HomeMy WebLinkAboutSECTION 0500 - School-Community Relations
SECTION 500 - SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS
501.0 – SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS
502.0 – PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM
503.0 – PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO KNOW
504.0 – COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
505.0 – PUBLIC SOLICITATIONS, CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS, & ADVERTISING
IN THE SCHOOLS
506.0 – PUBLIC COMPLAINTS
507.0 – RELATIONS WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
508.0 – RELATIONS WITH OTHER AGENCIES
509.0 – GIFTS & BEQUESTS
510.0 – PRIVATE SERVICE PROVIDERS WORKING WITH STUDENTS
IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Section 500 – School-Community Relations
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IDAHO FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT 91
BOARD POLICY
501.0 - SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS
A goal of school public relations is to improve the quality of education for all children. In
order to achieve this goal, and to evaluate progress towards it, the Board sets itself the
following objectives:
1. To help parents and other citizens recognize their responsibility for the quality of
education provided by their schools;
2. To foster public understanding of the need for constructive change and to solicit public
advice on how we can achieve our educational goals;
3. To involve citizens in the work of the schools and the solving of educational problems;
4. To identify non-parent groups, such as senior citizens, and promote the involvement of
these persons in school activities and programs;
5. To earn the good will, respect, and confidence of the public with regard to school staff
and services;
6. To promote a genuine spirit of cooperation between the school and the community and to
set up channels for sharing the leadership in improving community life.
7. To develop public understanding of all aspects of school operation; to ascertain public
attitudes toward issues in education; and to discover the public's aspirations for the
education of their children;
8. To secure adequate financial support for a sound educational program;
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IDAHO FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT 91
BOARD POLICY
502.0 - PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM
The Board will keep all the staff and patrons informed of the affairs of the district. To achieve
its goals for good school/community relations and maintenance of open two-way channels of
communication with the public, the Board authorizes the superintendent to:
1. Design a formal plan for public relations at the district and building levels and
assign the responsibility for implementing the particulars of the plan to the Public
Information Officer or other designee.
2. Prepare or guide the preparation of informational materials including: newsletters,
articles for periodicals, newspapers, television and radio releases, special
pamphlets, and other assigned material and to maintain close liaison with mass
media and publicity organizations.
3. Prepare or assist in the preparation of materials which will keep staff members
informed of school and individual recognitions, awards and achievements.
4. Organize or assist in development of speakers' bureaus and speaking engagements
with civic, PTA/PTO, and other groups.
5. Provide staff members with assistance and materials for working with educational
conventions or meetings and for preparation of material for community and staff
consumption (handbooks, information leaflets, etc.)
6. Assist in coordinating work with civic and other groups which contribute to school
system values.
7. Serve as community relations counselor to the Board and other staff members.
8. Urge each principal and school to maintain good school-community relations
including issuing a school newsletter or regular communication advising parents
and patrons of school programs and activities.
502.1 - Accessibility to Administration Office Services
Upon request and with 48 hours notice, services otherwise rendered in the basement of
the Administration Office will transpire in the first floor Board Room to accommodate
persons who cannot access the basement due to disability. This policy will be posted on
the Idaho Falls School District 91 website and in a conspicuous place in the lobby of the
Administration Office along with instructions on how and where to make such a
request. AP 502.1 (see AP ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES folder)
Policy History:
Adopted: 07/15/2015 Revised: Reviewed:
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IDAHO FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT 91
BOARD POLICY
502.2 – Website Accessibility and Nondiscrimination
The District is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have an opportunity
equal to that of their nondisabled peers to participate in the District’s programs,
benefits, and services, including those delivered through electronic and information
technology, except where doing so would impose an undue burden or create a
fundamental alteration.
Benchmarks for Measuring Accessibility
In order to assure that people with disabilities have an opportunity equal to that of their
nondisabled peers to access information delivered through electronic and information
technology, all pages on the District’s website will conform to the W3C Web
Accessibility Initiative’s (WAI) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0
Level AA and the Web Accessibility Initiative Accessible Rich Internet Applications
Suite (WAI-ARIA) 1.0 techniques for web content, or updated equivalents of these
guidelines, except where doing so would impose an undue burden or create a
fundamental alteration.
