As part of the board's long-range plan for the school district's education program, the board will include the buildings and sites needs for the education program. The long-term needs for buildings and sites will be discussed and determined by the board.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to provide information including, but not limited to, enrollment projections and education program requirements to the board.

Approved 11/21/22             Reviewed 9/19/22            Revised 09/19/22

The board may engage the services of consultants or other personnel to study the needs of the school district's buildings and sites in providing the education program. The results of these services will be considered in planning the education program and in making decisions about the improvement and acquisition of additional buildings and sites.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the need for such services and who should perform such services for the board.

Cross References

Approved 11/21/22             Reviewed 09/19/22             Revised 09/19/22

Buildings and sites considered for purchase or construction by the board or currently owned by the school district and used for the education program must meet, or upon improvement be able to meet, the specifications set by the board. The board will make this determination.

Prior to remodeling or other construction of buildings and sites, the board may appoint a committee of consultants, employees, citizens, or others to assist the board in developing the specifications for the new or improved buildings and sites. These specifications will be consistent with the education program, and they will provide the architect with the information necessary to determine what is expected from the facility. It is within the discretion of the board to determine whether a committee is appointed.

The education specifications will include, but not be limited to, the financial resources available for the project, the definition and character of classrooms, the functional use to be made of the rooms, description of specialized needs, and other pertinent information as the board deems necessary.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the specifications of buildings and sites.

Approved 11/21/22             Reviewed 9/21/22             Revised 09/21/22

Sites acquired by the board will meet or, upon improvement, be able to meet the specifications set out by the board prior to using the site for the education program. The board may meet in closed session to discuss potential purchases of sites.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to assist the board and to make recommendations concerning the acquisition of sites.

Cross References

Approved 11/21/22             Reviewed 9/19/22             Revised 9/19/22

The school district buildings and sites, including the grounds, buildings and equipment, will be kept clean and in good repair. Employees should notify the building principal when something is in need of repair or removal, including graffiti.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to maintain the school district buildings and sites. As part of this responsibility, a maintenance schedule is created and adhered to in compliance with this policy.

Cross References

Approved 11/21/22             Reviewed 09/19/22            Revised 09/19/22

Generally, except for emergency situations, requests for improvements or repairs are made to the superintendent by building principals and the head custodian. Requirements for requests outlined in the maintenance schedule will be followed.

Minor improvements, not exceeding a cost of may be approved by the superintendent. Improvements exceeding $7,000 must be approved by the board. Routine maintenance and repairs outlined in the maintenance schedule will be followed.

Cross References

Approved 11/21/22             Reviewed 9/19/22            Revised 09/19/22

In the event an emergency requiring repairs in excess of $100,000 to a school district facility are necessary to correct or control the situation and to prevent the closing of school, the provisions relating to bidding will not apply.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to obtain certification from the area education agency administrator stating such repairs in excess of $100,000 were necessary to prevent the closing of school.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to notify the board as soon as possible considering the circumstances of the emergency.

Cross References

Approved 11/21/22             Reviewed 09/19/22            Revised 9/19/22

The school district will establish and maintain a capital assets management system for reporting capitalized assets owned or under the jurisdiction of the school district in its financial reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as required or modified by law; to improve the school district's oversight of capital assets by assigning and recording them to specific facilities and programs and to provide for proof of loss of capital assets for insurance purposes.

Capital assets, including tangible and intangible assets, are reported in the government-wide financial statements (i.e. governmental activities and business type activities) and the proprietary fund financial statements.  Capital assets reported include school district buildings and sites, construction in progress, improvements other than buildings and sites, land and machinery and equipment.  Capital assets reported in the financial reports will include individual capital assets with a historical cost equal to or greater than $4,000.00.  The Federal regulations governing school lunch programs require capital assets attributable to the school lunch program with a historical cost of equal to or greater than $500 be capitalized.  Additionally, capital assets are depreciated over the useful life of each capital asset.  

All intangible assets (except for right to use lease assets) with a purchase price equal to or greater $4,000.00 with useful life of two or more years, are included in the intangible asset inventory for capitalization purposes.  Such assets are recorded at actual historical cost and amortized over the designated useful lifetime applying a straight-line method of depreciation.  If there are no legal, contractual, regulatory, technological or other factors that limit the useful life of the asset, then the intangible asset needs to be considered to have an indefinite useful life and no amortization should be recorded.

