Administrative Action

A.    Probation

    1.    Probation is conditional suspension of a penalty for a set period of time.  Probation may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school.
    2.    The principal will conduct an investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of probation.  The investigation will include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond.  Written notice and reasons for the probation will be sent to the parents.

B.    In-School Suspension

    1.    In-school suspension is the temporary isolation of a student from one or more classes while under administrative supervision.  In-school suspensions may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules, which are serious but which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school.
    2.    The principal will conduct an investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of an in-school suspension.  The investigation will include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond.  In-school suspension will not be imposed for more than ten school days.  Written notice and reasons for the in-school suspension will be sent to the student's parents.

C.    Out-of-School Suspension

1.    Out-of-school suspension is the removal of a student from the school environment for periods of short duration.  Out-of-school suspension is to be used when other available school resources are unable to constructively remedy student misconduct.
    2.    A student may be suspended out of school for up to ten school days by a principal for a commission of gross or repeated infractions of school rules, regulations, policy or the law, or when the presence of the student will cause interference with the maintenance of the educational environment or the operation of the school.  The principal may suspend students after conducting an investigation of the charges against the student, giving the student:
        a.    Oral or written notice of the allegations against the student, and
        b.    The opportunity to respond to those charges.
        At the principal's discretion, the student may be allowed to confront witnesses against the student or present witnesses on behalf of the student.
    3.    Notice of the out-of-school suspension will be mailed no later than the end of the school day following the suspension to the student's parents and the superintendent.  A reasonable effort is made to personally notify the student's parents and such effort is documented by the person making or attempting to make the contact.  Written notice to the parents will include the circumstances which led to the suspension and a copy of the board policy and rules pertaining to the suspension.

D.    Suspensions and Special Education Students

    1.    Students who have been identified as special education students may be referred for a review of the student's Individual Education Program (IEP).  The IEP may be revised to include a continuum of intervention strategies and programming to change the behavior.
    2.    Students who have not been identified as special education students may be referred for evaluation after the student's suspension to determine whether the student has a disability and is in need of special education.

See attached.

 

STUDENT FEE WAIVER AND REDUCTION PROCEDURES

The board recognizes that while certain fees charged students are appropriate and authorized, certain students and their families are not financially able to pay the fees.  The school district will grant either full waivers, partial waivers or temporary waivers depending upon the circumstances and the student or student's parents' ability to meet the financial criteria.

    A.    Waivers -

1. Full Waivers - a student will be granted a full waiver of fees charged by the school district if the student or student's parents meet the financial eligibility criteria for free meals under the Child Nutrition program, Family Investment Program, or transportation assistance under open enrollment.  Students in foster care are also eligible for full waivers.
2. Partial Waivers - a student will be granted a partial waiver of fees charged by the school district if the student or the student's parents meet the financial eligibility criteria for reduced price meals offered under the Child Nutrition program.
3. Temporary Waivers - a student may be eligible for a temporary waiver of fees charged by the district in the event the student's parents are facing financial difficulty.  Temporary waivers may be applied for at any time throughout the school year and will not extend beyond the end of the school year.

    B.    Application - Parents or students eligible for a fee waiver will make an application on the form provided by the school district.  Applications may be made at any time but must be renewed annually.

    C.    Confidentiality - The school district will treat the application and application process as any other student record and student confidentiality and access provisions will be followed.

    D.    Appeals - Denials of a waiver may be appealed to the Food Service Director.

    E.    Fines or charges assessed for damage or loss to school property are not fees and will not be waived.

    F.    Notice - the school district will annually notify parents and students of the waiver.  The following information will be included in registration materials.

Students whose families meet the income guidelines for free and reduced price lunch, the Family Investment Program (FIP), or transportation assistance under open enrollment, or who are in foster care are eligible to have their student fees waived or partially waived.  Students whose families are experiencing a temporary financial difficulty may be eligible for a temporary waiver of student fees.  Parents or students who believe they may qualify for temporary financial hardship should contact the Food Service Director for a waiver form.  This waiver does not carry over from year to year and must be completed annually.

 

See attached form.

 

DEBRIEFING LETTER TO GUARDIAN OF STUDENT INVOLVED IN AN OCCURRENCE WHERE PHYSICAL RESTRAINT AND/OR SECLUSION WAS USED

[This letter and the enclosed report may be transmitted electronically via email or fax, picked up in person, or mailed.  If the district and the guardian do not agree on how to transmit this letter, it must be mailed via postage prepaid, first class mail to the guardian within 3 school days of the occurrence.]