Website Accessibility
With regard to the District’s website and any official District web presence which is
developed by, maintained by or offered through third party vendors and open sources,
the District is committed to compliance with the provisions of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 and Title II so that students, parents and members
of the public with disabilities are able to independently acquire the same information,
engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same benefits and services within the
same timeframe as those without disabilities, which substantially equivalent ease of use;
and that they are not excluded from participation in, denied benefits or, or otherwise
subjected to discrimination in any District programs, services, and activities delivered
online.
All existing web content produced by the District, and new, updated, and existing web
content provided by third party developers, will conform to the WCAG 2.0 Level AA
and the WAI-ARIA 1 .0 techniques for web content or updated equivalents. This policy
applies to all new, updated, and existing web pages, as well as all web content produced
or updated by the District or provided by third-party developers.
Website Accessibility Concerns, Complaints, and Grievances
A student, parent, or member of the public who wishes to submit a complaint or
grievance regarding a violation of the ADA, Section 504 or Title II related to the
accessibility of any official District web presence that is developed by, maintained by,
or offered through the District, third party vendors and/or open sources may complain
directly to a school administrator. The initial complaint or grievance should be made in
accordance with Board Policy 506.0. When a school administrator receives the
information, they shall immediately inform the District’s IT Department. The
Complainant need not wait for the investigation of any grievance or complaint in order
to receive the information requested.
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BOARD POLICY
Whether or not a formal complaint or grievance is made, once the District has been
notified of inaccessible content, effective communication shall be provided as soon as
possible to the reporting party to provide access to the information.
Testing and Accountability
The District will ensure website accessibility training to all appropriate personnel,
including employees who are responsible for developing, loading, maintaining, or
auditing web content functionality. The District IT Department will be responsible for
managing the review and evaluation new material that is published by the District and
uploaded to the website for accessibility on a periodic basis. The District IT
Department will be responsible for managing the review of all areas of the District’s
website and the evaluation of its accessibility on a periodic basis, and at least once per
quarter. Any non-conforming webpages will be corrected in a timely manner.
This policy shall be available to the public via a link entitled “Accessibility,” which
shall be located on the District’s homepage.
Cross Reference: IFSD #91 Board Policy 506.0-Public Complaints
Legal Reference: Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Policy History:
Adopted: 01/10/2018 Revised: 12/13/2017 Reviewed: 11/15/2017
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BOARD POLICY
503.0 - PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO KNOW
The minutes, accounts and other non-confidential records of the Board are public documents.
They are in the custody of the Superintendent, or a designee, and shall be made available to the
public, upon request, during regular business hours.
Upon receipt of a written request, the Superintendent or a designee will provide a copy of the
record requested. A reasonable cost will be charged to defray the expense of copying requested
materials.
Confidential records are not open to the public. These include staff personnel records, student
records, and records pertaining to such matters as may be discussed in executive session.
503.1 - Retention of District Records
In compliance with Idaho Code, the Board of Trustees establishes the following
guidelines to provide administrative direction pertaining to the retention and/or disposal
of District records. This schedule likewise identifies the anticipated physical location of
where such records may be kept or maintained by the District, in addition to the
possible document retention of all categories of records on the school’s servers and
computer systems.
Superintendent will designate a district level administrative assistant to serve as the
Records Custodian. The Records Custodian is responsible for the maintenance,
safeguarding and destruction of the District’s records. Performance of such duties shall
be in cooperation with the District’s Business Office, Directors of Maintenance and
Operations, Transportation, and Technology, the Principals at the school’s buildings
and other administrative personnel employed by the District. However, each school
employee is likewise responsible for having knowledge of this policy and the
requirement to safeguard the District’s records, electronic or otherwise, consistent with
the administrative procedures.
The Superintendent or designee(s) shall work in conjunction with the District’s
Technology department to assure that the school’s staff is aware of the routine
destruction of electronic District records, including emails, such that they are able to
assure that the District’s public records are retained consistent with the administrative
procedures, regardless of whether they are maintained in a hard copy or an electronic
copy. In such a process, the District’s employees need to retain District records
included in the administrative procedures, particularly student educational records,
personnel records, and investigative records, in a format that is not part of the District’s
routine electronic records destruction and/or notify the technology personnel of the
District that a particular document is not to be destroyed as part of the routine
destruction of electronic records.
Unless otherwise prohibited by applicable law, all District records may be maintained
digitally and/or in paper copy.
