within the school district boundaries, but off school district facilities or grounds. Students participating in and/or attending an extracurricular practice or event that occurs within the school district boundaries, but off school district facilities or grounds, may use a private vehicle (non-school district transportation) to travel between school and an extracurricular practice or event. Students who use private vehicles may be allowed to transport other students between school and an extracurricular practice or event within the school district boundaries, but off school district facilities or grounds, provided the student driver has been instructed on safety rules that must be observed and the student has completed a “Volunteer Driver Verification Statement”. The “Volunteer Driver Verification Statement” shall be signed by the student driver and the student driver’s parent or guardian and shall confirm that the following requirements are met: (1) The student driver has a current, valid driver’s license; (2) The student driver is not subject to any license suspension, revocation, cancellation, denial or bar and not have committed an offense or act which, either alone or with previous offenses or acts, could result in license suspension, revocation, cancellation, denial or bar; (3) The student driver has appropriate safety restraint devices for every rider. (4) The student driver has proof of insurance on the vehicle. (5) The student driver has permission of the owner of the vehicle to operate the vehicle for purposes of transporting other students. (6) The student driver and the student driver’s parent/guardian agree that the fact that the student driver has returned a completed “Volunteer Driver Verification Statement” may be shared with other students and parents of the school district and the student driver and the student driver’s parent or guardian consent to the release of this information. A parent or guardian who wants their student to ride with another student driver in a private vehicle between school and an extracurricular practice or event within the school district boundaries, but off school district facilities or grounds, shall contact the athletic director to determine whether the other student has a completed “Volunteer Driver Verification Statement” on file. A parent or guardian who does not want their student to ride with any other student driver between school and an extracurricular practice or event within the school district boundaries, but off school district facilities or grounds, may request alternative forms of transportation by submitting a written request to the Superintendent or athletic director. The district cannot and does not monitor students driving with other students between school and an extracurricular practice or event within the school district boundaries, but off school district facilities or grounds. The district will not allow or prohibit students from riding with other students between school and an extracurricular practice or event within the school district boundaries, but off school district facilities or grounds. The district cannot and does not guarantee that a student will not decide to ride with other students. The district will only provide a student or parent or guardian who inquires information regarding whether another student has returned a “Volunteer Driver Verification Statement”.

*Adopted: 02/12/07

*Reviewed: 04/12/10

*Revised: 12/13/10

*Revised: 02/13/12

*Reviewed: 04/22/13

*Revised: 11/9/15

*Reviewed: 12/10/18

*Revised: 10/14/19

702.4 SUMMER SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

The school district may use school vehicles for transportation to and from summer extracurricular activities.  The Superintendent will make a recommendation to the board annually regarding their use.

 

Transportation to and from the student's attendance center for summer school instructional programs is within the discretion of the board.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation regarding transportation of students in summer school instructional programs at the expense of the school district.  In making the recommendation to the board, the superintendent will consider the financial condition of the school district, the number of students involved in summer school programs, and other factors deemed relevant by the board or the superintendent.

 

 

*Adopted:  02/12/07

*Reviewed:  04/12/10

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 11/10/14

*Reviewed: 12/10/18

702.5 SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION OF NONSCHOOL GROUPS

School district vehicles may be available to local nonprofit entities which promote cultural, educational, civic, community, or recreational activities for transporting to and from nonschool-sponsored activities within the state as long as the transportation does not interfere with or disrupt the educational program of the school district and does not interfere with or delay the transportation of students.  The local nonprofit entity must pay the cost of using the school district vehicle as determined by the superintendent.  Prior to making the school district transportation vehicle available to the local nonprofit entity, the “school bus” signs will be covered and the flashing warning lamps and the stop arm made inoperable.