This policy applies to all intangible assets .  If an intangible asset that meets the threshold criteria is fully amortized, the asset must be reported at the historical cost and the applicable accumulated amortization must also be reported.  It is not appropriate to “net” the capital asset and amortization to avoid reporting.   For internally generated intangible assets, outlays incurred by the government's personnel, or by a third-party contractor on behalf of the government, and for development of internally generated intangible assets should be capitalized.

The district recognizes the importance of classifying leases of intangible assets as assets or liabilities in financial statements.  When operating as a lessor, the district will recognize a lease liability and an intangible right-to-lease asset.  When operating as a lessee, the district will recognize a lease receivable and a deferred inflow of resources consistent with the requirements established in GASB 87.

The District recognizes a lease liability and an intangible right-to-use lease asset with an initial value of $4,000 or more.  At commencement of a lease, the District initially measures the lease liability at the present value of payments expected to be made during the lease term.  Subsequently, the lease liability is reduced by the principal portion of lease payments made.  The lease asset is initially measured as the initial amount of the lease liability, adjusted for lease payments made at or before the lease commencement date plus certain initial direct costs to place the asset in service.  The lease asset is then amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.

The capital assets management system must be updated monthly to account for the addition/acquisition, disposal, relocation/transfer of capital assets.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to count and reconcile the capital assets with capital assets management system on June 30 each year.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations implementing this policy.  It will also be the responsibility of the superintendent to educate employees about this policy and its supporting administrative regulations.   

Cross References

Approved – 11/21/22            Reviewed - 09/19/22            Revised – 09/19/22

The board recognizes the need for access to its buildings and sites by persons with disabilities. School district buildings and sites currently in use will be altered to be accessible to persons with disabilities unless the alteration would cause an undue hardship for the school district. Renovated and new buildings and sites will be accessible to persons with disabilities.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, upon board approval, to take the necessary action to ensure school district buildings and sites are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Cross References

Approved 11/21/22             Reviewed 9/19/22            Revised 09/19/22

The board believes everyone should treat school district buildings and sites and property with respect for the benefit of the education program. Users of school district property will treat it with care. Employees discovering vandalism should report it to the building principal as soon as possible.

Persons suspected, found or proven to have destroyed or otherwise harmed school district property may be subject to discipline by the school district, if the person is under the jurisdiction of the school district, and may be reported to local law enforcement officials. Persons who are not under the jurisdiction of the school district and who are suspected, found or proven to have destroyed or otherwise harmed school district property will be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.

Cross References

Approved 11/21/22            Reviewed 9/19/22             Revised 09/19/22

In concert with the board's goal to utilize public funds in an effective and efficient manner, employees and students will practice energy conservation methods when utilizing the school district's buildings and sites. These methods include, but are not limited to, turning off lights and equipment when not in use, reducing the temperature of the facility, particularly when it is not in use, and keeping windows and doors properly closed or open, depending upon the weather.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop energy conservation guidelines for employees and students. Employees and students will abide by these guidelines.

Cross References

Approved 07/21/14             Reviewed 06/16/14             Revised 06/16/14

School property, such as equipment, furnishings, or supplies (hereafter equipment), will be disposed of when it is determined to be of no further use to the school district. It is the objective of the school district in disposing of the equipment to achieve the best available price or most economical disposal.

Obsolete equipment having a value of less than $25,000 will be disposed of in a manner determined by the board. Public sale and sealed bid will be the two process of choice. However, the sale of equipment, furnishings or supplies disposed of in this manner will be published in a newspaper of general circulation. The publication of the sale will be published with at least one insertion each week for two consecutive weeks.

A public hearing will be held regarding the disposal of the equipment with a value of $25,000 or more prior to the board's final decision. The board will adopt a resolution announcing the proposed sale and will publish notice of the time and place of the public hearing and the description of the property will be in the resolution. Notice of the public hearing will be published at least once, but not less than 10 days and not more than 20 days, prior to the hearing date. Upon completion of the public hearing, the board may dispose of the equipment.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the method for disposing of equipment of no further use to the school district.

Cross References

Approved 06/19/23            Reviewed 06/19/23            Revised 06/19/23

Decisions regarding the lease, sale, or disposal of school district real property are made by the board. In making its decision the board will consider the needs of the education program and the efficient use of public funds.

Prior to the board's final decision regarding real property with a value of $5,000 or more, a public hearing will be held. The board will adopt a resolution announcing the proposed sale which will contain notice of the time and place of the public hearing and the description of the property or locally known address. Notice of the time and place of the public hearing will be published at least once, but not less than 10 days and not more than 20 days, prior to the hearing date. Upon completion of the public hearing, the board may dispose of the property.