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BOARD POLICY
Method of Destroying Official Records
The District’s official paper records, and any copy thereof that may be deemed to be
confidential and/or not intended to be disseminated to the public, will be shredded
before disposal. Digital records will be destroyed in accordance with current industry
standards.
Retention of Electronic Mail/e-mail
The District will retain electronic mail/e-mails for three (3) years. All email will be
automatically deleted from the District’s system at the end of this retention period. It is
the responsibility of every district employee to assure that District documents that need
to be retained for a longer period of time due to federal law, state law or the provisions
of this policy are retained accordingly and in a different format than electronic mail. An
employee’s failure to retain District documents accordingly could serve as a basis for
discipline, up to and including possible termination.
Suspending of Destroying Official Records
The District will immediately cease the destruction of all relevant records, including
electronic records, even if destruction is authorized by an approved Retention Schedule,
for the following reasons:
1. If the District receives a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request;
2. If the District believes that an investigation or litigation is imminent; or
3. If the District is notified that an investigation or litigation has commenced.
The Superintendent or designee(s) is responsible for carrying out this policy.
If relevant records exist in electronic formats (such as email, digital images, documents,
databases, backup media, etc.) the District’s Administrative personnel shall notify its
information technology staff to cease the destruction of records relating to the subject
matter of the suit/potential suit or investigation. Failure to cease the destruction of
relevant records could result in penalties against the District.
Other Records
In the event that District records do not correspond to any of the categories listed in the
administrative procedures, the Superintendent or designee(s) will determine the period
of retention for a particular record.
Legal References:
I.C. § 33-407 Return of Canvass of Elections
I.C. § 33-508 Duties of Clerk
I.C. § 33-701(8) Fiscal Year—Payment and Accounting of Funds
I.C. § 56-209h Administrative Remedies
I.C. § 74-119 Agency Guidelines
SDE Idaho Special Education Manual Revised 2009, Chapter 11, Section E
SDE Administrator’s Handbook 1.43
Federal Regulation
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BOARD POLICY
Idaho Records Management Guide, August, 2013
Policy History:
Adopted: 05/09/2018 Revised: 04/11/2018 Reviewed: 03/15/2018
503.2 Authorization of Signatures and Electronic Signatures
For the conduct of the business of the District, the Board may grant authority to specific
staff to sign certain documents on behalf of the District.
The Chair, Superintendent, Purchasing Agent and Clerk are authorized to use a
facsimile signature plate or stamp or other electronic signature as addressed herein.
Invoices
Staff employed by the District, in the following designated positions, are authorized to
certify invoices for the District:
• Superintendent
• Director of Finance
• Principals
• Supervisors
• Board Clerk
Checks
The school principal is designated as the custodian of each school building activity
fund. The Director of Finance is designated as the custodian of all District cash
accounts. Staff employed by the District, in the following designated positions, are
authorized to sign on behalf of the Board checks drawn on any account:
• Director of Finance
• Deputy Clerk of the Board
Contracts for Goods, Services, and Leases
The Superintendent is authorized to sign on behalf of the Board contracts, leases, and/or
contracts for goods and services for amounts under $50,000 without prior approval of
the Board. The types of goods and services contracted for must be preapproved by the
Board.
Personnel Contracts
The Board Chair, Superintendent and Clerk are authorized to sign personnel contracts
and agreements of employment on behalf of the Board by facsimile signature or via
electronic signature.
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BOARD POLICY
Negotiated Agreements
Negotiated agreements shall be signed for the District by the Board Chair and the Clerk.
Electronic Signatures
Electronic signatures or digital signatures can take many forms and can be created using
many different types of technology. For the purpose of this policy an electronic
signature means any electronic identifier intended by the person using it to have the
same force and effect as a manual signature.
District Use of Electronic Signatures
When not practical or possible to have an approved individual physically sign a
document, and not otherwise prohibited by applicable laws, electronic signatures may
satisfy the requirement of a written signature when transacting business with and/or for
the District and/or with parents/guardians when the authenticity and reliability of such
electronic signature(s) meets the provisions of this policy. In such instances, the
electronic signature shall have the full force and effect of a manual signature.
