100 - SCHOOL DISTRICT

100 - SCHOOL DISTRICT Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 20:35

100 - Legal State of the Board

100 - Legal State of the Board

Iowa law authorizes the creation of a Common Schools System. As part of this Common Schools System, this school district is a school corporation created and organized under Iowa law. This school district is known as the COLO-NESCO Community School District.

This school corporation is located in Story, Hardin and Marshall Counties, and its affairs are conducted by elected school officials, the COLO-NESCO Community School District Board of Directors. This school corporation has exclusive jurisdiction over school matters in the territory of the school district.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 274.1, .2, .6, .7; 278.1(9); 279.8; 594A (2007).

Cross Reference: 200 Legal Status of the Board of Directors

Approved:  10/18/2023               Reviewed: 10/18/2023             Revised: 11/19/2018

 

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 20:39

101 - Educational Philosophy of the School District

101 - Educational Philosophy of the School District

As a school corporation of Iowa, the COLO-NESCO Community School District, acting through its board of directors, is dedicated to promoting an equal opportunity for a quality public education to its students. The board’s ability may be limited by the school district's ability and willingness to furnish financial support in cooperation with student’s parents and school district communities. The board is also dedicated to providing the opportunity to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in a learning environment that provides guidance to and encourages critical thinking in the students for a lifetime.

The board endeavors, through the dedication of the school district's resources, to encourage students, who come to the school district from a variety of backgrounds, to look forward to the time when they will have jobs, homes, families, places in the school district community, and attain recognition as individuals. In order to achieve this goal, the board will seek qualified employees dedicated to development of their professional skills for the betterment of the education program and for the expertise for educational productivity.

Instruction and curriculum are the key elements of a public education. Critical thinking and problem solving skills that will assist the students' preparation for life are instructed as part of a sequentially coordinated curriculum. The school district strives to prepare students for employment, to discover and nurture creative talent and to prepare them to meet and cope with social change in an atmosphere conducive to learning.

The support and involvement of the home and the school district community are essential to achieve educational excellence in the school district. The school district strives to maintain an active relationship with the home and the school district communities to create within the students an awareness of dignity and worth of the individual, civic responsibility and respect for authority.

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A (2007).

Cross Reference:           
102 Equal Educational Opportunity
103 Long-Range Needs Assessment
209 Board of Directors' Management Procedures
600 Goals and Objectives of the Education Program 602

Approved:  10/18/2023               Reviewed: 10/18/2023            Revised: 11/19/2018

 

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 20:41

102 - Equal Educational Opportunity

102 - Equal Educational Opportunity

It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school district.  Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use its education program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth.  In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same educational opportunity.

The Community School District does not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.  The belief in equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to school district facilities, employment, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Beth Heller, 919 West Street, Colo, IA 641-377-2282

It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school district.  Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use its education program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth.  In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same educational opportunity.

The Community School District does not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.  The belief in equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to school district facilities, employment, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Beth Heller, 919 West Street, Colo, IA 641-377-2282

The board requires all persons, agencies, vendors, contractors and other persons and organizations doing business with or performing services for the school district to subscribe to all applicable federal and state laws, executive orders, rules and regulations pertaining to contract compliance and equal opportunity.

Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, are directed to the Affirmative Action Coordinator by writing to the Affirmative Action Coordinator, Beth Heller, Colo-NESCO Community School District, 919 West Street, Colo, Iowa 50201; or by telephoning 641-377-2282.                                          

Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VII office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60604 (312) 730-1560, fax (312) 730-1576 OCR.Chicago@ed.gov, the Iowa Civil Rights Commissioner, https://icrc.iowa.gov, (515) 281-4121 or the Iowa Dept. of Education, Grimes State Office Bldg., Des Moines, IA 50319. (515) 281-5294.  This inquiry or complaint to the federal or state office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.

