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 shall be known as the North Linn Community School District.

This school corporation is located in Linn, Buchanan, Delaware and Benton Counties, and its affairs are conducted by elected school officials, the North Linn 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 (1995).

Cross Reference:       200  Legal Status of the Board of Directors

 

Approved: 7-14-11    Reviewed: 7-17-24     Revised    12-14-22        

 

 

As a school corporation of Iowa, the 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 community.  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 is 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 community 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; 275.1 (1995).

 

Cross Reference:    102  Equal Educational Opportunity

                                 102  Equal Educational Opportunity

                                 103  Educational and Operational Planning

                                 209  Board of Directors' Management Procedures

                                 600  Goals and Objectives of the Education Program

                                 602  Curriculum Development

 

Approved 7-14-11     Reviewed  7-17-24      Revised  12-14-22

             

        

 

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 the Equity Coordinator; Kaitlyn Stoll, 3033 Lynx Drive, Troy Mills, IA 52344, (319) 224-3291, kstoll@northlinncsd.org.

Board policies, rules and regulations affect students while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.

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, Leisa Breitfelder, 3033 Lynx Drive, Troy Mills, IA 52344, (319) 224-3291, lbreitfelder@northlinncsd.org.

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

                                 401.01 Equal Employment Opportunity

                                 500 Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for Students

                                 506.01 Student Records

 

 

Approved     7-14-11     Reviewed     7-17-24       Revised  7-17-24

 

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 shall 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.

It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent to ensure the school district community is informed of the board's policies, programs and goals and has an opportunity to express their thoughts and suggestions for the operation of the school district.  The Superintendent shall 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 shall determine major educational needs and rank them in priority order; develop long-range goals and plans to meet the 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(4); 280.12, .18 (1995).

281 I.A.C. 12.3(3).

Cross Reference:

101     Educational Philosophy of the School District

200     Legal Status of the Board of Directors

208     Ad Hoc Committees

603.1  Basic Instruction Program

801.1  Buildings and Sites Long-Range Planning

801.2  Buildings and Sites Surveys

 

Approved: 7-14-11     Reviewed: 7-17-24       Revised     7-17-24       

 

 

The 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 limitations 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, in compliance 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 or 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” means any repeated or potentially repeated electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward  any individual based on any trait or characteristic of the individual which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

(1) Places the individual in reasonable fear of harm to the individual’s person or property.

(2) Has a substantial detrimental effect on the individual’s physical or mental health.

(3) Has the effect of substantially interfering with an individual's academic or career performance.  Has the effect of substantially interfering with the individual's ability to participate in or benefit from the services.

• “Trait or characteristic of the individual” 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.

Filing a Complaint

A Complainant who wishes to avail himself/herself of this procedure may do so by filing a complaint with the superintendent or superintendent’s designee. 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 15 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.

School employees, volunteers, and students shall not engage in reprisal, retaliation, or false accusation against a victim, witness, or an individual who has reliable information about an act of bullying or harassment.

Investigation

The school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment. The Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee will be responsible for handling all complaints alleging bullying or harassment. The Investigator shall consider the totality of circumstances presented in determining whether conduct objectively constitutes bullying or harassment. The superintendent or the superintendent’s designee shall also be responsible for developing procedures regarding this policy. See policy 104.R1

Decision

If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this 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.

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, in compliance with the procedures in the policy adopted pursuant to this section, 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.

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, 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.

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 in the registration materials
• Inclusion on the school or school district’s web site
• (other) _______________________________________________________

Legal References: 20 U.S.C. §§ 1221-1234i.

                              29 U.S.C. § 794.

                              42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d-2000d-7.

                              42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 2et. seq.

                              Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 280.28; 280.3.

                               281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

                               Morse v. Frederick, 551 U.S. 393 (2007)

Cross References: 102 Equal Educational Opportunity

                               502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

                               503 Student Discipline

                               506 Student Records

 

Approved    7-14-11     Reviewed    7-17-24      Revised   7-17-24

It is the policy of the North Linn Community School District to foster an equal education environment for all students, employees and community members within the district.  The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to the district on the proper use of assistance animals while on district property.  The district shall allow the use of qualified service animals to accompany individuals with disabilities in all areas of district buildings where the public is normally allowed to go. This can include classrooms, cafeteria and school buses.  Individuals with disabilities are people who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.  Service animals are dogs and in some instances miniature horses trained to do work or perform tasks for individuals with disabilities.  

Service animals must be current on all required vaccinations.  Service animals also must be under control while on district grounds.  The animal may be under control by either the individual with a disability, or a handler of the service.  Under control means harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the animal’s work, in which case under voice or other directive control.

 

Establishing the Need for a Service Animal

When no prior notice is given to the district of the use of a service animal, the Superintendent and/or school administrators are permitted to ask the following questions:  

“Do you need/require this animal because of a disability?” 

If the animal’s trained tasks are not readily apparent, the administrator may ask:  

“What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?”