In order to qualify for acceptance of an electronic signature the following additional
requirements are applicable:
1. The electronic signature identifies the individual signing the document by his or
her name and title;
2. The identity of the individual signing the document with an electronic signature
is capable of being validated through the use of an audit trail;
3. The electronic signature, as well as the documents to which it is affixed, cannot
be altered once the electronic signature is affixed. If the document needs to be
altered, a new electronic signature must be obtained; and
4. The electronic signature conforms to all other provisions of this policy.
The District shall maintain District electronically signed records in a manner consistent
with the District’s document retention policies that is capable of creating an accurate
and complete reproduction of the electronic records and signatures in their original
form. Such retention should include a process whereby the District can verify the
attribution of a signature to a specific individual, detect changes or errors in the
information contained in the record submitted electronically and protect and prevent
access and/or manipulation or access/use by an unauthorized person.
The District shall maintain a hardcopy of the actual signature of any District employee
authorized to provide an electronic signature in connection with school board business.
Abuse of the electronic signature protocols by any District employee serves as grounds
for disciplinary action up to and including termination.
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Parent/Student Use of Electronic Signatures
With regard to documentation received by the District with an electronic signature from
a parent/legal guardian, so long as the following provisions are met, the District may
receive and accept such electronic signature as an original document:
1. Such communication with signature, on its face, appears to be authentic and
unique to the person using such signature;
2. The District is unaware of any specific reason to believe that the signature has
been forged;
3. The District is unaware of any specific reason to believe the document has been
altered subsequent to the electronic signature; and
4. The signature is capable of verification.
The District’s Superintendent or designee may, at their discretion, request that an
original of the electronic communication, signed manually by hand, be forwarded to the
District in a timely manner.
District personnel may periodically audit the authenticity of such signature via a
security procedure including such acts as making follow-up inquiry to the
individual/entity who has submitted an electronic signature.
Should it be discovered that a student has falsified a parent’s electronic signature on an
official District document, the student may be subjected to discipline and the District
Administration is authorized, at their discretion, to thereafter only accept manual
signatures associated with any submitted school document.
Legal Reference: I.C. § 33-705 Activity Funds
Policy History:
Adopted: 08/15/2018 Revised: 07/18/2018 Reviewed: 06/13/2018
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504.0 - COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
School facilities are available to the community for education, civic, cultural, and other non-
commercial uses consistent with the public interest, when such use does not interfere with the
school program or school-sponsored activities, including use as registration and polling places
for voters. Use of school facilities for school purposes has precedence over all other uses.
Persons on school premises must abide by the District’s conduct rules at all times.
Student and school-related organizations shall be granted the use of school facilities at no cost.
Other organizations granted the use of the facility shall pay fees and costs. The Superintendent
shall develop procedures to manage community use of school facilities, which shall be
reviewed and approved by the Board. Use of school facilities requires the Superintendent’s or
designee’s approval and is subject to the procedures.
The school system will provide adequate custodial service and supervision at the expense of the
group using the facility or the renting group may elect to provide clean-up services subject to
approval of school district staff.
Authorization for use of school facilities shall not be considered an endorsement of or approval
of the activity, person, group, or organization nor the purposes they represent.
The administration shall approve and schedule the various uses of the school facilities. A
master calendar will be kept in the office for scheduling dates to avoid conflicts during the
school year. Requests for use of the school facilities must be submitted in advance of the event
to the Superintendent’s or designee’s office.
Proper protection, safety, and care of school property shall be primary considerations in the use
of school facilities. All facility use shall comply with State and local fire, health, safety, and
police regulations. All individuals using school facilities shall comply with the policies of this
Board.
Legal References: I.C. § 33-601 School Property - Real and Personal Property
— Acquisition, Use or Disposal of the Same
I.C. § 33-602 Use of School Property or Buildings for Senior
Citizen Centers
Lamb's Chapel v. Center Moriches Union Free School District, 508 U.S.
384 (1993).
AP504 (see AP ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES folder)
Policy History:
Adopted: Revised: 01/25/2022 Reviewed:
06/28/2011
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505.0 - PUBLIC SOLICITATIONS, CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS & ADVERTISING
IN THE SCHOOLS
Students and faculty of the schools are to be protected from intrusions on their time by
announcements, posters, bulletins, and communications of any kind from individuals and
organizations not directly connected with the schools.
In all cases, the policies listed below will be executed by the Superintendent at his/her
discretion. When any group or organization is not satisfied with the judgment of the
Superintendent as exercised under this policy, it may petition the Board in writing.
