As part of the board's long-range plan for the District's education program, the board shall include the buildings and sites needs for the education program. The long-term needs for building and sites shall be discussed and determined by the board.
 
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to provide information including, but not limited to, enrollment projections and education program requirements to the board.
 
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2009-2010
Revised: 2012-2013; January 26, 2015

The board may engage the services of consultants or other personnel to study the needs of the District's buildings and sites in providing the education program.  It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the need for such services and who should perform such services for the board.
 
The results of the services will be considered in planning the education program and in making decisions about the improvement and acquisition of additional buildings and sites. If possible, the needs for such special studies should be anticipated in advance so that budgetary provisions can be made.
 
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2009-2010
Revised: 2012-2013; January 26, 2015

Buildings and sites considered for purchase or construction by the board or currently owned by the District and used for the education program must meet, or upon improvement be able to meet, the specifications set by the board. The board shall make this determination.
 
Prior to remodeling or other construction of buildings and sites, the board may appoint a committee of consultants, employees, citizens or others to assist the board in developing the specifications for the new or improved buildings and sites. The education specifications shall include, but not be limited to, the financial resources available for the project, the definition and character of classrooms, the functional use to be made of the rooms, description of specialized needs, and other pertinent information as the board deems necessary.  These specifications shall be consistent with the education program and will provide the architect with the information necessary to determine what is expected from the facility. It is within the discretion of the board to determine whether a committee shall be appointed.
 
Prior to construction or renovation of buildings and sites the specifications must be endorsed by the State of Iowa when required by law.  The board may set standards in addition to the requirements of the State of Iowa for District buildings and sites.
 
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the specifications of buildings and sites.
 
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2009-2010
Revised: 2012-2013; January 26, 2015

Sites acquired by the board shall meet or, upon improvement be able to meet, the specifications set out by the board prior to using the site for the education program. The board may meet in closed session to discuss potential purchases of sites.
 
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to assist the board and to make recommendations concerning acquisition of sites.
 
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2009-2010
Revised: 2012-2013; January 26, 2015

The board secretary shall supervise an annual inventory of the real property of the District.  It shall be the responsibility of the board secretary to ensure accurate records for the District’s real property.
 
Approved: January 26, 2015
Reviewed:
Revised:

The board supports economic development in Iowa.  Purchases by the District will be made in Iowa for Iowa goods and services from a locally-owned business located within the District or from an Iowa-based company which offers these goods or services if the cost and other considerations are relatively equal and they meet the required specifications.
 
All Projects
 
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to approve purchases, except those authorized by or requiring direct board action or requiring other action under the law.  The superintendent shall have the authority to authorize purchases without competitive bids for goods and services costing under $7,500 without prior board approval. For goods and services costing more than $7,500 the superintendent shall receive, at a minimum, competitive quotes of the goods and services to be purchased, and shall submit all quotes to the board for its review.
 
The superintendent may coordinate and combine purchases with other governmental bodies to take advantage of volume price breaks. Joint purchases with other political subdivisions will be considered in the purchase of equipment, accessories or attachments with an estimated cost of $50,000 or more.
 
Public Improvement Projects
 
For goods and services utilized in public improvement projects, as defined under Iowa law, costing less than the competitive quote threshold amount required under Iowa law (for 2015, $55,000), the superintendent shall receive quotes or proposals of the goods and services to be purchased prior to approval by the superintendent or the board.  The purchase will be made from the party selected by the superintendent or the board.
 
For goods and services utilized in public improvement projects, as defined under Iowa law, costing equal to or more than the competitive quote threshold amount required under Iowa law (for 2015, $55,000) and less than the competitive bid threshold amount required under Iowa law (for 2015, $135,000) the superintendent shall receive competitive quotes of the goods and services to be purchased prior to approval by the board.  The purchase will be made from the party submitting the lowest responsive, responsible quotation based upon total cost considerations including, but not limited to, the cost of the goods and services being purchased, availability of service and/or repair, delivery date, and other factors deemed relevant by the board.
 
For goods and services utilized in public improvement projects, as defined under Iowa law, costing more than the competitive bid threshold amount required under Iowa law (for 2015, $135,000), the superintendent shall receive competitive sealed bids of the goods and services to be purchased prior to approval of the board.  The purchase will be made from the party submitting the lowest responsive, responsible bid based upon total cost considerations including, but not limited to, the cost of the goods and services being purchased, availability of service and/or repair, delivery date, and other factors deemed relevant by the board.
 
The board and the superintendent shall have the right to reject any or all quotes or bids, or any part thereof, and to seek additional quotes or bids. The board will enter into such contract or contracts as the board deems in the best interests of the District.
 
The award of construction contracts will, generally, be made to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder.  The board, however, in its discretion, after considering factors relating to the construction, including, but not limited to, the cost of the construction, availability of service and/or repair, completion date, and any other factors deemed relevant by the board, may choose a bid other than the lowest bid.
 
The procurement of all supplies, equipment, and services shall be initiated by the issuance of an official purchase order signed by the superintendent or by an authorized staff member. Only those supplies, equipment, and services procured by formal contract shall be exempt.
 
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2009-2010
Revised: 2007-2008; 2012-2013; January 26, 2015

District buildings and sites, including the grounds, buildings and equipment, shall be kept clean and in good repair. Employees shall notify the building principal when something is in need of repair or maintenance.
 