 

Any use of school district vehicles by non-school groups shall be subject to the following guidelines:

 

  1. Requests must be made a minimum of one week in advance.  If the request interferes or conflicts with school district use of the vehicle, the request will be denied. The final decision of whether a request will be granted is within the discretion of the administration.
  2. Requests must be made by recognized youth organizations and/or groups or organizations sponsoring projects in the interest of the local community, state or national benefit or welfare.
  3. The rental period will be negotiated directly with the administration.
  4. Adult chaperones may be required to accompany the bus driver and riders.
  5. All requests will be charged bus and driver fees.
  6. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are prohibited on school district vehicles in accordance with Board Policies 902.8 and 406.4.
  7. Whenever damage caused by vandalism or carelessness results, the group shall reimburse the school district for cost of repairs and may be denied further use of school district vehicles.

 

*Adopted:  02/12/07

*Revised:  06/14/10

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 11/10/14

*Reviewed: 12/10/18

702.5GF USE OF SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION BY NONSCHOOL GROUPS AGREEMENT FORM

Date of Request:                                         Date Bus Needed:                         

 

Bus Request:                                               Time Needed:                                 

 

I understand that the use of the buses of the school district shall be in accordance with the following rules and regulations:

 

  1. Use of the buses fees shall be assessed based upon the actual state transportation report cost per mile.
  2. Driver feels shall be assessed based upon staff employees necessary and available, and at the actual driver contract cost per hour.
  3. Requests must be made a minimum of one week in advance.  If the request interferes or conflicts with school district use of the vehicle, the request will be denied. The final decision of whether a request will be granted is within the discretion of the administration.
  4. Requests must be made by recognized youth organizations and/or groups or organizations sponsoring projects in the interest of the local community, state or national benefit or welfare.
  5. The rental period will be negotiated directly with the administration.
  6. Adult chaperones may be required to accompany the bus driver and riders.
  7. All requests will be charged bus and driver fees.
  8. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are prohibited on school district vehicles in accordance with Board Policies 902.8 and 406.4.
  9. Whenever damage caused by vandalism or carelessness results, the group shall reimburse the school district for cost of repairs and may be denied further use of school district vehicles
  10. The person signing this agreement shall be financially responsible for all costs accrued.

 

(_____ Total Miles Traveled X _____ Cost per Mile) + (_____ Total Hours Traveled X _____ Hourly Cost of Driver) = _____ Total Bus Charge

 

_________________________              ___________________________

Superintendent or Designee                                Group Representative

 

*Adopted:  12/13/10

*Reviewed: 11/10/14

*Reviewed: 12/10/18

702.6 SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION IN INCLEMENT WEATHER

School district buses will not operate when weather conditions due to fog, rain, snow or other natural elements make it unsafe to do so.  Because weather conditions may vary around the school district and may change quickly, the best judgment possible will be used with the information available.

 

The final judgment as to when conditions are unsafe to operate will be made by the Superintendent.  The Superintendent will be assisted by the actual "on location" decisions and reports of transportation personnel.

 

Employees and students will be notified by commercial radio, television, web site, automated phone service and/or text messaging when school is cancelled or temporarily delayed.  When school is cancelled because of weather anywhere in the school district, all schools will be closed.

 

When weather conditions deteriorate during the day after school has begun, cancellation notices will be announced by commercial radio, television, automated phone service and/or text messaging. Students will be returned to their regular drop-off sites unless weather conditions prevent it. In that case, students will be kept at or return to school until they are picked up by the parents or other arrangement can be made. Should school be cancelled due to weather and weather conditions improve later in the day, activity practices/contests may be held with Superintendent approval through Activity DIrector's request.

 

 

 

*Adopted:  02/12/07

*Reviewed:  04/12/10

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Revised: 11/10/14

*Reviewed: 12/10/18

702.7 SCHOOL BUS SAFETY INSTRUCTION

The school district will conduct school bus safe riding practices instruction and emergency safety drills at least twice during the school year for students who utilize school district transportation.

Each school bus vehicle will have, in addition to the regular emergency safety drill, a plan for helping those students who require special assistance to safety during an emergency. This will include, but not be limited to, students with disabilities.

School district vehicle drivers are required to attend each safety drill.

Employees are responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed during an emergency, as well as safe riding practices.

All school personnel and designees must wear seat belts while operating school and private vehicles for school functions.  