The Superintendent and principals are urged to interpret this policy strictly. Exceptions may be
made, when, in their judgment, the best interests of the school will be served. In the case of
differences of opinion, the decision of the Superintendent will be final.
505.1 - Solicitations in the Community
Discretion should be applied to all fundraising considerations. All student projects
which involve solicitations from the community or business firms, or which involve the
sale of tickets or commodities, must have the approval of the principal and the Assistant
Superintendent for Secondary or Elementary Education or the Director of
Communications and Community Engagement. Fund raising projects from any one
school should be confined to that attendance area. Door-to-door solicitation shall be
limited to family, friends, and known associates.
505.1.1 – Crowdfunding
The District recognizes that crowdfunding is a useful tool to assist teachers and
other employees in the procurement of funding for specific projects and/or
programs. Crowdfunding campaigns have been used with great success to
provide revenues for such benefits as classroom supplies, educational programs
and activities and community advancement. However, the District also
recognizes that unregulated use of employee crowdfunding campaigns that are
administered on behalf of the District or an individual school or classroom
within the District can subject the District and employees to legal liability.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that crowdfunding campaigns
administered by employees in their capacity as District employees or on behalf
of the District or to supplement any District programs are effectively regulated
and are appropriately used to further the District’s objectives and mission.
Definitions
“Crowdfunding campaign” means the practice of raising funds to meet an
advertised goal or need by soliciting funds from a large number of people,
typically via the Internet.
Prohibition on Unapproved Crowdfunding on Behalf of the District
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IDAHO FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT 91
BOARD POLICY
District employees, including teachers, coaches, staff, and paraprofessionals,
may not engage in crowdfunding campaigns in their official capacity as a
District employee, on behalf of the District or for the benefit of a District
program or activity, without obtaining prior written authorization from the
building administrator.
Employees who have not obtained prior written approval pursuant to this policy
may not:
1. Solicit funds or items on behalf of the District or an individual school or
classroom within the District on a crowdfunding website;
2. Give the appearance of soliciting funds or items on behalf of the District on a
crowdfunding website;
3. Use the District's name, logo, mascot, or other identifying information in a
crowdfunding post;
4. Link to or reference any of the District's websites or social media sites; or
5. Link to or reference any other sites, platforms, or accounts associated with the
District.
Absent prior written approval by the District of a crowdfunding project pursuant
to this policy, employees are prohibited from providing any information that
would lead a reasonable person to conclude that the funds identified on the
crowdfunding website are to be used by the District or for any District purpose
or program.
(see AP ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES folder)
505.2 – Solicitations of Students
The public-school setting is not to be used to contact staff members or students for sales
or other commercial purposes not directly related to the operations or activities of the
District or the school.
The schools shall strive to protect the students and their parents from money raising
plans of outside organizations, commercial enterprises and individuals. This policy
applies particularly to ticket sales and sales of articles or services except those directly
sponsored or approved by the school authorities.
When requests appear, the procedure to be followed will be:
1. Principals of individual schools should refer requests for solicitations or
distribution of materials to the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary or
Elementary Education or the Director of Communications and Community
Engagement. Persons who have approval from the District Office will show an
approval card to principals.
2. The Superintendent or his/her designee will judge the request according to the
following criteria:
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a. Posters and/or flyers must be student oriented and have the sponsoring
organization’s name prominently displayed.
b. Posters and/or flyers that promote sales, advertising and gain for outside
commercial enterprises will only be allowed if they further a school
activity or benefit a PTA/PTO or other parent group and/or a student
group. School activities might graduation, class pictures, class rings or a
reading enrichment program. Those that benefit a parent group or a
student might include cookie dough sales or a fundraiser at a local
restaurant.
c. Posters and/or flyers that disrupt the educational process, violate the
rights of others; invade the privacy of others; infringe on a copyright; or
are obscene, vulgar or indecent will not be permitted.
d. Surveys, questionnaires and request for information will be judged by
the appropriate administrator on the basis of merit to the schools and the
students.
3. If a principal chooses not to participate in any of these activities, he or she will
be allowed to abstain.
505.3 - Solicitations of Employees
No non-school organization may solicit funds from employees or distribute flyers
related to fund drives or commercial enterprises through the schools without the
approval of the superintendent or designee. Sales representatives will not be allowed to
make presentations to teachers or staff members relative to items of a personal interest
during school hours.