Legal Reference:           
20 U.S.C. §§ 1221 et seq. (2004).
20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq. (2004).
20 U.S.C. §§ 1701 et seq. (2004).
29 U.S.C. § 794 (2004).
42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq. (2004).
34 C.F.R. Pt. 100 (2004).
34 C.F.R. Pt. 104 (2004).
Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 256.11, .11A; 280.3 (2007).
281 I.A.C. 12.

Cross Reference:           
101 Educational Philosophy of the School District
401.1 Equal Employment Opportunity
500 Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for Students
506.1 Student Records

Approved:  10/18/23               Reviewed: 10/18/23         Revised: 10/18/23

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 20:43

102.1 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of a Disability

102.1 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of a Disability

It is the policy of the Colo-NESCO Community School District not to discriminate against any otherwise qualified individual with a disability, solely by reason of his/her disability, in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, any program or activity sponsored by the school district.

Complaints of discrimination related to disability may be addressed through the District’s Non-Discrimination Grievance Procedure. Due process rights of disabled students, parents, employees, applicants or patrons under Section 504/ADA will be enforced.

The district shall take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with applicants, participants, and members of the public with disabilities are as effective as communications with others. To this end, the district shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a service, program, or activity conducted by the district. In determining what type of auxiliary aid or service is necessary, the district shall give primary consideration to the requests of the individual with disabilities.

The district is not required to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a service, program, or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. Any decision that, in compliance with its responsibility to provide effective communication for individuals with disabilities, would fundamentally alter the service, program, or activity or unduly burden the district shall be made by the board after considering all resources available for use in funding and operating the program, services, or activity. The decision shall be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion.

The board of directors will designate an individual to serve as the district’s Section 504/ADA Coordinator and compliance officer and will publicize the name, office address and office telephone number of the designee.  Inquiries regarding compliance with this policy should be directed to the district’s Section 504/ADA Coordinator or to the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Kansas City, MO, (816) 891-8026.

Approved       12/17/2018                Reviewed        11/19/2018               Revised_11/19/2018

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 20:44

102.R1 - Grievance Procedure

102.R1 - Grievance Procedure

It is the policy of the Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Beth Heller, 919 West Street, Colo, IA 50056; bheller@colo-nesco.k12.ia.us.

Students, parents of students, employees, and applicants for employment in the school district have the right to file a formal complaint alleging discrimination. The district has policies and procedures in place to identify and investigate complaints alleging discrimination. If appropriate, the district will take steps to prevent the recurrence of discrimination and to correct its discriminatory effects on the Complainant and others.

A Complainant may attempt to resolve the problem informally by discussing the matter with a building principal or a direct supervisor. However, the Complainant has the right to end the informal process at any time and pursue the formal grievance procedures outlined below. Use of the informal or formal grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies. Please note that informal processes and procedures are not to be used in certain circumstances (e.g., sexual harassment and sexual assault).

Filing a Complaint

A Complainant who wishes to avail himself/herself of this grievance procedure may do so by filing a complaint with the equity coordinator(s). An alternate will be designated in the event it is claimed that the equity coordinator or superintendent committed the alleged discrimination or some other conflict of interest exists. Complaints shall be filed within 180 of the event giving rise to the complaint or from the date the Complainant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence. The Complainant will state the nature of the complaint and the remedy requested. The equity coordinator(s) shall assist the Complainant as needed.

Investigation

Within 15 working days, the equity coordinator will begin the investigation of the complaint or appoint a qualified person to undertake the investigation (hereinafter “equity coordinator”).  If the Complainant is under 18 years of age, the equity coordinator shall notify his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) that they may attend investigatory meetings in which the Complainant is involved. The complaint and identity of the Complainant, Respondent, or witnesses will only be disclosed as reasonably necessary in connection with the investigation or as required by law or policy. The investigation may include, but is not limited to the following:

  • A request for the Complainant to provide a written statement regarding the nature of the complaint;
  • A request for the individual named in the complaint to provide a written statement;
  • A request for witnesses identified during the course of the investigation to provide a written statement;
  • Interviews of the Complainant, Respondent, or witnesses;
  • An opportunity to present witnesses or other relevant information; and
  • Review and collection of documentation or information deemed relevant to the investigation.