If the real property contains less than two acres, is located outside of a city, is not adjacent to a city and was previously used as a schoolhouse site, the property may revert to the owner of the tract from whom the property was taken following the procedures set forth in Iowa Code ßß 297.15-.25.

In the case of a sale or lease of school district real property not being used for the education program, unless otherwise exempted, advertisements for bids will be taken. If the bids received by the board are deemed inadequate, the board may decline to sell or lease the property and re-advertise.
In the case of the razing of a school district facility, at a cost of $5,000 or more, the board will advertise and take bids for the purpose of awarding the contract for the project.

The superintendent is responsible for coordinating the action necessary for the board to accomplish the lease, sale, or disposal of school district real property, including student-constructed buildings. It will also be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the use of school district real property not being utilized for the education program.

Cross References

Approved 11/21/22             Reviewed 9/19/22            Revised 9/19/22

A program for annual inspection, in addition to those conducted by authorized agencies, of the equipment, facilities, and grounds will be conducted as part of the maintenance schedule for school district buildings and sites. The results of this inspection will be reported to the board at its annual meeting. Further, the board may conduct its own inspection of the school district buildings and sites annually.

Cross References

Approved 11/21/22            Reviewed 9/19/22             Revised 9/19/22

The safety and security of the school community is paramount to the Community School District.  While there is no absolute guarantee of safety, it is the goal of the district to encourage and support a physically secure learning and working environment within its buildings.  The district shall work in conjunction with community stakeholders including local emergency management coordinators and local law enforcement agencies to create emergency operations plans for all district buildings and school buildings where students are educated.

The superintendent shall be responsible for the development, review and implementation of the district emergency operations plan.  The plan shall include procedures for transmitting alerts regarding emergency situations to school personnel, students, and employers for non-school employees whose presence is regularly required in the school building.  The emergency operations plan shall be updated and reviewed annually by the Board and shall address responses to natural disasters, active shooter scenarios and other emergencies as determined by the district.  The emergency operations plans are confidential and shall not be subject to disclosure under Iowa Code Chapter 22.  However, the district shall publish procedures for students, school personnel, parents, and family members to report possible safety threats on school grounds and at school activities.  

The administration shall hold annual emergency operations drills at each district building covered by an emergency operations plan in accordance with law.  The district shall determine which school personnel shall participate and whether local law enforcement and students participate in annual drills.   

Cross References

Approved 11/21/22            Reviewed 9/19/22             Revised 9/19/22

Friable and nonfriable asbestos containing materials will be maintained in good condition and appropriate precautions will be followed when the material is disturbed. If there is a need to replace asbestos it will be replaced with nonasbestos containing materials. Each school building will maintain a copy of the asbestos management plan.

The school district will annually notify, appoint and train appropriate employees as necessary.

Cross References

Approved 11/21/22             Reviewed 09/19/22            Revised 09/19/22

The Colo-NESCO Community School District seeks to provide a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors who are at risk of potentially life-threatening incidents including severe allergic reactions, respiratory distress and opioid overdose. Therefore, it is the policy of the district to annually obtain a prescription for epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilator canisters and spacers and opioid antagonist from a licensed health care professional, in the name of the school district, for administration by a school nurse or personnel trained and authorized to administer to a student or individual who may be experiencing an anaphylactic reaction, respiratory distress or acute opioid overdose. 

Procurement and maintenance of supply: The district shall stock a minimum of the following for each attendance center:

• One pediatric dose and one adult dose epinephrine auto-injector;
• One pediatric dose and one adult dose bronchodilator canister or spacer;
• One dose of naloxone or other opioid antagonist. 

The supply of such medication shall be maintained in a secure, dark, temperature-controlled location in each school building. 

The School Nurse shall routinely check stock of education and document in a log monthly: 

• The expiration date; 
• Any visualized particles; or 
• Bronchodilator canister damage.

The employee shall be responsible for ensuring the district replaces, as soon as reasonably possible, any logged epinephrine auto-injector bronchodilator canister or spacer or opioid antagonist that is empty after use, damaged or, close to expiration. The district shall dispose of stock medications and delivery devices in accordance with state laws and regulations.