The names and addresses of employees shall not be given to any private person or firm
as an aid in soliciting business, contributions, or collections.
505.4 - Solicitation By Staff Members
Teachers and staff members will not sell, solicit for sale, or advertise for sale for
personal gain any merchandise or services. Nor will teachers and staff members
organize students for such purposes without the approval of the superintendent or
designee
505.5 – Corporate Sponsorships
The Idaho Falls School District will enter into sponsorships agreements with
community organizations and businesses when it is deemed in the best interests of the
district’s students, schools and programs. These opportunities are subject to certain
restrictions as approved by the Idaho Falls Board of Trustees. There would be
appropriate opportunities for these marketing activities at both the school level and
district level as per Administrative Procedure 505.4. The District and/or Schools will
provide the board with quarterly updates on sponsorship agreements. (see AP
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES folder)
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1. All contracts, whether negotiated at the school level or the district level, would
adhere to the following guidelines:
a. Promotions may differ from season to season and sport to sport, but
should not differ dramatically from sponsor to sponsor.
b. Agreements must be in writing and clearly describe services being
provided.
c. Agreements must include a specific season/time frame and include an
expiration date.
d. Agreements must be signed by Superintendent or designee
e. Agreements should be for no more than a year unless otherwise
approved by the Superintendent or designee.
2. Advertising will not be allowed in classrooms. Other advertising restrictions
include anything that:
a. Promotes hostility, disorder or violence
b. Attacks ethnic, racial, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or
religious groups.
c. Discriminates, demeans, harasses or ridicules any person or group of
persons on the basis of gender
d. Is libelous
e. Inhibits the functioning of the school and/or District
f. Promotes, favors or opposes the candidacy of any candidate for election,
adoption of any bond or budget issues, or any public question submitted
at any general, county, municipal or school election.
g. Is obscene or pornographic as defined by prevailing community
standards throughout the District
h. Promotes the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, firearms or certain products
that create community concerns
i. Promotes any religious or political organization
j. Uses any District or school logo without prior approval
k. Uses age-inappropriate material
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3. Revenue derived from any sponsorship or advertising agreements shall be used
to assist in the maintenance of existing District athletic programs, activity
programs and/or facilities.
4. Exception: Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent advertising in
publications that are published by student organizations, PTOs, booster clubs or
other parent groups. The school-related group sponsoring the activity as a fund-
raising event may retain funds received for approved projects involving
advertising in said publications.
Policy History:
Adopted: 02/13//2019 Reviewed: 10/09/2019 Revised: 01/12/2022
09/11/2019 12/11/2019
10/09/2019
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506.0 - PUBLIC COMPLAINTS
NEW Policy FOUND IN BOARD DOCS UNDER POLICIES
HTTPS://GO.BOARDDOCS.COM/ID/D91/BOARD.NSF/
SECTION 4110 Public Complaints and 4110F1 Public Complaints Form
507.0 - RELATIONS WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
The public schools have the primary responsibility for the formal education of the children and
youth of the community. However, the Board recognizes that many governmental agencies and
community organizations, while not primarily concerned with education, play a definite role in
education.
Therefore, it will be the desire of the Board to establish positive working relationships with all
other public and private organizations which contribute to the education process and to the
general welfare of the citizens of the community.
507.1 - Relations with PTA/PTO Groups
The Board recognizes that parent-teacher organizations are a source of interest in the
public schools. The district looks to the PTA/PTO as a means of promoting a finer
educational program by achieving better understanding among the pupils, the parents,
the teachers, and the administrators. The district will give every encouragement to the
maintenance of enthusiastic and industrious parent organizations.
507.2 - Relations with Governmental Authorities
The school serves the children, the parents, and all of the residents of the city, and it is
in the interests of all to coordinate the functions of the Board with other agencies
concerned with the security, safety, health, and well being of the citizenry.
Therefore, the Board directs its administrative staff to inform the elected and appointed
officials of the local, county, and state governmental units of the desire to plan
cooperatively for the improvement of services to residents.
The Board and its administrative officers welcome elected officials to participate with
them in the planning and execution of such projects as will be mutually beneficial.
To this end, the Board of Trustees and the City of Idaho Falls have developed and
executed a "Joint Use Agreement" which stipulates formal terms and conditions for
cooperative efforts. This agreement will be evaluated annually and updated as needed.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent and/or his/her designee to administer
the "Joint Use Agreement" on behalf of the school district.