Dear [Guardian],
Recently, your student [name] was involved in an occurrence at school that required the physical restraint and/or seclusion of your student as defined by 281 Iowa Administrative Code Ch. 103.  A report related to this occurrence is enclosed with this letter.  
The law requires debriefing meetings be held for such occurrences in the following circumstances:

• following the first instance of seclusion or physical restraint during a school year;
• When any personal injury occurs as a part of the use of seclusion or physical restraint;
• When a reasonable educator would determine a debriefing session is necessary;
• When suggested by a student’s IEP team;
• When agreed to by the guardian and school officials; and
• After seven instances of seclusion or physical restraint of the student.

This letter is intended to inform you that a debriefing meeting will be held on [date within 5 days of transmission of letter, time, place] because of [reason from bulleted list above].  The following employees will be in attendance at this meeting:  [list names and titles of employees].  We are inviting you to attend this debriefing meeting to engage with us on topics related to this occurrence.  
If you would like to reschedule the debriefing meeting, please contact me as soon as possible via email [email address] or telephone [telephone number], and at least one school day prior to the date and time listed for this debriefing meeting.  Your student is allowed to attend this meeting with your consent, and you are welcome to bring a representative of your choosing if you wish.  If you plan to bring a representative to this meeting, please let us know at least one school day prior to the meeting so that we have an opportunity to make arrangements.
We look forward to working with you to foster the continued health, safety and educational growth of your student.

___________________________________            ___________________________
[Administrator name], title                    Date

Enclosure:  Report related to student occurrence

 

DEBRIEFING MEETING DOCUMENT

 

[The following individuals must attend the debriefing meeting: employees who administered physical restraint or seclusion; an administrator or employee not involved in the occurrence; the administrator or employee who approved continuation of the physical restraint or seclusion; other relevant personnel designated by the school; if indicated by student’s behavior in occurrence, an expert in behavioral/mental health or other discipline.  The following individuals must be invited to attend the debriefing meeting:  the parent or guardian of the student, the student with guardian’s consent.]

   

 

 

This form has been reviewed and completed by the undersigned employee.  A written copy of this form has been sent to the student’s guardian within three school days of the debriefing meeting.  

 

____________________________________       

Employee                       

 

 

______________________________

Date of delivered to Parent/Guardian

 

______________________________
Method of Transmittal

 

The District will comply with 281 Iowa Administrative Code Ch. 103 for the use of physical restraint and seclusion with students, including, but not limited to:

• Physical restraint and seclusion will be used only by employees who have been trained in accordance with applicable law unless a trained employee is not immediately available due to the unforeseeable nature of the occurrence.
• As soon as practical after the situation is under control, but within one hour after either the occurrence or the end of the school day, whichever occurs first, the school will attempt to contact the student’s parent or guardian using the school’s emergency contact system.
• The seclusion or physical restraint is used only for as long as necessary based on research and evidence to allow the student to regain control of their behavior to the point that the threat or behavior necessitating the use of the seclusion or physical restraint has ended, or when a medical condition occurs that puts the student at risk of harm.  Unless otherwise provided for in the student’s written approved IEP, BIP, IHP or safety plan, if the seclusion or physical restraint continues for more than 15 minutes:
  • The student will be provided with any necessary breaks to attend to personal and bodily needs, unless doing so would endanger the child or others.
  • An employee will obtain approval from an administrator or administrator’s designee to continue seclusion or physical restraint beyond 15 minutes.  After the initial approval, an employee must obtain additional approval every 30 minutes thereafter for the continuation of the seclusion or physical restraint.
• The student’s parent or guardian and the school may agree to more frequent notifications than is required by law.
• Schools and district employees must document and explain in writing the reasons why it was not possible for the employees to obtain approval, notify parents, or take action within prescribed time limits.
• Schools and district employees who begin and then end use of nonapproved restraints will document and explain in writing the reasons why they had no other option but to use this type of behavioral intervention.
• The area of seclusion will be a designated seclusion room that complies with the seclusion room requirements in accordance with law, unless the nature of the occurrence makes the use of the designated seclusion room impossible, clearly impractical, or clearly contrary to the safety of the student, others, or both; in that event, the school must document and explain in writing the reasons why a designated seclusion room was not used.
• An employee must continually visually monitor the student for the duration of the seclusion or physical restraint.
• If an employee restrains a student who uses sign language or an augmentive mode of communication as the student’s primary mode of communication, the student shall be permitted to have the student’s hands free of physical restraint, unless doing so is not feasible in view of the threat posed.
• Seclusion or physical restraint shall not be used:  as punishment or discipline; to force compliance or to retaliate; as a substitute for appropriate educational or behavioral support; to prevent property damage except as provided in law; as a routine school safety measure; or as a convenience to staff.

The Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee will investigate any complaint or allegation that one or more employees violated any provisions of 281 Iowa Administrative Code Ch. 103.  If the District determines a violation has occurred, corrective action will be taken up to and including termination of the employees involved.  If the allegation or complaint involves a specific student the District will notify the parents or guardian of the involved student about the results of the investigation.  If any allegation or complaint is also defined as abuse in 281 Iowa Administrative Code 102.2, the procedures listed in chapter 102 will apply.

The District must comply with and implement Chapter 103 whether or not a parent consents to the use of physical restraint or seclusion.

 

Dear (Parent/Guardian) _________________,

 

This letter is to inform you that your student (student’s name listed on registration) ________________ has made a request of a licensed employee to (check all that apply):

 

______ make an accommodation that is intended to affirm the student’s gender identity as follows:  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

______ use a name, pronoun or gender identity that is different from the name, pronoun and/or gender identity listed on the student’s school registration forms. The name, pronoun, or gender identity requested is _________________________________________________________________________. 

 

If you would like to amend the student’s registration paperwork to permit the student’s requested accommodation and/or include the use of the above-referenced name/pronoun/gender identity, please complete the attached form and return it to the district administration office.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

____________________________________________                                     __________________

Administrator                                                                                                               Date

 

__________________________________________________                          __________________

(Student’s current name on registration)                                                             (Student ID)

 

 

Please update my student’s names, pronouns, and/or gender identities on my student’s registration paperwork to include all of the following:

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

(Names)

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

(Pronouns)

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

(Gender identities)

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________________________________                                                          __________________

Parent/Guardian                                                                                                            Date

In the case of any threat of violence or incident of violence that results in injury, property damage or assault by a student, the teacher will report to the school principal or lead administrator within 24 hours of the incident. The principal or lead administrator will notify the parent or guardian of the student(s) who threatened or perpetrated an act of violence and the student(s) who the threatened or perpetrated act of violence was made against within 24 hours after receipt of the teacher’s report and complete an investigation of the incident as soon as possible. The classroom teacher may also notify the parent or guardian of the student who made the threat or caused the incident, and the parent or guardian of the student against whom the threat or incident was directed (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 4).

An investigation will be initiated by the principal or lead administrator upon learning of an incident of violence or threat of violence through any credible means. If the principal or lead administrator finds that an incident of violence or threat of violence did occur, the administrator will determine the level of threat or incident by considering all aspects of the situation, including the student's intent and knowledge of the impact of their actions, their developmental level, and context of the incident. The resolution will focus on identifying the cause behind the behavior and appropriate corrective action (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsections 1 and 4).

A student who makes a threat of violence, causes an incident of violence that results in injury or property damage or who commits an assault, will be subject to escalating levels of discipline for each occurrence. When appropriate, referrals will be made to local law enforcement. The school district retains the authority to assign the level of disciplinary measures appropriate to the severity of the threat of violence or incident of violence (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 5).

Threat of Violence

Threat of violence means a written, verbal, electronic or behavioral message that either explicitly or implicitly expresses an intention to inflict emotional or physical injury, property damage or assault.

Incident of Violence

Incident of violence means the intentional use of physical force or power against oneself, another person, a group or community or property resulting in injury, property damage or assault.

Injury

Injury means “physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical condition.” State v. McKee, 312 N.W.2d 907, 913 (Iowa 1981).

Property Damage

Property damage means any destruction, damage, impairment or alteration of property to which the individual does not have a right to take such an action. Property means real property, which includes any real estate, building or fixture attached to a building or structure, and personal property, which includes intangible property (Iowa Code section 4.1(21)).

Assault

Assault means when, without justification, a student does any of the following: 

an act which is intended to cause pain or injury to or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or intentionally points any firearm toward another or displays in a threatening manner any dangerous weapon toward another. 