Training: : A school nurse or personnel trained and authorized may provide or administer any of the medication listed in this policy from a school supply to a student or individual if the authorized personnel or school nurse reasonably and in good faith believes the student or individual is having an anaphylactic reaction, respiratory distress, asthma or other airway-constricting disease, or opioid overdose. Training to obtain a signed certificate to become personnel authorized to administer an epinephrine auto-injector, bronchodilator canisters or spacers or opioid antagonist shall consist of the requirements of medication administration established by law and an annual anaphylaxis, asthma, other airway-constricting disease, opioid overdose training program approved by the Department of Education. 

Authorized personnel will be required to retake the medication administration course, training program and provide a procedural skills demonstration to the school nurse demonstrating competency in the administration of stock epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilator canisters or spacers and opioid antagonists to retain authorization to administer  these medications if the following occur: 

• Failure to administer an epinephrine auto-injector bronchodilator canister or spacer or opioid antagonist to generally accepted standards of practice  (“medication error”); or 
• Accidental injection injury to school personnel related to improperly administering the medication (“medication incident”).  

Reporting: Authorized personnel will contact the school nurse or emergency medical services (911) immediately after a stock bronchodilator canister is administered to a student or individual.  The school nurse retains accountability for professional nursing judgment with the administration of stock bronchodilator and whether to contact emergency medical services in accordance with Iowa laws. 

The district will contact emergency medical services (911) immediately after a stock epinephrine auto-injector, bronchodilator canister or spacer or opioid antagonist is administered to a student or individual. The school nurse or authorized personnel will remain with the student or individual until emergency medical services arrive. 

Within 48 hours, the district will report to the Iowa Department of Education: 

• Each medication incident with the administration of stock epinephrine, bronchodilator canister or spacer, or opioid antagonist; 
• Each medication error with the administration of stock epinephrine, bronchodilator canister or spacer, or opioid antagonist; or 
• The administration of a stock epinephrine auto-injector, bronchodilator canister or spacer, or opioid antagonist. 

As provided by law, the district, board, authorized personnel or school nurse, and the prescriber shall not be liable for any injury arising from the provision, administration, failure to administer, or assistance in the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector, bronchodilator canister or spacer, or opioid antagonist provided they acted reasonably and in good faith. 

The superintendent may develop an administrative process to implement this policy. 
 

Cross References

Approved 7/17/23              Review  11/21/22             Created  7/17/23

District-Generated Recordings

The district believes in the importance of providing a safe and enriching learning environment possible for its students.  The district uses digital recording devices on school property including school transportation vehicles to help protect the safety of district students, employees and community members; and to safeguard district property which is funded using public resources.  Additionally, district-generated recordings of students engaging in the district’s educational and extracurricular programs can be essential to engage positively with the school community and promote the value of public education. 

In order to balance privacy and safety interests, no recording devices will be utilized on district property where individuals maintain a reasonable expectation of privacy.  These areas include but are not limited to: the school nurse’s office, restrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, lactation spaces and employee break areas.

Recordings of students have the potential to be considered education records.  Any recordings will be maintained and accessed in compliance with the requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and the district’s policy on student records.  

Recordings will be digitally maintained and stored for an appropriate amount of time to maintain the safety of the educational environment and to safeguard district property, after which they will be destroyed.  The superintendent or superintendent’s designee will establish any necessary regulations related to the secure storage, maintenance, viewing and destruction of digital recordings.

Non-District Generated Recordings

The use of non-district owned recording devices on school property and at school events will be regulated. Students, parents and community members will not be permitted to take recordings of other students or employees during school hours unless the recording is authorized in advance by building administration. Students and employees found to violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary measures consistent with board policy and applicable student and employee handbooks.  This policy will not be construed or enforced in a way that infringes on employee activity otherwise protected by law.  

It is important to foster a community spirit and sense of unity within the district.  However, the district acknowledges that not every student or staff member feels comfortable or safe being recorded.  At district-sponsored extracurricular events and activities, the use of non-district owned recording devices by the public may be monitored by administration if a concern is made known to district administration by a student, employee or parent.  Any individuals determined to be making recordings considered bothersome to students or staff may be asked to stop or destroy their recording and may be asked to leave the event.  

Cross References

Approved 11/21/22                                 Reviewed  11/21/22                    Created 11/21/22

The board supports the use of recording devices on district property as a means to monitor and maintain a safe environment for students and employees. District property includes district-owned land, buildings, vehicles, buses and any other property as needed.    The contents of the recordings may be used as evidence in a student or employee disciplinary proceeding.