Within 60 working days, the equity coordinator shall complete the investigation and issue a report with respect to the findings.

The equity coordinator shall notify the Complainant and Respondent of the decision within 5 working days of completing the written report. Notification shall be by U.S. mail, first class.

Decision and Appeal

The complaint is closed after the equity coordinator has issued the report, unless within 10 working days after receiving the decision, either party appeals the decision to the superintendent by making a written request detailing why he/she believes the decision should be reconsidered. The equity coordinator shall promptly forward all materials relative to the complaint and appeal to the superintendent. Within 30 working days, the superintendent shall affirm, reverse, amend the decision, or direct the equity coordinator to gather additional information. The superintendent shall notify the Complainant, Respondent, and the equity coordinator of the decision within 5 working days of the decision. Notification shall be by U.S. mail, first class.

The decision of the superintendent shall be final.

The decision of the superintendent in no way prejudices a party from seeking redress through state or federal agencies as provided by in law.

This policy and procedures are to be used for complaints of discrimination, in lieu of any other general complaint policies or procedures that may be available.

If any of the stated timeframes cannot be met by the district, the district will notify the parties and pursue completion as promptly as possible.

Retaliation against any person, because the person has filed a complaint or assisted or participated in an investigation, is prohibited. Persons found to have engaged in retaliation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures.

 

Approved:  10/18/23                Reviewed: 10/18/23             Revised: 10/18/23

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 21:10

102E1 - Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination

102E1 - Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination

The Colo-NESCO Community School District offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:  Agriculture, Business Education, Health Occupations, Auto Mechanics, Auto Collision, Culinary Arts, Family & Consumer Science, Health Science, Construction Trades, Criminal Justice, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Auto-body Collision & Repair Technology, Automotive Mechanics Technology, and Diesel Mechanics Technology.

It is the policy of the Colo-NESCO Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the District Equity Coordinator Beth Heller, 919 West Street, Colo, IA, 641-377-2282, bheller@colo-nesco.k12.ia.us..

Approved:  10/18/2023                Reviewed: 10/18/2023         Revised: 10/18/2023

 

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 20:46

102E2 - Contineous Notice of Nondiscrimination

102E2 - Contineous Notice of Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the Colo-NESCO Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the District Equity Coordinator Beth Heller, 919 West Street, Colo, IA, 641-377-2282, bheller@colo-nesco.k12.ia.us.

Approved:  10/18/2023                Reviewed: 10/18/2023        Revised: 10/18/2023

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 20:48

102E3 - Contineous Notice of Nondiscrimination

102E3 - Contineous Notice of Nondiscrimination

The Colo-NESCO Community School District does not discriminate in its educational programs and activities on the basis of a student's disability. It has been determined that your child has a qualifying disability for which accommodations may need to be made to meet his or her individual needs as adequately as the needs of other students. As a parent, you have the right to the following:

  • Participation of your child in school district programs and activities, including extracurricular programs and activities, to the maximum extent appropriate, free of discrimination based upon the student's disability and at the same level as students without disabilities;
  • Receipt of free educational services to the extent they are provided students without disabilities:
  • Receipt of information about your child and your child's educational programs and activities in your native language;
  • Notice of identification of your child as having a qualifying disability for which accommodations may need to be made and notice prior to evaluation and placement of your child and right to periodically request a re-evaluation of your child;
  • Inspect and review your child's educational records including a right to copy those records for a reasonable fee; you also have a right to ask the school district to amend your child's educational records if you feel the information in the records is misleading or inaccurate; should the school district refuse to amend the records, you have a right to a hearing and to place an explanatory letter in your child's file explaining why you feel the records are misleading or inaccurate; and
  • Hearing before an impartial hearing officer if you disagree with your child's evaluation or placement; you have a right to counsel at the hearing and have the decision of the impartial hearing officer reviewed.

