The East Union Community School District board is authorized by and derives its organization from Iowa law.  The board will consist of (5) five board members.  Board members are elected by director district. 

The board is organized for the purpose of setting policy and providing general direction for the school district.  The board will hold its organizational meeting each year at the first regular meeting following the canvass of votes.  The retiring board will transfer materials, including the board policy manual, and responsibility to the new board. 

The organizational meeting allows the outgoing board to approve minutes of its previous meetings, 

complete unfinished business and review the school election results.  The retiring board will adjourn and the new board will then begin.  The Board Secretary will administer the oath of office to the newly elected board members.  The Board Secretary will preside while the new board elects the president and vice-president of the new board. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 274.2; 275.23A; 277.23, .28, .31;  

                                 279.1, .5, .7, .8. 281 I.A.C. 12.3(2). 

Cross Reference:    202 Board of Directors Members 

                                 206.1 President 

                                 206.2 Vice-President 

                                 210 Board of Directors' Meetings 

Approved    11-15-04  Reviewed  2-21-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15, 7-22-19    Revised

The board will hold its organizational meeting annually at the first regular meeting following the canvass of votes.  Notice of the meeting's place and time will be given by the board secretary to each member, member-elect and the public. 

The purpose of the meeting is to transfer material and responsibility from the outgoing board to the new board.  At the meeting, the board will elect a president who will hold office for one year.  Once elected, the president will be entitled to vote on all matters before the board. 

Meeting Procedure 

The organizational meeting of the board will be held in two parts:  the final meeting of the outgoing 

board, and the organizational meeting of the new board. 

1. Final Meeting of the Retiring Board 

1.   Call to order. 
2.   Roll call. 
3.   Approval of minutes of previous meeting(s). 
4.   Communications. 
5.   Visitors. 
6.   Unfinished business. 

  (a)      Current claims and accounts (for the retiring board to authorize). 

  (b)      Other items.  If any member of the board feels the board should consider any unfinished

business, even if only to identify it as unfinished business, the member should address the

issue at this time. 

        7.     Review of election results.  The board secretary will present the county auditor's official 

                 report on the latest elections.  Official results are recorded in the minutes. 

        8.      Adjournment of the retiring board. 

2. Organizational Meeting of the New Board 

1. Board Secretary, as president pro tem, will preside over the meeting until a new board president is elected. 
2. Call to order. 
3. Roll call. 
4. Oath of office.  The board secretary will administer the oath to new members. 
5. Election of a president of the board.  The president pro tem calls for nominations; nominations need not be seconded.  The board will then vote on the nominations.  The secretary will announce the result of the vote, and the Board Secretary will administer the oath of office to the newly elected president and the newly elected president will assume the chair.
6. Election of the vice-president.  The president of the board will call for nominations; the nominations need not be seconded.  The board will then vote on the nominations.  The president will announce the results and administer the oath of office to the vice-president.

Other items of business at the organizational meeting may include:  

1. Board resolution of appreciation recognizing the public service rendered by retiring board members. 
2. Determination of dates, times, and places for regular meetings of the board. 

Code No. 200.1R1

Page 2 of 2

1. Board resolution to define the operating rules and practices that will be followed by the new board. 
2. Board resolution to authorize the interim payment of bills pursuant to policy 705.5. 
3. Communications. 
4. Public Forum 
5. Superintendent's report. 
6. Adjournment.    

Vacancies in Officer Positions 

If any office of the board should become vacant between organizational meetings, such office will be filled by the remaining members of the board in accordance with this policy. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 21.4; 277.8; 277.31; 279.1.

Cross Reference:    202 Board of Directors Members 

                                 206.1 President 

                                 206.2 Vice-President 

                                210 Board of Directors' Meetings

Approved    11-18-02 Reviewed    2-21-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15, 7-22-19   Revised

The board of the East Union Community School District, acting on behalf of the school district, will have jurisdiction over school matters within the territory of the school district. 

The board is empowered to make policy for its own governance, for employees, for students and for 

school district facilities.  The board is also empowered to enforce its policies.  The board may, through its quasi-judicial power, conduct hearings and rule on issues and disputes confronting the school district. 

The board has these powers and all other powers expressly granted to it in federal and state law as well as the powers that can be reasonably implied from the express powers. 

Legal Reference:   

                              Iowa Code §§ 28E; 274.1-.2; 279.8.  

                              281 I.A.C. 12.1(2).  

Cross Reference:    209 Board of Directors' Management Procedures 

Approved    11-18-02 Reviewed    2-21-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15, 7-22-19   Revised

The East Union Board of Directors is authorized to govern the school district which it oversees.  As the governing board of the school district, the board has three duties to perform:  legislative duty, executive duty and evaluative duty. 
 

As a representative of the citizens of the school district community, the board is responsible for legislating policy for the school district.  As a policy making body, the board has jurisdiction to enact policy with the force and effect of law for the management and operation of the school district. 

It is the responsibility of the board, under the board's executive duty, to select its chief executive officer, the superintendent, to operate the school district on the board's behalf.  The board delegates to the superintendent its authority to carry out board policy, to formulate and carry out rules and regulations and to handle the administrative details in a manner that supports and is consistent with board policy. 

The board has a responsibility to review the education program's performance under its evaluative duty.  The board regularly reviews the education program and ancillary services.  The review includes a careful study and examination of the facts, conditions and circumstances surrounding the amount of funds received or expended and the education program's ability to achieve the board's educational philosophy for the school district. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 274.1; Chap. 279;

                              Chap 280.  

                              281 I.A.C. 12.1(2). 

Cross Reference:    101 Educational Philosophy of the School District 

                                103 Long-Range Needs Assessment 

                                209 Board of Directors' Management Procedures 

                                600 Goals and Objectives of the Education Program  

Approved    11-18-02 Reviewed    2-21-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15, 7-22-19  Revised

The annual school election takes place on the second Tuesday in September of each odd-numbered year.  Each school election is used to elect at least one citizen to the board to maintain a five (5) member board and to address other questions that must be submitted to the voters. 

Citizens of the school district community seeking a seat on the board must file their nomination papers with the board secretary, or the board secretary's designee, between seventy-one (71) and forty-seven (47) days before the school election unless otherwise directed. 

If a vacancy occurs on the board it may be filled by appointment within thirty (30) days of the vacancy.  If the board does not fill the vacancy by appointment, the board secretary will call a special election to fill the vacancy.  

It is the responsibility of the county commissioner of elections to conduct school elections. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 39; 45; 47-53; 57; 63, 69; 274.7; 277; 278.1, 279.7.