Student Records

The content of the recordings may be a student record subject to federal and state law, board policy and administrative regulations regarding confidential student records.  Generally, surveillance video that does not capture any specific incident is not a student record or personnel record and may be disclosed as a public record upon request.  Only those persons with a legal basis or legitimate educational purpose may view the recordings.  In most instances, individuals with a legitimate educational purpose may be the superintendent, building principal, classroom teacher, transportation director, bus driver, HR director and special education staffing team.  A parent may inspect, review or be informed of the content of the recording without consent from any student or parent of a minor student also shown in the recording, whether the student is a bystander to an incident or directly involved.  The district may, but is not obligated by law to provide a copy of a recording to a parent or student upon request.  

A recording during a school-sponsored trip, such as an athletic event, may also be accessible to the sponsor or coach of the activity.  If the content of the recording becomes the subject of a student disciplinary proceeding, it will be treated like other evidence in the proceeding.

Notice

The school district will annually provide the following notice to students, employees, and parents:
 

The Community School District Board of Directors has authorized the use of recording devices on school district owned property.  The recording devices will be used to enhance safety and security within the educational environment.  Students, employees, and parents are hereby notified that the content of the recording may be used in a student or employee disciplinary proceeding.  The content of the recordings may be considered confidential student records and will be retained with other student records.  Recordings will only be retained if necessary for use in a student or employee disciplinary proceeding or other matter as determined necessary by the administration.  Parents may request to view the recording of their child.

The following notice will also be placed on all school buses equipped with recording devices:

This building/bus is equipped with a recording /audio monitoring system.

Review of Recording Devices

The school district will review the recordings (choose one of the following):

                 Option 1--when necessary, as a result of an incident reported by an employee or student.  The recordings may be re-circulated for erasure after            days.

                Option 2--at least (weekly, monthly, etc.).  The recordings may be re-circulated for erasure after               days.  Note:  Recordings should be kept for a minimum of two weeks.  

        X      Option 3--randomly.  The recordings may be re-circulated for erasure after   30    days.

If not public records, the viewing of the recordings is limited to the individuals having a legitimate educational purpose.  A written log, as appropriate, may be kept of those individuals viewing the recordings stating the time, name of individual viewing and the date the recordings was viewed.

Student Conduct

Students are prohibited from tampering with the recording devices on the school property.  Students found in violation of this regulation will be disciplined in accordance with the school district discipline policy and Good Conduct Rule and will reimburse the school district for any repairs or replacement necessary as a result of the tampering.

Employee Conduct

District-generated recordings may be used as evidence in employee disciplinary matters, as appropriate.  Employees are prohibited from tampering with recording devices on school property.  Employees found to be in violation of this regulation will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the employee handbook and relevant board policies.
 

Cross References

The district recognizes the importance of providing healthy learning environments for students, employees and community members in district buildings.  The district will take appropriate measures as required by law to assess radon levels in attendance centers and provide for mitigation or other measures where appropriate.  

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to create administrative regulations necessary to carry out this policy.  

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 280.32

Approved: 11/21/22                     Reviewed: 11/21/22                   Created: 11/21/22

The district will create and the board will approve a plan to assess levels of radon gas present in district attendance centers.  Funding for any costs related to radon testing or mitigation will be paid from the state school foundation aid received to the district or from revenues received from the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education fund.  

Each district attendance center will undergo a short-term test for the presence of radon gas at least once by July 1, 2027.  Short-term test means a test using a device that remains in an area for two to seven days to determine the amount of radon in the air. Repeated short-term testing will occur every five yars following the date of the first test.

Radon testing will be performed by an individual certified to conduct such testing pursuant to Iowa Code section 136B.1 or by district employees who have completed a school radon testing training program approved by the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Department of Public Health.  

If the results of any short-term test at an attendance center are at or above four picocuries per liter, the district will conduct a second short-term test in spaces with elevated levels within sixty days of the first test.  If the averaged test results of the first and second tests are at or above four picocuries per liter, the district will retain an individual credentialed to develop a radon mitigation plan.  

The plan may include further diagnostic testing, corrective measures, and active mitigation.  The mitigation plan will be completed within two years of first short-term test unless the district plans to abandon or renovate the attendance center within five years and renovation includes radon mitigation.  

All new school construction will include radon resistant construction techniques.  

Approved: 2/20/23            Reviewed: 2/20/23           Revised: 02/20/23