It is the policy of the Colo-NESCO Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the District Equity Coordinator Beth Heller, 919 West Street, Colo, IA, 641-377-2282, bheller@colo-nesco.k12.ia.us.

 

Approved:  10/18/2023                Reviewed: 10/18/2023         Revised: 10/18/2023

 

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 20:49

102E4 - Complaint Form

102E4 - Complaint Form

 

COMPLAINT FORM

 

(Discrimination, Anti-Bullying, and Anti-Harassment)

 

Date of complaint: 

_____________________________________________________

Name of Complainant: 

_____________________________________________________

Are you filling out this form for yourself or someone else (please identify the individual if you are submitting on behalf of someone else):

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

Who or what entity do you believe discriminated against, harassed, or

bullied you (or someone else)?

_____________________________________________________

Date and place of alleged incident(s): 

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

 

Names of any witnesses (if any): 

 

_____________________________________________________

 

Nature of discrimination, harassment, or bullying alleged (check all that apply):

  

Age

 

Physical Attribute

 

Sex

  

Disability

 

Physical/Mental Ability

 

Sexual Orientation

  

Familial Status

 

Political Belief

 

Socio-economic Background

  

Gender Identity

 

Political Party Preference

 

Other – Please Specify:

  

Marital Status

 

Race/Color

  

 
 

National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry

 

Religion/Creed

   

 

In the space below, please describe what happened and why you believe that you or someone else has been discriminated against, harassed, or bullied. Please be as specific as possible and attach additional pages if necessary. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. 

Signature: _____________________________________     Date:  __________________________

 

Approved:  12/17/2018                Reviewed: 11/19/2018        Revised: 10/17/2016

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 21:05

102E5 - Witness Disclosure Form

102E5 - Witness Disclosure Form

 

WITNESS DISCLOSURE FORM

 

 

Name of Witness: 

 

_____________________________________________________

Date of interview:

_____________________________________________________

Date of initial complaint: 

_____________________________________________________

Name of Complainant (include whether the Complainant is a student or employee):  

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

   

Date and place of alleged incident(s): 

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

   

Nature of discrimination, harassment, or bullying alleged (check all that apply):

  

Age

 

Physical Attribute

 

Sex

  

Disability

 

Physical/Mental Ability

 

Sexual Orientation

  

Familial Status

 

Political Belief

 

Socio-economic Background

  

Gender Identity

 

Political Party Preference

 

Other – Please Specify:

  

Marital Status

 

Race/Color

  

 
 

National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry

 

Religion/Creed

   

 

Description of incident witnessed: _________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

Additional information: _________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. 

 

Signature: _____________________________________     Date:  __________________________

 

Approved:  12/17/2018                Reviewed: 11/19/2018        Revised: 10/17/2016

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 21:07

102E6 - Disposition of Complaint Form

102E6 - Disposition of Complaint Form

 

DISPOSITION OF COMPLAINT FORM

 

Date:

_____________________________________________________

Date of initial complaint: 

_____________________________________________________

Name of Complainant (include whether the Complainant is a student or employee):  

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

   

Date and place of alleged incident(s): 

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

 

Name of Respondent (include whether the Respondent is a student or employee): 

 

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

   

Nature of discrimination, harassment, or bullying alleged (check all that apply):

  

Age

 

Physical Attribute

 

Sex

  

Disability

 

Physical/Mental Ability

 

Sexual Orientation

  

Familial Status

 

Political Belief

 

Socio-economic Background

  

Gender Identity

 

Political Party Preference

 

Other – Please Specify:

  

Marital Status

 

Race/Color

  

 
 

National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry

 

Religion/Creed

   

 

Summary of Investigation: _______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. 