Cross Reference:    202 Board of Directors Members 

                                203 Board of Directors' Conflict of Interest 

Approved    11-18-02 Reviewed    2-21-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15  Revised  7-22-19

Serving on the board of directors is an honor and privilege.  Its rewards are respect from the community, students, and employees and the satisfaction from knowing each board member contributed to the success of the children in the school district community.  Only those who are willing to put forth the effort to care and to make a difference should consider running for a position on the board. 

Individuals who are willing to serve on the board should believe public education is important, support the democratic process, willingly devote time and energy to board work, respect educators and have the ability to examine the facts and make a decision.  The board believes an individual considering a position on the school board should possess these characteristics. 

Citizens wanting to run for a position on the board must be a citizen of the school district, an eligible elector of the district,free from a financial conflict of interest with the position, and meet any other requirement established by law. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 63; 68B; 277.4, .27; 279.7A. 

Cross Reference:    201 Board of Directors' Elections 

                                202.4 Vacancies 

                                203 Board of Directors' Conflict of Interest 

Approved    11-15-04  Reviewed    2-21-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15  Revised  7-22-19

Board members are officials of the state.  As a public official, each board member must pledge to uphold the Iowa and the United States Constitution and carry out the responsibilities of the office to the best of the board member's ability. 

Each newly-elected board member will take the oath of office prior to any action taken as a school official.  The oath of office is taken by each new board member elected at the annual school election at or before the organizational meeting of the board.  In the event of an appointment or special election to fill a vacancy, the new board member will take the oath of office within ten days of the appointment or election. 

Board members elected to offices of the board will also take the same oath of office but replacing the office of board member with the title of the office to which they were elected. 

The oath of office is administered by the board secretary and does not need to be given at a board meeting.  In the event the board secretary is absent, the oath is administered by another board member. 

"Do you solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Iowa, and that you will faithfully and impartially to the best of your ability discharge the duties of the office of  ____________(naming the office) in  __________________(naming the district) as now and hereafter required by law?" 

Board members elected at the regular election do not need to take the oath of office within ten (10) days. However, those elected at a special election or appointed to fill a vacancy must take the oath of office within ten (10) days. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 277.28; 279.1, .6. 

Cross Reference:    200.1 Organization of the Board of Directors 

                                201 Board of Directors' Elections 

                                202 Board of Directors Members 

                                204 Code of Ethics 

                                206 Board of Directors' Officers 

Approved    5-19-03  Reviewed    2-21-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15, 7-22-19   Revised

Board members elected for a full term at a regularly scheduled school election in September serve for four years.  Board members appointed to fill a vacant position will serve until the next scheduled school election.  A board member elected to fill a vacancy will serve out the unexpired term. 

Being a board member is a unique opportunity for a citizen to participate on a governing board of the school district.  Eligible board members are encouraged to consider running for more than one term.  

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 69.12; 274.7; 279.6-.7. 

Cross Reference:    201 Board of Directors' Elections 

                                202 Board of Directors Members 

Approved 5-19-03  Reviewed 2-21-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15, 7-22-19   Revised  2-21-11

A vacancy occurs as provided by law, which includes but is not limited to, when a board member dies, resigns, forfeits, or otherwise leaves the office, or fails to reside in the school district or director district.  

If a vacancy occurs prior to the expiration of a term of office, the vacancy will be filled by board appointment within thirty (30) days of the vacancy.  The newly-appointed board member will hold the position until the next scheduled school election.  At that time the appointed board member may run for a three-year term, if one is available, or run for the remainder of the unexpired term. 

If the board is unable to fill a vacancy by appointment within thirty (30) days after the vacancy occurs, the board secretary will call a special election to be held no sooner than sixty (60) days and not later than seventy (70) days after the vacancy occurred.  A board member elected at the special election will serve the remaining portion of the unexpired term. 

Legal Reference:   

                              Iowa Code §§ 21.6(3)(d); 69; 277.29-.30; 279.6-.7. 

Cross Reference:    201 Board of Directors' Elections 

                                202 Board of Directors Members 

Approved    5-19-03  Reviewed    2-21-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15   Revised  7-22-19

Board members must be able to make decisions objectively.  It is a conflict of interest for a board member to receive direct compensation from the school district, unless exempted in this policy, for anything other than reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses, including travel, incurred in the performance of official duties.  A board member will not act as an agent for a school textbook or school supply company doing business with the school district during the board member's term of office.  It will not be a conflict of interest for board members to receive compensation from the school district for contracts to purchase goods or services if the benefit to the board member does not exceed $2,500 in a fiscal year or if the contracts are made by the board, upon competitive bid in writing, publicly invited and opened.   

The conflict of interest provisions do not apply to a contract that is a bond, note or other obligation of a school corporation if the contract is not acquired directly from the school corporation, but is acquired in a transaction with a third party, who may or may not be the original underwriter, purchaser, or obligee of the contract, or to a contract in which a director has an interest solely by reason of employment if the contract was made by competitive bid, in writing, publicly invited and opened, or if the remuneration for employment will not be directly affected as a result of the contract and duties of employment do not involve any of the preparation or procurement of any part of the contract.  The competitive bid section of the conflict of interest provision does not apply to a contract for professional services not customarily competitively bid.

It will also be a conflict of interest for a board member to engage in any outside employment or activity which is in conflict with the board member's official duties and responsibilities.  In determining whether outside employment or activity of a board member creates a conflict of interest, situations in which an unacceptable conflict of interest is deemed to exist includes, but are not limited to, any of the following:

1. The outside employment or activity involves the use of the school district's time, facilities, equipment and supplies or the use of the school district badge, uniform, business card or other evidence of office to give the board member or member of the board member's immediate family an advantage or pecuniary benefit that is not available to other similarly situated members or classes of members of the general public.  For purposes of this section, a person is not "similarly situated" merely by being related to a board member.
2. The outside employment or activity involves the receipt of, promise of, or acceptance of more or other consideration by the board member or a member of the board member's immediate family from anyone other than the state or the school district for the performance of any act that the board member would be required or expected to perform as part of the board member's regular duties or during the hours in which the board member performs service or work for the school district.
3. The outside employment or activity is subject to the official control, inspection, review, audit, or enforcement authority of the board member, during the performance of the board member's duties of office or employment.

If the outside employment or activity is employment or activity in (1) or (2) above, the board member must cease the employment of or activity.  If the activity or employment falls under (3), then the board member must:

• Cease the outside employment or activity; or,
• Publicly disclose the existence of the conflict and refrain from taking any official action

or performing any official duty that would detrimentally affect or create a benefit for the outside employment or activity.  Official action or official duty includes, but is not limited to, participating in any vote, taking affirmative action to influence any vote, or providing any

other official service or thing that is not available generally to members of the public in order to further the interests of the outside employment or activity.