 

Service Animals in training

Assuming the handler and animal are otherwise allowed, individuals who train service animals will also be allowed access with their service animal in training to public areas of district buildings and property.  The service animal in training is expected to abide by the same requirements as a service or assistive animal.

 

Exclusion of Service Animals

In certain limited circumstances, it may be reasonable to exclude the use of a service animal from district property. The Superintendent is permitted to exclude service animals from district buildings and property in the following circumstances:  The presence of the animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others; the owner or handler is unable to control the animal; the animal is not house broken; the presence of the animal significantly disrupts or interferes with the educational process; or the presence of the animal would require a fundamental alteration to the program.  If a service animal is properly excluded from district property, the district shall provide the student served by the animal the opportunity to participate in the program, service or activity without having the service animal on district property.  

 

Legal Reference:

29 U.S.C. §794 42 U.S.C. §12132  28 C.F.R.   35 Iowa Code §216C

 

Approved: 7-17-24            Reviewed:              Revised:    

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the North Linn Community School District prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment as defined by the regulations implementing Title IX (34 C.F.R. § 106.30), against any individual participating in any education program or activity of the District. This prohibition on discrimination applies to students, employees, and applicants for employment. 

The Board authorizes the Superintendent to adopt procedures for any individual to report sexual harassment to the District’s Title IX Coordinator, for the provision of supportive measures to anyone who has been subjected to sexual harassment whether or not they proceed with a formal complaint under those procedures, and for the investigation and resolution of such complaints, as required by Title IX. This Title IX grievance process shall be used to respond to all complaints of sexual harassment that fall within the scope of Title IX. For complaints of sexual harassment that do not fall within the scope of Title IX, the District may still offer supportive measures to the subject of such conduct and shall apply any other policy or procedure applicable to the alleged conduct. 

Any individual with questions about the District’s Title IX policy and procedures, or who would like to make a report or file a formal complaint of sex discrimination or sexual harassment may contact the District’s designated Title Coordinator, Leisa Breitfelder, Superintendent, 3033 Lynx Drive, Troy Mills, Ia 52344; lbreitfelder@northlinncsd.org, 319-224-3291. 

Retaliation against a person who made a report or complaint of sexual harassment, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a sexual harassment report or complaint is strictly prohibited. Retaliation includes threats, coercion, discrimination, intimidation, reprisals, and/or adverse actions related to employment or education. Any individual who believed they have been retaliated against in violation of this Policy should immediately contact the District’s Title IX Coordinator. 

Legal References: 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. 

34 C.F.R. § 106 et seq. 

Approved __8/18/2021___ Reviewed ___7-17-24_________ Revised ____________

This policy manual contains the policies of the board of directors of the North-Linn Community School District.  Policy development is a dynamic, ongoing process.  New problems, issues, and needs give rise to the continuing need to develop new policies or to revise existing ones.  

How To Use This Policy Manual

The North-Linn Community School District operates according to policies established by its board of directors.  The board develops policies after careful deliberation, and the school administration implements them through specific regulations and procedures.  The board reviews and evaluates its policies and makes revisions as necessary.

The manual is organized according to a numeric codification system.  There are nine major classifications bearing a numeric Series Code.

        100    SCHOOL DISTRICT

        200    BOARD OF DIRECTORS

        300    ADMINISTRATION

        400    EMPLOYEES

        500    STUDENTS

        600    EDUCATION PROGRAM

        700    NON-INSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS SERVICES

        800    BUILDINGS AND SITES

        900    SCHOOL DISTRICT-COMMUNITY RELATIONS

 

Sub-classifications under each numeric Series are based on a logical sequence and coded by the sub-classification numeric code.

 

How To Find A Policy

There are two ways to find a policy.  The first is to review the nine Series and determine which section the policy may be in.  By turning to that Series, you can review the table of contents to determine whether the policy is included.  If the policy is included, you can turn to it by finding the correct code number in the upper right hand corner of the Series.

The second way to find a policy is to look up the policy in the alphabetical index found at the end of the manual.  It will direct you to the Series and the policy code number.  Again, you can scroll to the policy by finding the correct code number in the upper right hand corner of the Series.

How To Read The Signs And Symbols

A variety of signs and symbols are used in concert with the numeric codification system.  These are explained below:

    -R        This symbol following a policy code number indicates the statement is an administrative regulation rather than a board policy.

    -E        This symbol following a policy code number indicates the statement is an exhibit rather than a board policy.

    Legal Refernce      This sign indicates the legal references.  They tell the user where they may find the statutes, case law, attorney general            opinions, or administrative rules that give authority to a policy.

   Cross Reference     Many policies in the manual relate to other policies in the manual.  Cross references are provided to assist the user in finding all of the related policies.

 

Inquires about the policies included in this manual may be directed to the board members or to the Superintendent by telephone at (319) 224-3291 or by writing the school district at OFFICE OFTHE SUPERINTENDENT, 3033 LYNX DRIVE , P.O. BOX 200, TROY MILLS, IOWA  52344.  

 

Approved 7-14-11     Reviewed   11-19-2019        Revised  8-27-2014