Code No.  100

LEGAL STATUS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Chariton Community School District is a school corporation created and organized under Iowa law. 

Chariton Community School District is located in Lucas County, and its affairs are conducted by elected school officials, the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors has exclusive jurisdiction over school matters in the territory of the school district.

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code 274.1, .2, .6, .7; 278.1 (9); 279.8; 594A (2003).

Cross Reference:       200 Legal Status of the Board of Directors

Approved:  March 2008   

Reviewed: September 12, 2022         

Revised: 

Code No.  101

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Chariton Community School District, acting through its board of directors, is dedicated to promoting an equal opportunity for a quality public education to its students within financial limitations of the school district. The district shall work in cooperation with parents and the school district community to provide students the opportunity to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in a safe learning environment that provides guidance and encourages critical thinking in students.

The board endeavors through the dedication of the school district's resources, to encourage students, who come to the school district from a variety of backgrounds, to look forward to the time when they will have jobs, homes, families, places in the school district community, and attain recognition as individuals.  In order to achieve this goal, the board will seek qualified employees dedicated to utilization of their professional skills for the betterment of the education program always enhancing educational productivity.

Instruction and curriculum are the key elements of a public education.  Critical thinking and problem solving skills that will assist the students' preparation for life shall be instructed as part of a sequentially coordinated curriculum.  The school district strives to prepare students for their future, to discover and nurture creative talent, and to prepare them to meet and cope with social change in an atmosphere conducive to learning.

The support and involvement of the home and the school district community are essential to achieve educational excellence in the school district.  The school district strives to maintain an active relationship with the home and the school district community to create within the students an awareness of dignity and worth of the individual, civic responsibility, and respect for authority.

I.   Mission Statement:  Successful Learning for All Students.

II.    Philosophy Statement:  The Board of Directors of the Chariton Community School District, in cooperation with parents/guardians, is committed to a philosophy of service to children; and to help children develop a strong basic skills foundation to enable them to be contributing members of society.  The Board believes this philosophy can best be achieved through a school program that encompasses the intellectual, physical, civic, social and aesthetic education of children.

The Board recognizes that:

A.   the guardianship of public education is a trust and an obligation, 

B.   The goals of education and the goals of democracy are fundamentally the same,

C. The Board’s philosophy and objectives can best be realized when the educational program is directed through written board policies to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning,

D. Policies are based on the Constitution, Iowa statutes, federal and state regulations, and the specific needs of the school district.

III.   Board of Directors Responsibility:  The Board of Directors realizes that an effective public school program must be directed toward common needs of all children.  The Board believes the unique needs of each individual child must be addressed.     

A.  Our school will have a well-developed vision for success and spend its efforts in accordance with that vision.

B.    All students will be consistently held to high standards of performance.

C. Our district will be continuously improved by seeking and using the best available knowledge and data to guide our ongoing planning, decision making, and program delivery.

D.      Our district will assess and evaluate student progress on a continuous basis.

Legal Reference:      Iowa Code 256.11; .11A; 275.1 (2003).

Cross Reference:     

102      Equal Educational Opportunity

103      Educational and Operational Planning

209      Board of Directors’ Management Procedures

600      Goals and Objectives of the Educational Program

609      Curriculum Development

Approved  March 2008   

Reviewed September 12, 2022         

Revised

 

Code No.  102

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of the Chariton Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact CCSD Equity Coordinator, 140 E. Albia Road PO Box 738, (641) 774-5967.

The board requires all persons, agencies, vendors, contractors and other persons doing business with or performing services for the district to subscribe to all applicable federal and state laws, executive orders, rules and regulations pertaining to contract compliance and equal opportunity.

The board will not exclude any otherwise qualified person from employment on the basis of age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.  Further, the board affirms the right of all students and staff to be treated with respect and to be protected from intimidation, discrimination, physical harm and harassment.

Legal Reference:     20 U.S.C. §§ 1221 et seq. 

20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.