When procurement is supported by Federal Child Nutrition funds, employees will not participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract if there is a real or apparent conflict of interest in the contract.  Contract, for purposes of this paragraph, includes a contract where the employee, employee’s immediate family, partner, or a non-school district employer of these individuals is a party to the contract.

It is the responsibility of each board member to be aware of and take the action necessary to eliminate a potential conflict of interest should it arise.

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 68B, 71.1; 277.27; 279.7A; 301.28.

Cross Reference:    201 Board of Directors' Elections

                              202.1 Qualifications

                              204 Code of Ethics

                              216.3 Board of Directors' Member Compensation and Expenses

                              217 Gifts to Board of Directors

                              401.3 Nepotism

Approved  11-18-02    Reviewed 3-15-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15, 7-22-19      Revised  12-20-11

Board members' actions, verbal and nonverbal, reflect the attitude and the beliefs of the school district.  Therefore, board members must conduct themselves professionally and in a manner fitting to their position. 

Each board member shall follow the code of ethics stated in this policy. 

AS A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER: 

1.  I will listen. 
2.  I will respect the opinion of others. 
3.  I will recognize the integrity of my predecessors and associates and the merit of their work. 
4.  I will be motivated only by an earnest desire to serve my school district and the children of my school district community in the best possible way. 
5.  I will not use the school district or any part of the school district program for my own personal advantage or for the advantage of my friends or supporters. 
6.  I will vote for a closed session of the board if the situation requires it, but I will consider "star chamber" or "secret" sessions of board members unethical. 
7.  I will recognize that to promise in advance of a meeting how I will vote on any proposition which is to be considered is to close my mind and agree not to think through other facts and points of view which may be presented in the meeting. 
8. I will expect, in board meetings, to spend more time on education programs and procedures than on business details. 
9.  I will recognize that authority rests with the board in legal session and not with individual members of the board, except as authorized by law. 
10. I will make no disparaging remarks, in or out of the board meeting, about other members of the board or their opinions. 
11. I will express my honest and most thoughtful opinions frankly in board meetings in an effort to have decisions made for the best interests of the children and the education program. 
12.  I will insist that the members of the board participate fully in board action and recommend that when special committees are appointed, they serve only in an investigative and advisory capacity. 
13.  I will abide by majority decisions of the board. 
14.  I will carefully consider petitions, resolutions and complaints and will act in the best interests of the school district. 
15.  I will not discuss the confidential business of the board in my home, on the street or in my office; the place for such discussion is the board meeting. 
16.  I will endeavor to keep informed on local, state and national educational developments of significance so I may become a better board member. 

IN MEETING MY RESPONSIBILITY TO MY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMUNITY 

1.  I will consider myself a trustee of public education and will do my best to protect it, conserve it, and advance it, giving to the children of my school district community the educational facilities that are as complete and adequate as it is possible to provide. 
2.  I will consider it an important responsibility of the board to interpret the aims, methods and attitudes of the school district to the community. 
3.  I will earnestly try to interpret the needs and attitudes of the school district community and do my best to translate them into the education program of the school district.
4.  I will attempt to procure adequate financial support for the school district. 
5.  I will represent the entire school district rather than individual electors, patrons or groups. 
6.  I will not regard the school district facilities as my own private property but as the property of the people. 

IN MY RELATIONSHIP WITH SUPERINTENDENT AND EMPLOYEES 

1.  I will function, in meeting the legal responsibility that is mine, as a part of a legislative, policy-forming body, not as an administrative officer. 
2.  I will recognize that it is my responsibility, together with that of my fellow board members, to see the school district is properly run and not to run them myself. 
3.  I will expect the school district to be administered by the best-trained technical and professional people it is possible to procure within the financial resources of the school district. 
4.  I will recognize the superintendent as executive officer of the board. 
5.  I will work through the administrative employees of the board, not over or around them. 
6.  I will expect the superintendent to keep the board adequately informed through oral and written reports. 
7.  I will vote to employ employees only after the recommendation of the superintendent has been received. 
8.  I will insist that contracts be equally binding on teachers and the board. 
9.  I will give the superintendent power commensurate with the superintendent's responsibility and will not in any way interfere with, or seek to undermine, the superintendent's authority. 
10.  I will give the superintendent friendly counsel and advice. 
11.  I will present any personal criticism of employees to the superintendent. 
12.  I will refer complaints to the proper administrative officer. 

TO COOPERATE WITH OTHER SCHOOL BOARDS 

1.  I will not employ a superintendent, principal or teacher who is already under contract with another school district without first securing assurance from the proper authority that the person can be released from contract. 
2.  I will consider it unethical to pursue any procedure calculated to embarrass a neighboring board or its representatives. 
3. I will not recommend an employee for a position in another school district unless I would employ the employee under similar circumstances. 
4. I will answer all inquiries about the standing and ability of an employee to the best of my knowledge and judgment, with complete frankness. 
5. I will associate myself with board members of other school districts for the purpose of discussing school district issues and cooperating in the improvement of the education program. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 21; 68B; 69; 277.28; 279.7A, 279.8, 301.28. 

Cross Reference:    202 Board of Directors Members 

203 Board of Directors' Conflict of Interest

Approved    11-18-02  Reviewed    3-15-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15, 7-22-19  Revised

Board members will not be held personally liable for actions taken in the performance of their duties and responsibilities vested in them by the laws of Iowa and the members of the school district community.  In carrying out the duties and responsibilities of their office, board members will act in good faith. 

The school district will defend, save harmless and indemnify board members against tort claims or demands, whether groundless or otherwise, arising out of an alleged act or omission occurring within the scope of their official duties, unless it constitutes a willful or wanton act or omission.  However, the school district will not save harmless or indemnify board members for punitive damages. 

Legal Reference:   

                              Iowa Code ch. 670. 

Cross Reference:    709 Insurance Program 

Approved    11-18-02  Reviewed    3-15-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15, 7-22-19  Revised  

It is the responsibility of the board president to lead a well-organized board in an efficient and effective manner.  The board president will set the tone of the board meetings and, as the representative of the consensus of the board, speak on behalf of the board to the public. 

The president of the board is elected by a majority vote at the organizational meeting each year to serve a one-year term of office. The president, in addition to presiding at the board meetings, will take an active role in board decisions by discussing and voting on each motion before the board in the same manner as other board members. However, before making or seconding a motion, the board president will turn over control of the meeting to either the vice-president or other board member. 