 

Signature: _____________________________________     Date:  _________________________

Approved:  12/17/2018                Reviewed: 11/19/2018        Revised: 10/17/2016

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 21:09

103 - Long-Range Needs Assessment

103 - Long-Range Needs Assessment

Long-range needs assessment enables the school district to analyze assessment data, get feedback from the community about its expectation of students and determine how well students are meeting student-learning goals. The board will conduct ongoing and in-depth needs assessment, soliciting information from business, labor, industry, higher education and community members, regarding their expectations for adequate student preparation.

In conjunction with the in-depth needs assessment of the school district, the board will authorize the appointment of a committee, representing administrators, employees, parents, students and community members, to make recommendations and assist the board in determining the priorities of the school district in addition to the basic skills areas of the education program.

This committee will report their recommendations at least on a yearly basis to the Board of Education.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure the school district community is informed of students' progress on state and locally determined indicators. The superintendent will report annually to the board about the means used to keep the community informed. As a result of the board and committee's work, the board will determine major educational needs and rank them in priority order; develop long-range goals and plans to meet the educational needs; establish and implement short-range and intermediate-range plans to meet the goals and to attain the desired levels of student performance; evaluate progress toward meeting the goals and maintain a record of progress under the plan that includes reports of student performance and results of school improvement projects; and annually report the school district's progress made under the plan to the committee, community and Iowa Department of Education.

 

Legal Reference:          
Iowa Code §§ 21; 256.7; 280.12, .18 (2007).
281 I.A.C. 12.8(1)(b).

Cross Reference:          
101 Educational Philosophy of the School District
200 Legal Status of the Board of Directors
208 Committees of the Board of Directors
603.1 Basic Instruction Program
801.1 Buildings and Sites Long Range Planning
801.2 Buildings and Sites Surveys

Approved:  10/18/2023                Reviewed: 10/18/2023         Revised: 10/18/2023

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 21:13

103.R1 - Long-Range Needs Assessment

103.R1 - Long-Range Needs Assessment

The school district's long range needs assessment process includes these items:

  • provisions for collecting, analyzing and reporting information derived from local, state and national sources;
  • provisions for reviewing information acquired on the following:
    • state indicators and other locally determined indicators,
    • locally established student learning goals,
    • specific data collection required by state and federal programs;
  • provisions for collecting and analyzing assessment data on the following:
    • state indicators,
    • locally determined indicators,
    • locally established student learning goals.

 

 Approved:  10/18/2023                Reviewed: 10/18/2023         Revised: 11/19/2018

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 21:14

104 - Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment

104 - Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment

The Colo-NESCO Community School District is committed to providing all students, employees, and volunteers with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. Bullying and/or harassing behavior can seriously disrupt the ability of school employees to maintain a safe and civil environment, and the ability of students to learn and succeed. 

Bullying and/or harassment of or by students, employees, and volunteers is against federal, state, and local policy and is not tolerated by the board.

Accordingly, school employees, volunteers, and students shall not engage in bullying or harassing behavior while on school property, while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles, while attending or participating in school-sponsored or sanctioned activities, and while away from school grounds if the conduct materially interferes with the orderly operation of the educational environment or is likely to do so.

Complaints may be filed with the superintendent or superintendent’s designee pursuant to the regulation accompanying this policy.  The superintendent is responsible for implementation of this policy and all accompanying procedures.  Complaints will be investigated within a reasonable time frame.  Within 24 hours of receiving a report that a student may have been the victim of conduct that constitutes bullying and/or harassment, the district will notify the parent or guardian of the student.

If as a result of viewing surveillance system data or based on a report from a school district employee, the district determines that a student has suffered bullying or harassment by another student enrolled in the district, a parent or guardian of the student may enroll the student in another attendance center within the district that offers classes at the student’s grade level, subject to the requirements and limitation established in Iowa law related to this topic.

A school employee, volunteer, or student, or a student’s parent or guardian who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment, incompliance with the procedures in the regulation to the appropriate school official designated by the school district, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to participation in any administrative or judicial proceeding resulting from or relating to the report.