20 U.S.C. §§ 1701 et seq.

29 U.S.C. § 206 et seq.

29 U.S.C. § 794

42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and 2000e.

42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq.

34 C.F.R. Pt. 100.

34 C.F.R. Pt. 104.

Iowa Code §§ 216.6;  216.9; 256.11; 280.3.; 281 I.A.C. 12.

Cross Reference:     
                                               101         Educational Philosophy of the School District

                                                401.1      Equal Employment Opportunity

                                                500         Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for Students

                                                506.1      Student Records

 

Approved  March 2008    

Reviewed September 12, 2022     

Revised November 13, 2017

 

EDUCATIONAL AND OPERATIONAL PLANNING

The board shall develop a statement of philosophy which describes the board’s beliefs about topics which shall include the nature of learning, the purpose of the school district, the scope of educational experiences that the school district should provide, the nature of its learners and a description of a desirable learning atmosphere.

The board shall authorize the appointment of a committee, representing administrators, employees, parents, students and community members, to make recommendations and assist the board in determining the priorities of the school district in addition to the basic skill areas of the education program.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure the school district community is informed of the board's policies, programs and goals and has an opportunity to express their thoughts and suggestions for the operation of the school district.  The superintendent shall report annually to the board about the means used to keep the community informed.

As a result of the board and committee's work, the board shall determine major educational needs and prioritize them; develop long-range goals to meet the needs; establish and implement short-range and intermediate-range plans to meet the goals and to attain the desired levels of student performance; evaluate progress and maintain a record of progress under the plan that includes reports of student performance and results of school improvement projects; and annually report the school district's progress made under the plan to the committee, community, and Iowa Department of Education.

 

Legal Reference:      Iowa Code 21; 256.7(4); 280.12, .18 (2003). 281 I.A.C. 12.3 (3).

Cross Reference:     

101     Educational Philosophy of the School District

200     Legal Status of the Board of Directors

201     Ad Hoc Committees

603.1  Basic Instruction Program

801.1    Buildings and Sites Long-Range Planning

801.2    Buildings and Sites Surveys                         

 

Approved  March 2008   

Reviewed Feb 10, 2025 

Revised

 

Code No. 104

ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT POLICY

Harassment and bullying of students and employees are against federal, state and local policy, and are not tolerated by the board.  The board is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect.  To that end, the board has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and procedures to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment. Bullying and harassment of students by students, school employees, and volunteers who have direct contact with students will not be tolerated in the school or school district. 

The board prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization, of students, based on any of the following actual or perceived traits or characteristics, including but not limited to, age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.  Harassment against employees based upon race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age or disability is also prohibited.

This policy is in effect while students or employees are on property within the jurisdiction of the board; while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school or school district.

If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion.  If after an investigation a school employee is found to be in violation of this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures up to, and including, termination.  If after an investigation a school volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, the volunteer shall be subject to appropriate measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds.  “Volunteer” means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.

Harassment and bullying mean any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property.

Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health.

Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance; or

Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

“Electronic” means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optical cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means.  “Electronic” includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, electronic text messaging or similar technologies

Harassment and bullying may include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors and circumstances:

Verbal, nonverbal, physical or written harassment, bullying, hazing, or other victimization that have the purpose or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim;

Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature that have the purpose or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim;

Implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, achievements, property, etc. that have the purpose or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim;

Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student that have the purpose or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim; and/or

Unreasonable interference with a student's performance or creation of an intimidating, offensive, or hostile learning environment.

Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to the conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of the student’s education or benefits;
• Submission to or rejection of the conduct by a school employee is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that student; or
• The conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive education environment.

In situations between students and school officials, faculty, staff, or volunteers who have direct contact with students, bullying and harassment may also include the following behaviors:

Requiring that a student submit to bullying or harassment by another student, either explicitly or implicitly, as a term or condition of the targeted student’s education or participation in school programs or activities; and/or

Requiring submission to or rejection of such conduct as a basis for decisions affecting the student.