The board president has the authority to call special meetings of the board.  Prior to board meetings, the board president will consult with the superintendent on the development of the agenda for the meeting. 

The board president, as the chief officer of the school district, will sign employment contracts and sign

other contracts and school district warrants approved by the board and appear on behalf of the school corporation in causes of action involving the school district. 

If another method for electing the board president is used, that method should be outlined in this policy as well as Policy 200.1.  This policy reflects the legal responsibilities of the board president including the signing of employment contracts.  By law, the board president can only be elected to serve a term of one year. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 279.1-.2; 291.1. 

Cross Reference:    200.1 Organization of the Board of Directors 

                              202.2 Oath of Office 

                              206.2 Vice-President 

Approved    5-19-03  Reviewed    3-15-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15, 7-22-19   Revised

If the board president is unable or unwilling to carry out the duties required, it is the responsibility of the Vice-President of the board to carry out the duties of the president.  If the president is unable or unwilling to complete the term of office, the vice-president will serve as president for the balance of the president's term of office, and a new vice-president will be elected. 

The vice-president of the board will be elected by a majority vote at the organizational meeting each year to serve a one-year term of office. 

The vice-president will accept control of the meeting from the president when the president wishes to make or second a motion.  The vice-president will take an active role in board decisions by discussing and voting on matters before the board in the same manner as other board members. 

If another method for electing the board vice-president is used, that method should be outlined in this policy as well as Policy 200.1. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code § 279.5. 

Cross Reference:    200.1 Organization of the Board of Directors 

                              202.2 Oath of Office 

                              206.1 President 

Approved    5-19-03  Reviewed    3-15-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15, 7-22-19   Revised

A board secretary-treasurer /superintendent secretary may be appointed from employees, other than a position requiring a teaching certificate, or from the public.  To finalize the appointment, the board secretary-treasurer will take the oath of office during the meeting at which the individual was appointed or no later than ten days thereafter. It is the responsibility of the board to evaluate the board secretary-treasurer annually. 

It is the responsibility of the board secretary-treasurer, as custodian of school district records, to preserve and maintain the records and documents pertaining to the business of the board; to keep complete minutes of special and regular board meetings, including closed sessions; to keep a record of the results of regular and special elections; to keep an accurate account of school funds; to sign warrants drawn on the school funds after board approval; and collect data on truant students.  The board secretary-treasurer will also be responsible for filing the required reports with the Iowa Department of Education. 

In the event the board secretary-treasurer is unable to fulfill the responsibilities set out by the board and the law, the Board Secretary and the Superintendent Secretary will assume those duties until the board secretary-treasurer is able to resume the responsibility or a new board secretary-treasurer is appointed.  The board secretary-treasurer will give bond in an amount set by the board.  The cost of the bond will be paid by the school district. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 12B.10; 12C; 64; 277.27; Ch. 279; 291; 299.

                                299.10, .16 (2001).  

                              281 I.A.C. 12.3(1).  

                              . 

Cross Reference:    202.2 Oath of Office 

                              210.1 Annual Meeting 

                              215 Board of Directors' Records 

                              501.10 Truancy - Unexcused Absences 

                              704.3 Investments 

                              707 Fiscal Reports 

                              708 Care, Maintenance and Disposal of School District Records 

Approved    5-19-03  Reviewed    4-18-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15, 7-22-19   Revised

It is the responsibility of the board to employ legal counsel to assist the board and the administration in carrying out their duties with respect to the numerous legal issues confronting the school district.  The board may appoint legal counsel at its annual meeting.

The superintendent and board secretary will have the authority to contact the board's legal counsel on 

behalf of the board when the superintendent or board secretary believe it is necessary for the management of the school district.  The board president may contact and seek advice from the school board's legal counsel.  The board's legal counsel will attend both regular and special school board meetings upon the request of the board or the superintendent.  Board members may contact legal counsel upon approval of a majority of the board.  It is the responsibility of each board member to pay the legal fees, if any, of an attorney the board member consulted regarding matters of the school district unless the board has authorized the board member to consult an attorney on the matter. 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board informed of matters for which legal counsel was consulted, particularly if the legal services will involve unusual expense for the school district.

Legal Reference:   

                              Iowa Code § 279.37. 

Cross Reference:    200 Legal Status of the Board of Directors 

Approved    11-18-02  Reviewed    4-18-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15, 7-22-19   Revised  

Whenever the board deems it necessary, the board may appoint a committee composed of citizens, employees or students to assist the board.  Committees formed by the board are ad hoc committees. 

An ad hoc committee may be formed by board resolution which will outline the duties and purpose of the committee.  The committee is advisory in nature and has no duty or responsibility other than that specifically stated in the board resolution.  The committee will automatically dissolve upon the delivery of its final recommendation to the board or upon completion of the duties outlined in the board resolution.  The board will receive the report of the committee for consideration.  The board retains the authority to make a final decision on the issue.  The committee will be subject to the open meetings law if the committee is established by statute or if the committee makes policy recommendations and is established or approved by the board. 

The method for selection of committee members will be stated in the board resolution.  When possible, and when the necessary expertise required allows, the committee members will be representative of the school district community and will consider the various viewpoints on the issue.  The board may designate a board member and the superintendent to serve on an ad hoc committee.  The committee will select its own chairperson, unless the board designates otherwise.

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 21; 279.8; 280.12.  

                              281 I.A.C. 12.3(1), .3(6); .5(8).  

Cross Reference:    103 Long-Range Needs Assessment 

                              211 Open Meetings 

                              212 Closed Sessions 

                              215 Board of Directors' Records 

                              605.1 Instructional Materials Selection 

                              900 Principles and Objectives for Community Relations 

Approved    11-18-02  Reviewed 4-18-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 4-27-15, 7-22-19    Revised

The board has jurisdiction to legislate policy for the school district. Board policy provides the general direction as to what the board wishes to accomplish and why it wishes to accomplish it while allowing the administration and staff the professional prerogative to implement board policy where appropriate. 

The written policy statements contained in this manual provide guidelines and goals to the citizens, administration, employees and students in the school district community.  The policy statements are the basis for the formulation of regulations by the administration.  The board will determine the effectiveness of the policy statements by evaluating periodic reports from the administration.  

Policy statements may be proposed by a board member, administrator, employee, student or member of the school district community.  Proposed policy statements or ideas will be submitted to the superintendent's office for possible placement on the board agenda.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to bring these proposals to the attention of the board. 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 274.1; 279.8; 280.12.  