Retaliation Prohibited  

Individuals who knowingly file false bullying or harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation may be subject to discipline by appropriate measures.          

Any student found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to and including, suspension and expulsion.  Any school employee found to have violated ore retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment.  Any school volunteer found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, removal from service and exclusion from school grounds.                                                                                        

Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the defined words shall have the following meaning:  

  • “Electronic” means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optic cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means. “Electronic” includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, and electronic text messaging.
  • “Harassment” and “bullying” mean any repeated or potentially repeated electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or other ongoing conduct toward an individual based on any trait or characteristic of the individual and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:
    • Places the individual in reasonable fear of harm to the individual's person or property.
    • Has a substantial detrimental effect on the individual's physical or mental health.
    • Has the effect of substantially interfering with a individual's academic performance.
    • Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
  • “Trait or characteristic of the student” includes but is not limited to age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.
  • “Volunteer” means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.

Publication of Policy

The board will annually publish this policy. The policy may be publicized by the following means:

  • Inclusion in the student handbook
  • Inclusion in the employee handbook
  • Inclusion on the school or school district’s website,

 

 

Legal References:      
20 U.S.C. §§ 1221-1234i (2004).
29 U.S.C. § 794 (1994).
42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d-2000d-7 (2004).
42 U.S.C. §§ 12001 et. seq. (2004).
Senate File 61, 1st Regular Session, 82nd Gen Assembly, (2007).
Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 280.3 (2007).
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).
Morse v. Frederick, 127 S.Ct. 2618 (2007)

Cross References:      
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
506 Student Records

Approved:  7/17/23                Reviewed: 7/17/23            Revised: 7/17/23

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 21:16

104.E1 - Complaint Form

104.E1 - Complaint Form

 

COMPLAINT FORM

 

(Discrimination, Anti-Bullying, and Anti-Harassment)

 

Date of complaint: 

_____________________________________________________

Name of Complainant: 

_____________________________________________________

Are you filling out this form for yourself or someone else (please identify the 

individual if you are submitting on behalf 

of someone else):

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

Who or what entity do you believe 

discriminated against, harassed, or 

bullied you (or someone else)?

_____________________________________________________

Date and place of alleged incident(s): 

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

 

Names of any witnesses (if any): 

 

_____________________________________________________

 

Nature of discrimination, harassment, or bullying alleged (check all that apply):

  

Age

 

Physical Attribute

 

Sex

  

Disability

 

Physical/Mental Ability

 

Sexual Orientation

  

Familial Status

 

Political Belief

 

Socio-economic Background

  

Gender Identity

 

Political Party Preference

 

Other – Please Specify:

  

Marital Status

 

Race/Color

  

 
 

National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry

 

Religion/Creed

   

 

In the space below, please describe what happened and why you believe that you or someone else has been discriminated against, harassed, or bullied. Please be as specific as possible and attach additional pages if necessary. 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. 

Signature: _____________________________________     Date:  __________________________

 

 

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 21:21

104.E2 - Witness Disclosure Form

104.E2 - Witness Disclosure Form

WITNESS DISCLOSURE FORM

 

 

Name of Witness: 

 

_____________________________________________________

Date of interview:

_____________________________________________________

Date of initial complaint: 

_____________________________________________________

Name of Complainant (include 

whether the Complainant is a student 

or employee):  

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

   

Date and place of alleged incident(s): 

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

   

Nature of discrimination, harassment, or bullying alleged (check all that apply):

  

Age

 

Physical Attribute

 

Sex

  

Disability

 

Physical/Mental Ability

 

Sexual Orientation

  

Familial Status

 

Political Belief

 

Socio-economic Background

  

Gender Identity

 

Political Party Preference

 

Other – Please Specify:

  

Marital Status

 

Race/Color

  

 
 

National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry

 

Religion/Creed

   

 

Description of incident witnessed: _________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

Additional information: _________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. 