Any person who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment under this policy to a school official, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to the person’s participation in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding relating to the report.  Individuals who knowingly file a false complaint may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Retaliation against any person, because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding, is also prohibited. Individuals who knowingly file false harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy.  Any student found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion.  Any school employee found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment.  Any school volunteer found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds. 

 Building principal or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging bullying or harassment.  The superintendent or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by employees alleging bullying or harassment.

It also is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the investigator and principals, to develop procedures regarding this policy.

The board will annually publish this policy.  The policy may be publicized by the following means:

·         Inclusion in the student handbook,

·         Inclusion in the employee handbook

·         Inclusion in the registration materials

·         Inclusion on the school or school district’s web site,

and a copy shall be made to any person at the central administrative office at 140 East Albia Road, Chariton, Iowa, 50049.

 

Legal References:               20 U.S.C. §§ 1221-1234i (2004).

                                                29 U.S.C. § 794 (1994).

                                                42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d-2000d-7 (2004).

                                                42 U.S.C. §§ 12001 et. seq. (2004).

                                                Senate File 61, 1st Regular Session, 82nd General Assembly, (2007).

                                                Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 280.3 (2007).   

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

 

Cross References:                 

502      Student Rights and Responsibilities

503      Student Discipline

506      Student Records

 

Approved  September 17, 2007         

Reviewed  September 12, 2022   

Revised             

Assistance Animals

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

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

Miniature Horses as Service Animals 

Miniature horses shall be allowed as service animals within the district whenever it is reasonable to allow them. Factors to consider when determining reasonableness include:  whether the miniature horse is house broken; whether the miniature horse is under the owner’s control; whether the facility can accommodate the miniature horse’s type, size and weight; and whether the miniature horse’s presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility.

Establishing the Need for a Service Animal

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

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

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

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

Service Animals in training

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

Exclusion of Service Animals

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

Emotional Support Animals and Therapy Animals 

Emotional support animals are medically prescribed to provide therapeutic benefit through dedicated companionship. Emotional support animals’ sole function is to provide emotional support or comfort.  Therapy animals are involved in an animal-assisted therapy program involving animals as a form of treatment.

Emotional support animals and therapy animals do not meet the definition of service animals.  However, the district recognizes their value in our community.  The superintendent shall evaluate the use of emotional support animals and therapy animals on a case-by-case basis.  District employees may use therapy animals in the course of their regular duties only after receiving permission from the superintendent.  

Student use of Emotional Support Animals and Therapy Animals

Factors the superintendent should consider in making the determination include but are not limited to:  

1. Whether the animal is housebroken
2. Whether the animal has a current vaccination certificate
3. Whether the animal has been recommended through an individual education plan (IEP) or a 504 plan as necessary for the student to receive free access to public education
4. Whether the facility can accommodate the animal’s type size and weight, and
5. Whether the animal’s presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility  

Employee use of Therapy Animals as part of Education Environment

Before permission to use therapy animals is granted, staff members must provide:  

1. Proof that the animal is certified to be a therapy animal;
2. An explanation of how the animal will be used, including research supporting the use of therapy animals;
3. A plan for how the staff member will provide for the care and control of the animal;
4. A plan for how the staff member will accommodate students with allergies to the animal; and
5. A current vaccination certificate for the animal.

 

Legal Reference: I9 U.S.C. §794

42 U.S.C. §12132 

28 C.F.R.   35

Iowa Code §216C

Cross Reference: 606.3 Animals in the Classroom

Approved March 17, 2025

Reviewed

Revised

 

 

Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited

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

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

Any individual with questions about the District’s Title IX policy and procedures, or who would like to make a report or file a formal complaint of sex discrimination or sexual harassment may contact the District’s designated Title Coordinator, Jayme Braida, jayme.braida@chariton.k12.ia.us and any deputy or backup coordinators 

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

 

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

34 C.F.R. § 106 et seq

 

Cross Reference: 501.12 Pregnant Student

 

Approved March 17, 2025

Reviewed

Revised