                              281 I.A.C. 12.3(2).  

Cross Reference:    101 Educational Philosophy of the School District 

                              200.2 Powers of the Board of Directors 

                              200.3 Responsibilities of the Board of Directors 

                              209 Board of Directors' Management Procedures 

Approved   11-18-02    Reviewed   4-18-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 05-18-15     Revised 7-22-19

The board will give notice of proposed policy changes or adoption of new policies by placing the item on the agenda of two regular board meetings.  This notice procedure will be required except for emergency situations.  If the board adopts a policy in an emergency situation, a statement regarding the emergency and the need for immediate adoption of the policy will be included in the minutes.  The board will have complete discretion to determine what constitutes an emergency situation. 

The final action taken to adopt the proposed policy will be approved by a simple majority vote of the board at the next regular meeting after the meeting allowing public discussion.  The policy will be effective on the later of the date of passage or the date stated in the motion.

In the case of an emergency, a new or changed policy may be adopted by a majority vote of a quorum of the board.  The emergency policy will expire at the close of the third regular meeting following the emergency action, unless the policy adoption procedure stated above is followed and the policy is reaffirmed. 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code § 279.8.  

                              281 I.A.C. 12.3(2).  

Cross Reference:    200.2 Powers of the Board of Directors 

                              200.3 Responsibilities of the Board of Directors 

                              209 Board of Directors' Management Procedures 

Approved    11-15-04 Reviewed    4-18-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 05-18-15, 7-22-19     Revised

The board shall, at least once every five years, review board policy.  Once the policy has been reviewed, even if no changes were made, a notation of the date of review is made on the face of the policy statement. 

The superintendent will be responsible for bringing proposed policy statement revisions to the board's attention. 

If a policy is revised because of a legal change over which the board has no control or a change which is minor, the policy may be approved at one meeting at the discretion of the board. 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code § 279.8.  

                              281 I.A.C. 12.3(2). 

Cross Reference:    200.3 Responsibilities of the Board of Directors 

                              209 Board of Directors' Management Procedures 

Approved    11-15-04  Reviewed, 4-18-05, 2-20-06, 2-21-11, 05-18-15, 10-18-16, 10-23-17 

Revised 7-22-19

Each year after August 31 and prior to the organizational meeting of the board in odd-numbered years, the board will hold its annual meeting. 

The board, at this meeting, will also appoint a board secretary and a treasurer.  In the board's discretion, one individual may serve as both the secretary and treasurer.  The board may also appoint the board's legal counsel. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 279.3, .33. 

Cross Reference:    206.3 Secretary 

                              206.4 Treasurer 

                              701.1 Depository of Funds 

                              707 Fiscal Reports 

Approved    11-18-02  Reviewed    4-18-05, 2-20-06, 05-18-15   Revised   3-21-11, 7-22-19

The regular meeting time and date will be set by the board at its organizational meeting in odd-numbered years and annual meeting in even-numbered years.  The regular meetings of the board will be held on the 3rd Monday of each month. 

Meetings will begin promptly at the agreed time.  The board will adhere to this meeting date unless the board requires additional meetings or, due to circumstances beyond the board's control, the meeting cannot be held on the regular meeting date, and the meeting will be re-scheduled in accordance with law and policy.  Public notice of the meetings will be given. 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 21.3, .4; 279.1.    

                              1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 148. 

Cross Reference:    200.1 Organization of the Board of Directors 

                              210 Board of Directors' Meetings 

Approved    11-15-04  Reviewed    5-16-05, 2-20-06, 05-18-15, Revised   3-21-11, 7-22-19

It may be necessary for the board to conduct a special meeting in addition to the regularly scheduled board meeting.  Should a special meeting be called, public notice will be given. 

If the special meeting called is an emergency meeting and the board cannot give public notice in its usual manner, the board will give public notice of the meeting as soon as practical and possible in light of the situation.  Emergency meetings will only be held when an issue cannot wait twenty-four hours necessary for a special meeting.  The reason for the emergency meeting and why notice in its usual manner could not be given will be stated in the minutes. 

Only the purpose or issue for which the special meeting was called may be discussed and decided in the special meeting.  The board will strictly adhere to the agenda for the special meeting and action on other issues will be reserved for the next regular or special board meeting. 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 21.3, .4; 279.2.  

                              1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 148. 

Cross Reference:    200.1 Organization of the Board of Directors 

                              210 Board of Directors' Meetings 

Approved    11-15-04  Reviewed    5-16-05, 2-20-06, 05-18-15, 7-22-19     Revised   3-21-11

The board, as a decision-making body, is confronted with a continuing flow of problems, issues and needs which require action.  While the board is determined to expedite its business, it is also mindful of the importance of planning, brainstorming and thoughtful discussion without action.  Therefore, the board may schedule work sessions and retreats in order to provide its members and the administration with such opportunities.  The board has the authority to hire an outside facilitator to assist them in work sessions. 

Topics for discussion and study will be announced publicly, and work sessions and retreats will be conducted in open session.  However, no board action will take place at the work session. 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 21; 279.8. 

Cross Reference:    210 Board of Directors' Meetings 

                              211 Open Meetings 

Approved    11-15-04  Reviewed    5-16-05, 2-20-06, 05-18-15, 7-22-19     Revised     3-21-11

Public notice will be given for meetings and work sessions held by the board.  Public notice will indicate the time, place, date and tentative agenda of board meetings.  The public notice will be posted on the bulletin board in the central administration office at least (2) days before it is scheduled when possible, but, at the minimum, twenty-four hours’ notice needs to be given. 

A copy of the public notice will be provided to those who have filed a request for notice with the secretary.  These requests for notice must be in writing.  A copy of the public notice will also be accessible to employees and students. 

In the case of special meetings, public notice will be given in the same manner as for a regular meeting unless it is an emergency meeting.  In that case, public notice of the meeting will be given as soon as practical and possible in light of the situation.  The media and others who have requested notice will be notified of the emergency meeting.  Attendance at a special meeting or emergency meeting by the media or board members will constitute a waiver of notice. 

It is the responsibility of the board secretary to give public notice of board meetings and work sessions. 

Legal Reference:   

                              Iowa Code §§ 21.2-.4; 279.1, .2. 

Cross Reference:    210 Board of Directors' Meetings 

                              210.8 Board of Directors' Meeting Agenda 

Approved    11-15-04  Reviewed    5-16-05, 2-20-06, 05-18-15     Revised    3-21-11, 7-22-19

Action by the board regarding the affairs of the school district may be taken only when a quorum, a majority of the board members, is in attendance at the board meeting. 

