SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS PUBLIC ...lficheweb1.d91.k12.id.us/WebLink/0/edoc/218048/SECTION...Section 500 – School-Community Relations Page 6 of 25 IDAHO FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT 91

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

Page 2 of 25

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;


Page 3 of 25


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:


Page 4 of 25


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.


Page 5 of 25


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


Page 6 of 25


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.


Page 7 of 25


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


Page 8 of 25


Idaho Records Management Guide, August, 2013

Policy History:


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.


Page 9 of 25


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.


Page 10 of 25


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:



Page 11 of 25


504.0 - COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

When not in use for school purposes, school buildings and grounds or portions thereof, may be

used for adult education, discussion groups, recreation, entertainment, and religious, civic, or

social purposes, and such other purposes that promote the welfare of the community, including

use as registration and polling places for voters.

No person, group, or organization has any vested right to use school property. But, the Board

of Trustees may grant the use of buildings and grounds for any lawful purpose.

A nominal rental fee to cover the cost of heat, lights, and general expenses of opening the

building may be charged in accordance with a schedule approved by the Board. School

affiliated clubs and organizations utilizing district facilities for fund raising activities shall be

exempt from the rental fee, but will be responsible for custodial fees if incurred.

Permission to use school facilities will be granted by the superintendent or his/her designee, in

keeping with school board regulations, to organizations and residents when such use will not

interfere in any way with the regular programs and activities of the schools.

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.

The superintendent or designee shall establish such rules and regulations as needed to

implement this policy as well as to assure the preservation of school district property.

Accordingly, the Board will review regulations pertaining to the use of school facilities.

AP504 (see AP ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES folder)

Policy History:

Adopted: Revised: 06/28/2011 Reviewed:


Page 12 of 25


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. 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


Page 13 of 25


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 Director of Education or designee. 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:

a. Materials which promote commercial or profit making organizations or

businesses will not be distributed in the schools. The school staff and

pupils shall not be used in any manner for promoting interests of a

commercial nature.


Page 14 of 25


b. Projects which are profit-making but which also provide funds for

PTA/PTO and other parent or student groups will be allowed at the

discretion of the principal.

c. Surveys, questionnaires and requests for information will be judged by

the appropriate administrator on the basis of merit to the schools and the

students.

d. Upon approval of an administrator, the schools may distribute

information which advertises activities of non-profit making

organizations or activities which will promote the general welfare.

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

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 – 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)

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


Page 15 of 25


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

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: 12/11/2019

09/11/2019 10/09/2019


Page 16 of 25



Page 17 of 25


506.0 - PUBLIC COMPLAINTS

The Board recognizes that situations may arise in the operation of the system which are of

concern to parents or the public. Such concerns are best dealt with through communication with

appropriate staff members and officers of the District, such as the faculty, the principals, the

Superintendent or designee and the Board.

The following guidelines are suggested as the proper procedure to be followed by persons with

questions or complaints:

1. Matters concerning individual students should first be addressed with the teacher or

the person directly involved in the matter.

2. Unsettled matters from (1) above, or problems and questions concerning individual

schools, should be directed to the principal of the school.

3. Unsettled matters from (2) above or problems and questions concerning the District

should be directed to the Superintendent or designee.

4. If the matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the Superintendent or designee, it

may be brought before the Board of Trustees.

5. In the event the complaint is against a particular teacher or District employee, the

affected employee must be notified within five working days. For this reason, the

board requires that such complaints, which may ultimately be resolved by the Board,

shall be in writing. Complaints informal in nature to be administratively acted upon,

and not intended for Board action, may be orally directed to the principal, central

office administrators, or the superintendent.

Written complaints received by the District involving District personnel will be made available

to the affected personnel.

The Board considers it the obligation of employees of the District to entertain the questions of

parents or the public.

Policy History:

Adopted: Revised: 06/28/2011 Reviewed:


Page 18 of 25


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.

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.


Page 19 of 25


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

communiqués during school hours providing they do not disrupt the regular

classroom or school operations and activities.


Page 20 of 25


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

The Board of Trustees agrees to deduct on a monthly basis the dues for

membership in the Representative Organization.


Page 21 of 25


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:



Page 22 of 25


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.


Page 23 of 25


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.


Page 24 of 25


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.

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


Page 25 of 25


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:


END OF SECTION 500

SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS PUBLIC ...lficheweb1.d91.k12.id.us/WebLink/0/edoc/218048/SECTION...Section 500 – School-Community Relations Page 6 of 25 IDAHO FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT 91

Documents