 

Signature: _____________________________________     Date:  ____________________

 

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 21:22

104.E3 - Disposition of Complaint Form

104.E3 - Disposition of Complaint Form

DISPOSITION OF COMPLAINT FORM

 

Date:

_____________________________________________________

Date of initial complaint: 

_____________________________________________________

Name of Complainant (include 

whether the Complainant is a student 

or employee):  

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

   

Date and place of alleged incident(s): 

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

 

Name of Respondent (include whether the Respondent is a student or employee): 

 

_____________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________

   

Nature of discrimination, harassment, or bullying alleged (check all that apply):

  

Age

 

Physical Attribute

 

Sex

  

Disability

 

Physical/Mental Ability

 

Sexual Orientation

  

Familial Status

 

Political Belief

 

Socio-economic Background

  

Gender Identity

 

Political Party Preference

 

Other – Please Specify:

  

Marital Status

 

Race/Color

  

 
 

National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry

 

Religion/Creed

   

 

Summary of Investigation: _______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. 

 

Signature: _____________________________________     Date:  __________________________

 

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 21:23

104.R1 - Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment Investigation Procedures

104.R1 - Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment Investigation Procedures

Filing a Complaint

An individual who believes that the individual has been harassed or bullied may file a complaint with the superintendent or superintendent’s designee.  The complaint form is available on the district website. If the complainant is a school employee, after filing the complaint with the superintendent or superintendent’s designee, the employee may separately notify the parent or guardian of the student alleged to have been harassed or bullied.

An alternate will be designated in the event it is claimed that the superintendent or superintendent’s designee committed the alleged discrimination or some other conflict of interest exists. Complaints shall be filed within 30 days of the event giving rise to the complaint or from the date the Complainant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence. The Complainant will state the nature of the complaint and the remedy requested. The Complainant shall receive assistance as needed. 

Investigation 

The school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment. The superintendent or the superintendent’s designee (hereinafter “Investigator”) will be responsible for handling all complaints alleging bullying or harassment. 

The investigation may include, but is not limited to the following: 

  • Interviews with the Complainant and the individual named in the complaint ("Respondent")

  • A request for the Complainant to provide a written statement regarding the nature of the complaint; 

  • A request for the “Respondent” to provide a written statement; 

  • Interviews with witnesses identified during the course of the investigation;

  • A request for witnesses identified during the course of the investigation to provide a written statement; and 

  • Review and collection of documentation or information deemed relevant to the investigation. 

The Investigator shall consider the totality of circumstances presented in determining whether conduct objectively constitutes bullying or harassment as defined in Board policy. Upon completion of the investigation, the Investigator shall issue a report with respect to the findings, and provide a copy of the report to the appropriate building principal or superintendent if the investigation involved the building principal. 

The complaint and identity of the Complainant, Respondent, or witnesses will only be disclosed as reasonably necessary in connection with the investigation or as required by law or policy.  Similarly, evidence uncovered in the investigation shall be kept confidential to the extent reasonably possible.

Additional suggestions for administrative procedures regarding the policy include:

  • Organizing training programs for students, school employees, and volunteers regarding how to recognize bullying and harassing behavior and what to do if this behavior is witnessed; and
  • Developing a process for evaluating the effectiveness of this policy in reducing bullying and harassing behavior.

Decision 

The investigator, building principal or superintendent, depending on the individuals involved, shall inform the Complainant and the accused about the outcome of the investigation.

If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of the policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures, which may include suspension and expulsion. If after an investigation a school employee is found to be in violation of this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures, which may include termination. If after an investigation a school volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, the volunteer shall be subject to appropriate measures, which may include exclusion from school grounds. 

Individuals who knowingly file false bullying and/or harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation may be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy. Any student found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion.  Any school employee found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment. Any school volunteer found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds.  

 

Approved:  7/17/23               Reviewed: 7/17/23       Revised: 7/17/23

 

Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 04/04/2022 - 21:24