While board members are encouraged to attend board meetings, (3) members will constitute a quorum and are a sufficient number to transact business of the school corporation.  The adjournment of a meeting may be executed without a quorum. 

An affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast is sufficient to pass a motion or take action unless law or board policy requires a vote of a greater number. 

It is the responsibility of each board member to attend board meetings. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 21.5(1); 279.4. 

Cross Reference:    210 Board of Directors' Meetings 

Approved    11-15-04  Reviewed    5-16-05, 2-20-06, 05-18-15, 7-22-19     Revised    3-21-11

An orderly board meeting allows the board members to participate in the discussion and decision process on an issue confronting the school district.  Rules of order for board meetings allow school district business and the relative information concerning the business to be brought to the attention of the board.  They also allow the board to discuss, act upon and make a clear record of school district business in a regular, ordered, reasonable and consistent manner. 

The board may follow Robert's Rule of Order, Revised, latest edition as modified by this policy and subsequent rule. 

The purpose of modified rules adopted by the board are: 

• To establish guidelines by which the business of the governing board can be conducted in a regular and internally consistent manner; 
• To organize the meetings so all necessary matters can be brought to the board and decisions of the board can be made in an orderly and reasonable manner; 
• To ensure members of the board, concentrating on the substantive issues at hand, have the necessary information to make decisions, and to ensure adequate discussion of decisions to be made; and,  
• To ensure meetings and actions of the board are conducted so as to be informative to the staff and the public, and to produce a clear record of actions taken and decisions made. 

It is the responsibility of each board member to follow the rules of order stated in this policy at each meeting, and it is the responsibility of the presiding officer to conduct the board meeting within these rules. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 21.2, .7; 279.8. 

Cross Reference:    210 Board of Directors' Meetings 

                                210.8 Board Meeting Agenda

Approved    11-15-04  Reviewed    5-16-05, 2-20-06, 05-18-15, 7-22-19    Revised      3-21-11

The tentative agenda for each board meeting will state the topics for discussion and action at the board meeting.  The agenda is part of the public notice of the board meeting and will be posted and distributed. 

Persons requesting to place an item on the agenda must make a request to the superintendent prior to the drafting of the tentative agenda.  The person making the request must state the person's name, address, purpose of the presentation, action desired and pertinent background information.  Requests from the public may be added to the tentative agenda at the discretion of the superintendent after consultation with the board president.  Requests received after the deadline of seven (7) working days may only be added to the agenda for good cause.  

The tentative agenda and supporting documents will be sent to the board members prior to the scheduled board meeting.  These documents are the private property of the board member.  Persons wishing to view the tentative agenda and supporting documents may do so at the central administration office. 

The board will take action only on the items listed on the tentative agenda posted with the public notice.  Items added to the agenda may be discussed or taken under advisement by the board.  If an added item is acted upon, the minutes of the board meeting will state the reason justifying the immediate action. 

It is the responsibility of the board president and superintendent to develop the agenda for each board 

meeting. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 21; 279.8.

Cross Reference:    210 Board of Directors' Meetings 

                              211 Open Meetings

                              213 Public Participation in Board Meetings

                              215 Board of Directors' Records 

                              402.5 Public Complaints About Employees 

                              502.4 Student Complaints and Grievances 

Approved    11-15-04  Reviewed    5-16-05, 2-20-06, 05-18-15     Revised    3-21-11, 7-22-19

A gathering of a majority of board members in which deliberation of an issue within the jurisdiction of the board takes place is a board meeting. A gathering for the purpose of social or ministerial action will not constitute a board meeting unless a discussion of policy takes place. Meetings of the board will be conducted in an open meeting unless a closed session is authorized by law or the meeting is exempt from the open meetings law. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 21, 279.1-.2.

Cross Reference:    208 Ad Hoc Committees

                              210 Board of Directors' Meetings 

                              210.8 Board Meeting Agenda 212 Closed Sessions 

Approved 11-18-02   Reviewed  5-16-05, 2-20-06, 4-18-11, 05-18-15, 7-22-19     Revised

Generally, board meetings will be open meetings, unless a closed session or exempt meeting is provided for by law. The board will hold a closed session or exempt meeting in the situations stated below. 

Exceptions to the Open Meetings Law 

Closed sessions take place as part of an open meeting. The item for discussion in the closed session will be listed as part of the tentative agenda on the public notice. The motion for a closed session, stating the purpose for the closed session, will be made and seconded during the open meeting. A minimum of two-thirds of the board, or all of the board members present, must vote in favor of the motion on a roll call vote. Closed sessions will be tape recorded and have detailed minutes kept by the board secretary. Final action on matters discussed in the closed session will be taken in an open meeting. 

The minutes and the tape recording will restate the motion made in the open meeting, the roll call vote, the members present, and the time the closed session began and ended. The tape recordings and the written minutes will be kept for one year from the date of the meeting. Real estate related minutes and tapes will be made public after the real estate transaction is completed.

The detailed minutes and tape recording will be sealed and will not be public records open to public inspection. The minutes and tape recording will only be opened upon court order in an action to enforce the requirements of the open meetings law. The board has complete discretion as to whom may be present at a closed session. 

Reasons for the board entering into a closed session from an open meeting include, but are not limited to, the following: 

1. To review or discuss records which are required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a condition for the board's possession or receipt of federal funds. 
2. To discuss strategy with legal counsel in matters presently in litigation, or where litigation is imminent, if disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the board. 
3. To discuss whether to conduct a hearing for suspension or expulsion of a student, unless an open meeting is requested by the student or the parent of the student. 
4. To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when a closed session is necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual's reputation and that individual requests a closed session. 
5. To discuss the purchase of particular real estate, but only when premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the board would have to pay for the property. 

Exemptions to the Open Meetings Law 

Board meetings at which a quorum is not present, or gatherings of the board for purely ministerial or social purposes when there is no discussion of policy or no intent to avoid the purposes of the open meetings law, are exempt from the open meetings law requirements. Since gatherings of this type are exempt from the open meetings requirements, they can be held without public notice, be separate from an open meeting, be held without taping the gathering or taking minutes, and be held without a vote or motion. The board may also hold an exempt session for the following:

1. Negotiating sessions, strategy meetings of public employers or employee organizations, mediation and the deliberative process of arbitration; 
2. To discuss strategy in matters relating to employment conditions of employees not covered by the collective bargaining law; 
3. To conduct a private hearing relating to the recommended termination of a teacher's contract; and 
4. To conduct a private hearing relating to the termination of a probationary administrator's contract or to review the proposed decision of the administrative law judge regarding the termination of an administrator's contract. 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 20.17; 21; 22.7; 279.15, .16, .24. 