(Reference: "Memorandum of Agreement" between the city of Idaho Falls and Idaho
Falls School District #91, executed March 14, 1989.
507.3 - Relations with Planning Authorities
The Board will participate in local and state planning functions that could directly affect
district schools and their immediate environment.
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The Superintendent will keep the Board informed of planning matters bearing directly
on the operation of the district schools or school sponsored programs and will undertake
action on behalf of the Board to influence matters in the best interests of the students,
the schools and the district.
The Superintendent will give particular attention to the following factors when
analyzing the impact of local planning proposals:
1. Effect on the school and its students of forced growth in excess of the maximum
enrollment limits stated in the school district's master plan;
2. Highway and road construction and traffic implications such as noise and air
pollution, hazardous crossings, and congested ingress and egress;
3. Overload, deterioration, vandalism, and maintenance of schools, fields, tennis
courts, and other school facilities;
4. Need for bikeways, parking, and additional bus transportation.
507.4 - Relations with Police Authorities
Relationships between the schools and officials of law enforcement agencies in
investigative matters concerning pupils will take into consideration the respective roles
of the schools and law enforcement agencies in assisting and protecting the interests of
the community and ensuring the rights of all concerned.
507.5 - Relations with the Representative Organization
The Board and the Representative Organization recognize that the best interests of
public education will be served by a spirit of cooperation between the Board of Trustees
and the teachers and the maintenance of free and open exchange of views in
determining and resolving matters of mutual concern.
507.5.1 - Right to Organize
The Board and the Representative Organization agree that the individual teacher
may have full freedom of association and self-organization. However, the
Board and the District shall not be required to recognize or negotiate with any
organization not so designated.
507.5.2 - Pertinent Information
The Board and the Representative Organization will exchange requested
information regarding mutual interests and concerns.
507.5.3 - Representative Organization Business
The Board will permit Representative Organization representatives to transact
necessary Representative Organization business on school property, provided
that this does not disrupt regular school operations. Authorized Representative
Organization representatives may be allowed to receive telephone calls or other
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communiqués during school hours providing they do not disrupt the regular
classroom or school operations and activities.
507.5.4 - Use of Buildings
The Board will grant permission for the use of District buildings to the
Representative Organization and its representatives for meetings. Such facilities
must be scheduled through the building administrator prior to the day of the
planned meeting. Care will be taken to see that rooms, etc., are restored to their
normal condition following such meetings.
507.5.5 - Use of District Equipment
The Board will permit the Representative Organization to contract with the
District administration to have printing or duplicating work done at cost. Audio-
visual equipment for use in Representative Organization meetings may be
checked out from the scheduled building.
507.5.6 - Use of District Communications
In order to meet the needs of Representative Organization members and promote
two-way communication with the Board of Trustees, the Board will grant the
Representative Organization use of district communication, such as telephones,
e-mail, interoffice mail, faculty mailboxes, and bulletin boards in faculty areas.
507.5.7 - Representative Organization Involvement at Faculty Meetings
The Board grants the Representative Organization reasonable time on the
agenda of the orientation program for new teachers to explain Representative
Organization activities. Furthermore, reasonable time will be provided at
faculty meetings to present reports and announcements.
507.5.8 - Representative Organization Involvement at School Board
Meetings
The Board of Trustees shall place the Representative Organization President or
his/her designee on the agenda of each regularly scheduled Board meeting to
provide a report to the Board.
507.5.9 - Notice of School Board Meetings
The Board directs that the President of the Representative Organization or the
President’s designee shall be given notification of all regular and special
meetings of the Board of Trustees together with a copy of the agenda or a
statement of purpose of each meeting at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the
scheduled time of the meeting. Minutes of the meetings shall be sent to the
President of the Representative Organization or a designee.
507.5.10 - Payroll Deduction
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The Board of Trustees agrees to deduct on a monthly basis the dues for
membership in the Representative Organization.
507.5.11 - Exclusive Rights
The Board recognizes the Representative Organization as having the exclusive
rights as the representative in collective bargaining. Recognition of the
Representative Organization will be in accordance with Idaho Code.
