The size of each class shall depend upon the type of instruction needed to assist each student to develop individual academic and occupational capacities to the utmost.  Effective staff utilization shall also be considered in organizing and scheduling classroom instruction.

The Superintendent of Schools with the administrative staff are responsible to make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding class size and are further instructed and directed to investigate new approaches and techniques in organizing and scheduling classroom instruction.

Legal Reference:        
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3 (2013).

Approved:                                                                  
August 11, 1975

Date of Review:
January 9, 2023

SCHOOL CEREMONIES AND OBSERVANCES

The school district will continue school ceremonies and observances which have become a tradition and a custom of the education program.  These include, but are not limited to, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and observance of holidays, such as Christmas, Halloween and Easter, by programs and performances.  Such ceremonies or observances will have a secular purpose and will not advocate or sponsor a particular religion.

The district will provide and maintain a suitable flagstaff at each school site and raise the Iowa and United States flags each school day as weather conditions permit.  The district will display the United States flag and administer the Pledge of Allegiance in each 1st through 12th grade classroom on school days.

Students who do not wish to participate in these activities may be silent during the ceremony or observance or receive permission from the principal to be excused from the ceremony for religious reasons in compliance with board policy.

Legal Reference:
U.S. Const. amend. I.
Lee v. Weisman, 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).
Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).
Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F.Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).
Iowa Code § 279.8, 280.5.

Cross Reference: 603 Instructional Curriculum
604.5 Religious-Based Exclusion from a School Program

Approved:  September 13, 2021

Date of Review:
January 9, 2023

The Board of Directors (Board) recognizes that a properly planned, well-conducted and carefully supervised field trip is a vital part of the curriculum of any classroom.  As such, student trips of significant educational value are to be encouraged.

Field trips shall have the approval of the building principal in advance of the trip.  Consent of the pupils' parent or guardian is required in advance of any excursion involving the use of public or private transportation services.

Any field trips or educational experience of more than two nights duration must have administrative and Board approval 60 days prior to the trip.  An appropriate application procedure shall be provided by the administration.  Staff members shall discuss any extended trip plans with the building principal prior to any planning with the students involved.

Activities sponsored by the official Iowa activity organizations are exempt from the aforementioned procedure, i.e., state tournaments, speech contests, etc.

Legal Reference:        
390 C.F.R. Pt. 390.3(f) (2012).
Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 43.9.

Approved:                                                                  
August 11, 1975

Date of Review:
January 9, 2023

Insufficient classroom space is determined on a case-by-case basis.  In making its determination whether insufficient classroom space exists, the board may consider several factors, including but not limited to, the nature of the education program, the grade level, the available licensed employees, the instructional method, the physical space, student-teacher ratios, equipment and materials, facilities either being planned or under construction, facilities planned to be closed, financial condition of the school district and projected to be available, a sharing agreement in force or planned, a bargaining agreement in force, laws or rules governing special education class size, board-adopted school district goals and objectives, and other factors considered relevant by the board.

This policy is reviewed by the board annually.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to bring this policy to the attention of the board each year.

Legal Reference:        
Iowa Code § 282.18(13) (2013).
281 I.A.C. 17.6(3).

Approved:

Date of Review:
January 9, 2023