Cross Reference:    208 Ad Hoc Committees

                              211 Open Meetings 

Approved 11-18-02  Reviewed 5-16-05, 2-20-06, 4-18-11, 05-18-15     Revised  7-22-19

The board recognizes the importance of citizen participation in school district matters.  In order to assure citizens are heard and board meetings are conducted efficiently and in an organized manner, the board will set aside a specific time for public comment.  

Public Comment During Board Meetings

Citizens wishing to address the board during public comment must notify the board secretary prior to the board meeting. The board president will recognize these individuals to make their comments at the appropriate time during public comment.  Citizens wishing to present petitions to the board may also do so at this time.  The board however, will only receive the petitions and not act upon them or their contents.  

The board has the discretion to limit the amount of time set aside for public participation.  Normally, speakers will be limited to three minutes with a total allotted time for public participation of twenty minutes.  However, the board president may modify this time limit, if deemed appropriate or necessary.  Public comment is a time set aside for community input, but the board will not discuss or take any action on any matter during public comment.  

Public comment shall be limited to regular board meetings and will not be routinely held during special board meetings.  

Petitions to Place a Topic on the Agenda

Individuals who wish for an item to be placed on the board agenda may submit a valid petition to the board.  For a petition to be valid, it must be signed by at least 500 eligible electors of the district, or ten percent of the individuals who voted in the last school election, whichever number is lower. 

Upon receiving a valid petition to the board to place a proposal on the next board agenda for public hearing, the board will place the proposal identified in the petition on the agenda of the next regular meeting, or a special meeting held within 30 days of receipt of the petition.  The board will provide a sign-up sheet for all individuals who wish to speak on the proposal, and individuals will be called to speak in order of sign-up.  The sign-up sheet will require each individual to list their legal name and mailing address.  Each speaker will be limited to an amount of time established by the board president that is reasonable and necessary based on the number of speakers signed up.  The same time limit will apply to all speakers on the proposal.  Each individual will be limited to one opportunity to speak.  The board maintains absolute discretion on whether or not to discuss or act on the public comments made on the proposal. If a petition is related to curriculum, the district maintains discretion to determine whether to stop teaching that curriculum until the board holds the public hearing to discuss the curriculum.  

The board has a significant interest in maintaining the decorum of its meetings, and it is expected that members of the public and the board will address each other with civility.  The orderly process of the board meeting will not be interfered with or disrupted by public comment.  Only individuals recognized by the board president will be allowed to speak.  Comments by others are out of order.  If disruptive, the individual causing disruption may be asked to leave the board meeting.  Defamatory comments may be subject to legal action.  

NOTE: This policy must be displayed on the district’s website to comply with the district’s legal requirements on transparency.

NOTE: Boards need to make the determination how best, to involve the public in their board meetings.  Boards that follow other practices for allowing the public to participate in board meetings should amend this policy to reflect their practice.
 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 21; 22; 279.8, 279.8B

Cross Reference:    

205    Board Member Liability

210.8    Board Meeting Agenda

214    Public Hearings

401.4    Employee Complaints

402.5    Public Complaints About Employees

502.4      Student Complaints and Grievances

Approved 11-18-02; 8-21-2023 Reviewed 5-16-05, 2-20-06, 4-18-11, 05-18-15     Revised  7-22-19; 8-21-2023

The board recognizes that concerns regarding the operation of the school district will arise.

Procedures for dealing with complaints concerning programs or practices should be governed by the following principles: 
 

►  Where action/investigation is desired by the complainant, or where it seems appropriate, the matter should be handled as near the source as possible; 

1. Take your concern to the person closest to the problem. (teacher, bus driver, coach) 
2. Present your concern to the next level. (principal, director of transportation, athletic director) 
3. Talk to the superintendent 
4. After all other means to solve the problem have been tried – contact your board member. 

A board member may take one or all of the following actions: 

• Informally discuss the issue with the superintendent 
• Request that the board review the specific policy that relate to the situation 
• Propose new policies for the board to consider

►  Complaints should both be investigated if necessary and resolved expeditiously whenever possible; 

►  Complaints should be dealt with respectfully; and, 

►  Individuals directly affected by the complaint should have an opportunity to respond. 

Specific procedures for handling complaints may be established in policies. The board, consistent with its board policy-making role, will deal with complaints concerning specific schools, programs or procedures only after the usual channels have been exhausted. Complaints regarding employees or complaints by students will follow the more specific policies on those issues. 

When a complaint requiring attention is received by the board or a board member it will be referred to the superintendent. After all of the appropriate channels have been exhausted the complainant may appeal to the board, the appeal will be in writing to the board secretary, signed and explain the process followed by the complainant prior to the appeal to the board.  The board is not obligated to address a complaint and may defer to the decision of the superintendent.  If the board elects not to address a complaint, the decision of the superintendent shall be final.  If the board does elect to address a complaint, its decision shall be final.   

Approved 11-15-04    Reviewed 5-16-05, 2-20-06, 4-18-11, 05-18-15     Revised  7-22-19

The board will keep and maintain permanent records of the board including, but not limited to, records of the minutes of board meetings and other required records of the board. 

It is the responsibility of the board secretary to keep the minutes of the board meetings. The minutes of each board meeting will include, at a minimum, the following items: a record of the date, time, place, members present, action taken and the vote of each member, and the schedule of bills allowed will be attached. This information will be available within two weeks of the board meeting and forwarded to the newspaper designated as the official newspaper for publication. The information does not need to be published within two weeks. The schedule of bills allowed may be published on a once monthly basis in lieu of publication with the minutes. The permanent records of the board minutes may include more detail than is required for the publication of the minutes. 

Minutes waiting approval at the next board meeting will be available for inspection at the central administration office after the board secretary transcribes the notes into typewritten material which has been proofread for errors and retyped. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 21; 22; 279.8, .35, .36; 291.6, .7; 618.3.

                              281 I.A.C. 12.3(1).

Cross Reference:    206.3 Secretary 

                              206.4 Treasurer

                              208 Ad Hoc Committees 

                              210.8 Board Meeting Agenda

                              708 Care, Maintenance and Disposal of School District Records

                              901 Public Examination of School District Records 

Approved 11-18-02      Reviewed 5-16-05, 2-20-06, 4-18-11, 05-18-15, 7-22-19      Revised

Participation in board member associations are beneficial to the board. The board will maintain an active membership in the Iowa Association of School Boards and in organizations the board determines will be of benefit to the board and the school district. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code § 279.38, .38a. 