 

*Adopted:  02/12/07

*Reviewed:  04/12/10

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Revised: 11/10/14

*Reviewed: 11/11/19

 

702.8 STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Students utilizing school transportation will conduct themselves in an orderly manner fitting to their age level and maturity with mutual respect and consideration for the rights of the driver and the other passengers.  Students who fail to behave in an orderly manner will be subject to disciplinary measures.

The driver will have the authority to maintain order on the school vehicle.  It is the responsibility of the driver to report misconduct on the vehicle to the Transportation Department in a timely fashion.

The Board supports the use of video cameras on school buses used for transportation to and from school as well as for field trips, curricular or extra curricular events.  The video cameras may be used to monitor student behavior and may be used as evidence in a student disciplinary proceeding.  The video tapes are student records subject to school district confidentiality, board policy and administrative regulations.

In an effort to provide all school vehicle passengers with the safest and most efficient ride to and from their attendance centers as well as for field trips, curricular or extra curricular events. Bus rules outlined in Board Policy 702.8R1 must be followed at all times.

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent or his designee, to develop administrative regulations regarding student conduct and discipline when utilizing school district transportation.

 

*Adopted:  02/12/07

*Revised:  06/14/10

*Revised:  12/13/10

*Revised: 11/10/14

*Reviewed: 11/11/19

702.8R1 STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION REGULATION

STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION REGULATION
 

It is the belief of this department that all passengers can and must behave in a safe and appropriate manner when riding the school bus. Any behavior that may prevent the bus driver from performing their job safely and effectively WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. The safety of all passengers is our primary concern.

In an effort to provide all school bus passengers with the safest and most efficient ride to and from their attendance center, the following BUS SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES must be followed at all times:

  • Follow the directions of the bus driver and bus aide.
  • Stay seated at all times.
  • Keep all body parts inside the bus.
  • Keep feet and legs and school supplies out of the aisle; aisle must remain clear.
  • Sit facing front of bus.
  • No eating or drinking on the bus.
  • No pushing, shoving, or fighting.
  • No inappropriate languages directed to other passengers or the driver.
  • No yelling or screaming. Excessive noise distracts the driver, as well as prevents the driver from hearing important communications from the dispatcher.
  • Band instruments will be allowed as long as aisles are not blocked and there is available space. Pre-approval for large instruments is recommended.
  • No loud/inappropriate music/sound effects from any electronic device.

VIOLATION OF THESE RULES POLICIES, PROCEDURES WILL RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINARY ACTION:

1ST Violation: Transportation Coordinator will verbally contact parents, assign seating, give written notification to parents

 2nd Violation:  3 day SUSPENSION; written warning, parents contacted by Transportation Department

3rd Violation5 day SUSPENSION; written warning, parents contacted by Transportation Department

4th Violation:  SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION FOR REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

The District reserves the right to impose disciplinary consequences up to and including an automatic suspension from school transportation for up to one calendar year based upon the nature and seriousness of the student’s action and/or conduct in each case.

THE FOLLOWING INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION FOR UP TO ONE CALENDAR YEAR:

1. Physical harm, injury, or threat to the driver or aide, and/or other students on the bus.

2. Property damage to the school bus by a student.

3. Total disruption and/or refusal to obey the bus driver, the aide, and/or school bus rules.

4. Using inappropriate language directed at another student, the driver, the aide or someone outside the bus. 

5. Extending body parts or objects outside the bus, at the discretion of the Transportation Department due to the severity of the violation.

Please review this information with your child/children so that all passengers can enjoy a safe, positive experience on the school bus. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Transportation Department at 712-527-4116. Thank you for your understanding and Cooperation.

 

 

*Adopted: 11/10/14

*Reviewed: 11/11/19

*Revised: 03/09/20

702.9 TRANSPORTATION IN PRIVATE VEHICLES FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

School owned vehicles will be used and driven by school employees to transport students who participate in school sponsored activities and/or equipment for school sponsored activities, unless the administration considers it best to use a private vehicle.