The act is not an assault when the person doing any of the above and the other person are voluntary participants in a sport, social or other activity, not in itself criminal, when the act is a reasonably foreseeable incident of such sport or activity, and does not create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or breach of the peace (Following Iowa Code section 708.1).

Levels of Behavior

The following levels are used to determine the school district’s response to situations where the school district has determined that a student has made a threat of violence or caused an incident of violence. The school district’s response will be based upon the administration’s investigation into reports of a threat of violence or an incident of violence, the administration’s application of this policy to the particular facts of each situation, and the administration’s determination of the level of disciplinary measures appropriate to the severity of the threat of violence or incident of violence.

Escalating Responses by Grade Band

Grades PK-2

Level	Escalating Response
Level 1	Requires parent or guardian notification. Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP. Responses may include any of the following: Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); Detention; and/or Temporary removal from class. Unless the first offense is unusually serious, the administrator will avoid permanent removal from a class
Level 2	Requires parent or guardian notification. Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP. Responses to the incident may include the following: Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); Detention; Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities; Temporary or permanent removal from class; In-school suspension; Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate.
Level 3	Requires parent or guardian notification. Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP. Responses to an incident may include the following: Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s). Detention; Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities; Temporary or permanent removal from class; In-school suspension; Out-of-school suspension; Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or Recommendation for expulsion.

 

Grades 3-5

 

Level	Escalating Response
Level 1	Requires parent or guardian notification. Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP. Responses may include any of the following: Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); Detention; and/or Temporary removal from class. Unless the first offense is unusually serious, the administrator will avoid permanent removal from a class
Level 2	Requires parent or guardian notification. Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP. Responses to the incident may include the following: Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); Detention; Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities; Temporary or permanent removal from class; In-school suspension; Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate.
Level 3	Requires parent or guardian notification. Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP. Responses to an incident may include the following: Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s). Detention; Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;  Temporary or permanent removal from class; In-school suspension; Out-of-school suspension; Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or Recommendation for expulsion.

 

Grades 6-8

 

Level	Escalating Response
Level 1	Requires parent or guardian notification. Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP. Responses may include any of the following: Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); Detention; and/or Temporary removal from class.
Level 2	Requires parent or guardian notification. Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP. Responses to the incident may include the following: Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); Detention; Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities; Temporary or permanent removal from class; In-school suspension; Out-of-school suspension Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate.
Level 3	Requires parent or guardian notification. Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP. Responses to an incident may include the following: Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s). Detention; Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;  Temporary or permanent removal from class; In-school suspension; Out-of-school suspension; Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or Recommendation for expulsion.

 

Grades 9-12

 

Level	Escalating Response
Level 1	Requires parent or guardian notification. If the student has an individualized educational program (IEP) a manifestation meeting may be required. Responses to an incident may include, but are not limited to, the following: Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; When appropriate and with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); Detention; Temporary removal from extracurricular activities; Temporary removal from class; In-school suspension; and/or Suspension of transportation if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle
Level 2	Requires parent or guardian notification. Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP. Response to an incident may include the following:  Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; When appropriate and with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); Detention; Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities; Temporary or permanent removal from class; o In-school suspension; Out-of-school suspension; Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate
Level 3	Requires parent or guardian notification. Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response. Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP. Response to an incident may include the following: Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate; When appropriate and with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district; Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s); Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s); Detention; Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities; Temporary or permanent removal from class; o In-school suspension; Out-of-school suspension; Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or Recommendation for expulsion.

 

Definitions

Detention means the student's presence is required during non-school hours for disciplinary purposes. The student can be required to appear prior to the beginning of the school day, after school has been dismissed for the day or on a non-school day. Whether a student will serve detention, and the length of the detention, is within the discretion of the licensed employee or the building principal disciplining the student. 

Expulsion means an action by the board to remove a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, for a period of time set by the board.

In-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision. An in-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days. 

Out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities. An out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days unless due process is provided as required by federal and state law. A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities. 

Placement in an alternate learning environment means placement of a student in an environment established apart from the regular educational program that includes rules, staff, and resources designed to accommodate student needs and to provide a comprehensive education consistent with the student learning goals and content standards established by the school district. 

Removal from the classroom means a student is sent to the building principal's office. It is within the discretion of the person in charge of the classroom to remove the student.

Approved_____________ Reviewed                    Revised       January 16, 2024