Cross Reference:    216.2 Board of Directors' Member Development and Training 

Approved 11-18-02    Reviewed 6-20-05, 2-20-06, 4-18-11, 05-18-15, 7-22-19    Revised

The board may participate in conferences sponsored by educational associations and agencies in addition to its own in-service programs and work sessions. 

The board will work closely with the Iowa Association of School Boards' Academy of Board Learning Experiences and encourage the board members to participate in conferences to achieve the Better Boardsmanship Award. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .38 

Cross Reference:    216.1 Association Membership 

Approved 9-28-09        Reviewed   4-18-11, 05-18-15, 7-22-19     Revised

As an elected public official, the board member is a public servant who serves without compensation. Board members will be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties. 

Prior to reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses, the board member must submit a detailed receipt indicating the date, purpose and nature of the expense for each claim item. A credit card receipt is generally not considered a detailed receipt. Failure to provide a detailed receipt will make the expense non-reimbursable. Personal expenses will be reimbursed by the board member to the school district no later than ten working days following the date of the expense. In exceptional circumstances, the board may allow a claim without proper receipt. Written documentation explaining the exceptional circumstances will be maintained as part of the school district's record of the claim. 

It is the responsibility of the board secretary to compile the expenses of board members and bring them to the board for audit and approval in the same manner as other claims of the school district. It is the responsibility of the board to determine through the audit and approval process of the board whether the expenses incurred by a board member are actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties. 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 68B; 277.27; 279.7A, .8, .32.

Cross Reference:    203 Board of Directors' Conflict of Interest 

                              401.7 Employee Travel Compensation 

                              401.10 Credit Cards 

Approved 11-15-04     Reviewed 6-20-05, 2-20-06, 04-18-11, 05-18-15, 7-22-19     Revised

Board members may receive a gift on behalf of the school district. Board members will not, either directly or indirectly, solicit, accept or receive a gift, series of gifts or an honorarium unless the donor does not meet the definition of "restricted donor" stated below or the gift or honorarium does not meet the definition of gift or honorarium stated below. 

A "restricted donor" is defined as a person or other entity which: 

• Is seeking to be or is a party to any one or any combination of sales, purchases, leases or contracts to, from or with the school district; 
• Will be directly and substantially affected financially by the performance or nonperformance of the board member's official duty in a way that is greater than the effect on the public generally or on a substantial class of persons to which the person belongs as a member of a profession, occupation, industry or region; or 
• Is a lobbyist or a client of a lobbyist with respect to matters within the school district's jurisdiction. 

A "gift" is the giving of anything of value in return for which something of equal or greater value is not given or received. However, "gift" does not include any of the following: 

• Contributions to a candidate or a candidate's committee; 
• Information material relevant to a board member's official function, such as books, pamphlets, reports, documents, periodicals or other information that is recorded in a written, audio or visual format; 
• Anything received from a person related within the fourth degree by kinship or marriage, unless the donor is acting as an agent or intermediary for another person not so related; 
• An inheritance; 
• Anything available or distributed to the general public free of charge without regard to the official status of the board recipient; 
• Items received from a charitable, professional, educational or business organization to which the board member belongs as a dues paying member if the items are given to all members of the organization without regard to an individual member's status or positions held outside of the organization and if the dues paid are not inconsequential when compared to the items received; 
• Actual expenses of a board member for food, beverages, travel and lodging for a meeting, which is given in return for participation in a panel or speaking engagement at the meeting when the expenses relate directly to the day or days on which the board member has participation or presentation responsibilities; 
• Plaques or items of negligible resale value given as recognition for public service; 
• Nonmonetary items with a value of less than three dollars that are received from any one donor during one calendar day; 
• Items or services solicited or given to a state, national or regional organization in which the state of Iowa or a school district is a member for purposes of a business or educational conference, seminar or other meeting or solicited by or given to state, national or regional government organizations whose memberships and officers are primarily composed of state or local government officials or employees for purposes of a business or educational conference, seminar or other meeting; 

• Items or services received by members or representatives of members as part of a regularly scheduled event that is part of a business or educational conference, seminar or other meeting that is sponsored and directed by any state, national or regional government organization in which the state of Iowa or a political subdivision of the state of Iowa is a member or received at such an event by members or representatives of members of state, national or regional government organizations whose memberships and officers are primarily composed of state or local government officials or employees; 
• Funeral flowers or memorials to a church or nonprofit organization; 
• Gifts which are given to a public official for the public official's wedding or twenty-fifth or fiftieth wedding anniversary; 
• Payment of salary or expenses by a board member's employer or the firm in which the board member is a member for the cost of attending a meeting of a subunit of an agency when the board member whose expenses are being paid serves on a board, commission, committee, council or other subunit of the agency and the board member is not entitled to receive compensation or reimbursement of expenses from the school district; 
• Gifts other than food, beverages, travel and lodging received by a board member which are received from a person who is a citizen of a country other than the United States and is given during a ceremonial presentation or as a result of a custom of the other country and is of personal value only to the board member; or 
• Actual registration costs for informational meetings or sessions which assist a public official or public employee in the performance of the person's official functions. The costs of food, drink, lodging and travel are not "registration costs" under this paragraph. Meetings or sessions which a public official or public employee attends for personal or professional licensing purposes are not "informational meetings or sessions which assist a public official or public employee in the performance of the person's official functions" under this paragraph. 
• Actual expenses of a board member for registration, food, beverages, travel or lodging for a meeting, which is given in return for participation in a panel or speaking engagement at a meeting when the expenses relate directly to the day or days on which the board member has participation or presentation responsibilities; 

An "honorarium" is anything of value that is accepted by, or on behalf of, a board member as consideration for an appearance, speech or article. An honorarium does not include any of the following: 

• A non-monetary gift or series of non-monetary gifts donated within thirty days to a public body, an educational or charitable organization or the department of general services; or 
• A payment made to a board member for services rendered as part of a private business, trade or profession in which the board member is engaged if the payment is commensurate with the actual services rendered and is not being made because of the person's status as a board member but, rather, because of some special expertise or other qualification. 

It is the responsibility of each board member to know when it is appropriate to accept or reject gifts or honorariums. 

Legal References:   Iowa Code ch. 68B.

Cross References:   203 Board of Directors Conflict of Interest

                              402.4 Gifts to Employees

                              704.4  Gifts - Grants - Bequests

Approved 11-18-02        Reviewed 6-20-05, 2-20-06, 4-18-11, 05-18-15, 7-22-19     Revised