If a private vehicle is used to transport students and/or equipment for school sponsored activities to school sponsored activities, it must be driven by a school employee and/or another individual specifically approved by the Superintendent, and approved in advance by the Superintendent or Principal.

If a private vehicle is used, the rate of reimbursement to the owner shall be the rate per mile established by the State of Iowa.  The district is not required to provide reimbursement to staff who elect to provide transportation in lieu of agency-provided transportation.

The person whose vehicle is being used must provide evidence that the vehicle has valid insurance with coverage and limits deemed acceptable by the District (which is determined to be $20,000 bodily injury coverage limits for any one person in any one accident and $40,000 bodily injury coverage limits for two or more persons in any one accident).

The driver of the vehicle must provide evidence that the individual:  (1) has a valid driver’s license; (2) has a driving record with minimal violations (i.e. fewer than two (2 moving violations in the previous twelve (12) month period; (3) has valid insurance with coverage and limits deemed acceptable by the District (which is determined to be $20,000 bodily injury coverage limits for any one person in any one accident and $40,000 bodily injury coverage limits for two or more persons in any one accident); and (4) has submitted to and passed a volunteer background check.

The school is not responsible for student safety in any instances when students ride in private vehicles driven by anyone but an authorized school employee and/or another individual specifically approved by the Superintendent.  Parents may be asked to provide transportation for school related activities, but shall not be required to do such.  Students may not transport other students for school related activities and/or on school sponsored trips.

 

 

*Adopted:  02/12/07

*Revised:  06/14/10

*Revised:  10/05/10                     

 *Revised:  05/13/13

*Revised:  08/12/13

*Reviewed: 11/10/14

*Reviewed: 11/11/19

703 FISCAL MANAGEMENT

General Fund Budget

The District shall prepare an annual 5-year general fund budget forecast that includes estimates of unspent authorized budget (spending authority), as well as restricted, assigned and unassigned fund balances available at the end of each fiscal year.  The estimates shall be prepared utilizing scenarios for likely State Supplementary Assistance (SSA) rates and enrollment projections. The projections shall include estimates of property tax rates and income surtax rates, if applicable.

Monthly Update

The Treasurer shall report monthly to the Board as to actual revenue and expenditures for the month and year-to-date, as compared to budgeted revenues and expenditures and compared to historical revenues and expenditures (both in dollar amounts and percentages), for each fund maintained by the district.  The Treasurer shall provide context with respect to current year variances between budgeted and historical revenues and expenditures.

Budget Amendments

The District shall amend the certified budget, when necessary, at the earliest practical date after receipt of knowledge indicating that the budget must be amended and prior to any statutory deadline.  Monthly budget reports shall include amended amounts at the earliest possible date after the receipt of knowledge indicating that the budgets must be amended.

Modified Supplemental Amount  

The District shall solicit from the School Budget Review Committee additional Modified Supplemental Amount (spending authority) where it may be available for items such as special education deficit, increasing enrollment, budget guarantee, open enrollment not on prior year count, English Language Learner, and any other lawful purposes.  The Board shall be provided a resolution to approve the maximum request authorized. Any award of Modified Supplemental Amount may be levied as a cash reserve levy, in full, in the next available budget year. For recurring program deficits that are predictable and estimable, the district shall levy in advance for the immediately succeeding year as part of the general cash reserve levy if the deficit causes the estimated assigned and unassigned to fall below the minimum required. Grants of spending authority not funded by the state or other sources may ultimately be levied against property taxes. 

Audit Committee

The Board shall have an Audit Committee consisting of one Board member and an alternate appointed by the Board President, a public member with financial expertise, a public member representing the business community, and the District’s School Business Official (ex officio).  The members of the Audit Committee will have three-year staggered terms. It shall be the responsibility of the Audit Committee to (1) review the previous year’s draft audit report to ensure that the recommendations are addressed and (2) review the implementation of the current year’s budget.  The Audit Committee shall meet approximately three times a year. The Audit Committee shall be considered a subcommittee of the Board and shall meet the requirements of the open meetings law. Audit Committee minutes will be provided to the Board.

*Adopted: 02/10/20