Policy History:
Adopted: 06/28/2011 Revised: Reviewed:
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508.0 - RELATIONS WITH OTHER AGENCIES
It is the general policy of the District to support educational endeavors of other institutions
whose goals are compatible with those of the District. The following guidelines shall foster a
cooperative intent where practical:
1. The School District will promote improved cooperation with other school districts in
selected programs which can expand students' knowledge and which can be better done
in cooperation than by a single district acting alone.
2. The School District will assume appropriate responsibility for expanding the fiscal base
for education, providing for efficient expenditure of funds, and bringing about state or
federal legislation which improves education or contributes to District goals.
3. The School District will cooperate with recognized professional educational
organizations for the mutual improvement of education.
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509.0 - GIFTS & BEQUESTS
509.1 - Cash Donations
Each year a sum of money may be budgeted within the School Plant Facility Fund to
match funds that are raised within the school to purchase equipment and materials for
District programs.
An additional sum of money may be designated to match gifts and bequests that are
given to the District or a school for special purchases or projects. In this category,
matching funds (up to $5000) may be provided for any one project. Funds from these
sources may not be enhanced with money from other sources for purposes of matching,
and are limited on an annual basis to the amount budgeted.
In all cases, the requests are to be directed to the Board of Trustees through the
appropriate administrator(s). The Board will consider and approve each request on the
basis of its contribution to the school and the District.
509.2 - Non-Cash Donations
Gifts made to the School District in the form of goods/services will be evaluated as to
the utility and ongoing costs involved in their acceptance. The School District shall
make no statement, written or implied, as to the dollar value of such gifts and in no case
will such donations be considered matchable.
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510.0 – PRIVATE SERVICE PROVIDERS WORKING WITH STUDENTS IN PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
1. Private Service Provider means a person, group, agency or organization that meets the
following conditions:
a. Is not an employee of Idaho Falls School District #91 or a public agency with
legal jurisdiction over the circumstances related to their involvement with the
student, and
b. Is paid for services provided to the student.
c. Provides evidence of a satisfactory State of Idaho Background Check.
d. Provides evidence of personal liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
(Examples of Private Service Providers includes, but is not limited to, Physicians,
Optometrists, Psychologists, Counselors, Targeted Service Coordinators,
Behavioral Therapists, Developmental Disabilities Specialists, Speech Therapists,
Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Social Workers, Substance Abuse
Counselors, Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Specialists.)
2. Private Service Providers may do the following in District #91 schools:
a. Refer a student to a school Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) for consideration for
evaluation to determine eligibility for special education.
b. Submit evaluation reports to a school IEP team for consideration related to the
referral or an evaluation being conducted by the MDT.
c. Be invited to an IEP Team Meeting by either the school or the parent.
i. Under IDEA 1997, the determination of eligibility for special education
and the provisions of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), is the
responsibility of the IEP Team and cannot be prescribed by any other
entity.
ii. All educational decisions regarding educational methodology, materials,
and personnel are the responsibility of the school district.
d. Provide services in the schools to students under the terms of a contract with the
District.
i. Contracts are established when the District is paying for the services and
should describe the services, the role and responsibilities of the Private
Service Provider with the IEP Team, the frequency and duration of
services, documentation of licensure/certification to perform the prescribed
services, address issues related to liability, terms for payment, and state the
provisions for changes or termination of the contract.
ii. Contracted services to a student with a disability shall be included on the
student’s IEP.
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e. Provide services to students under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding
with the District.
i. Memorandums of Understanding are established when the District is not
paying for the services, but agree that the services are needed in the school
for the benefit of the student’s progress in the general education
curriculum. The Memorandum of Understanding shall describe the
specific services provided, the responsibilities of the school and the private
provider, the provisions for space, time, equipment, materials provided by
the District, and that the District may terminate the Memorandum of
Understanding at any time.
ii. Services provided under a Memorandum of Understanding to a student
with a disability shall not be included on the student’s IEP.
iii. The District has no obligation to enter into a contract or Memorandum of
Understanding with a Private Service Provider or allow such Provider
access to school district property, space, materials, or equipment.
3. District records are only accessible to Private Service Providers under contract with the
District or with written consent of the student’s parent or guardian, or if the student is
18 years of age or older. Requests for records may be subject to a fee to cover the costs
of copying and mailing.
4. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to limit or impinge in any way on services
parents may acquire for their child that are provided outside the school day or year.
Policy History:
Adopted: 01/14/2003 Revised: Reviewed:
END OF SECTION 500