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to see to the maintenance of District buildings and sites. A maintenance schedule shall be created and adhered to in compliance with this policy.
 
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2009-2010
Revised: 2012-2013;  January 26, 2015

A program for annual inspections, in addition to those conducted by authorized agencies, of District equipment, facilities, and grounds will be conducted as part of the maintenance schedule for District buildings and sites. The results of this inspection will be reported to the board annually. Further, the board may conduct its own inspection of District buildings and sites annually.
 
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2009-2010
Revised: 2012-2013; January 26, 2015

Generally, except for emergency situations, requests for improvements or repairs are made to the superintendent by building principals and the head custodian. Requirements for requests outlined in the maintenance schedule will be followed.
 
Minor improvements, not exceeding a cost of $7,500, may be approved by the superintendent. Improvements exceeding $7,500 must be approved by the board. Routine maintenance and repairs outlined in the maintenance schedule will be followed.
 
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2009-2010
Revised: 2012-2013; January 26, 2015

In the event an emergency requiring repairs in excess of the competitive quote threshold amount required under Iowa law to a District facility are necessary to correct or control the situation and to prevent the closing of school or other serious loss to the District, the provisions relating to bidding will not apply.
 
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to obtain certification from the AEA administrator stating such repairs in excess of the competitive quote threshold amount required under Iowa law were necessary to prevent the closing of school or other serious loss to the District.
 
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to notify the board as soon as possible considering the circumstances of the emergency.
 
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2009-2010
Revised: 2012-2013; January 26, 2015

In connection with the board's goal to utilize public funds in an effective and efficient manner, employees and students will practice energy conservation methods when utilizing the District's buildings and sites. These methods include, but are not limited to, turning off lights and equipment when not in use, reducing the temperature of facilities, particularly when it is not in use, and keeping windows and doors properly closed or open, depending upon the weather.
 
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2009-2010
Revised: 2012-2013; January 26, 2015

Decisions regarding the lease, sale, or disposal of real property belonging to the District shall be made by the board, with a recommendation from the superintendent.  In making its decision the board will consider the needs of the education program and the efficient use of public funds.
 
Prior to the board’s final decision regarding the disposal of real property, the board shall hold a public hearing regarding the disposal of the real property.  The board shall adopt a resolution announcing the proposed disposition, publishing notice of the time and place of the public hearing, and describing the property pursuant to law.  The board shall publish notice of the time and place of the public hearing in a newspaper of general circulation at least once, but not less than ten (10) days and not more than twenty (20) days, prior to the hearing date.  Upon completion of the public hearing, the board may dispose of the real property.
 
If the real property contains less than two (2) acres, is located outside of a city, is not adjacent to a city and was previously used as a schoolhouse site, the property may revert to the owner of the tract from whom the property was taken following the procedures set forth under Iowa law.
 
In the case of the demolition of a District facility or structure, the board will follow all applicable laws regarding competitive bidding for the demolition project.
 
The superintendent shall be responsible for coordinating the action necessary for the board to accomplish the lease, sale, or disposal of real property belonging to the District, including student-constructed buildings.  .  It will also be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the use of District real property not being utilized for the education program.
 
Proceeds from the disposition of real property shall be placed in the District’s physical plant and equipment levy fund.  Proceeds from the lease of real property shall be placed in the District’s general fund.
 
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2008-2009
Revised: 2012-2013; January 26, 2015

District property, such as equipment, furnishings, supplies, or any other property that is not real property (hereafter “equipment”), will be disposed of when it is determined to be of no further use to the District.  It shall be the objective of the District in disposing of the equipment to achieve the best available price or most economical disposal.
 
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board regarding the method for disposing of equipment of no further use to the District. 
 
Equipment having a value of less than $2,500 shall be disposed of in a manner determined by the superintendent.  Equipment having a value of more than $2,500 shall be disposed of in a manner determined by the board.  Any obsolete equipment may be thrown away.
 
When the superintendent or the board are disposing of equipment having a value less than $5,000, the superintendent or the board shall publish notice of the disposal in a newspaper of general circulation.  The publication of the disposal shall be published with at least one (1) insertion each week for two (2) consecutive weeks.
 
Prior to the board’s final decision regarding the disposal of equipment having a value greater than $5,000, the board shall hold a public hearing regarding the disposal or lease of the equipment.  The board shall adopt a resolution announcing the proposed disposition, publishing notice of the time and place of the public hearing, and describing the property pursuant to law.  The board shall publish notice of the time and place of the public hearing in a newspaper of general circulation at least once, but not less than ten (10) days and not more than twenty (20) days, prior to the hearing date.  Upon completion of the public hearing, the board may dispose of the equipment.
 
Proceeds from the disposition or lease of equipment shall be placed in the District’s general fund.
 
Approved: 2012-2013
Reviewed:
Revised: January 26, 2015

The board believes everyone should treat District buildings and sites with respect for the benefit of the education program. Users of District property will treat it with care. Employees discovering vandalism should report it to the building principal as soon as possible.
 
Persons suspected, found, or proven to have destroyed or otherwise harmed District property may be subject to discipline by the District, if the person is under the jurisdiction of the District, the person may be reported to local law enforcement officials.  Persons who are not under the jurisdiction of the District and who are suspected, found, or proven to have destroyed or otherwise harmed school district property will be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.
 
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2009-2010
Revised: 2012-2013; January 26, 2015

The District shall maintain a warning system designed to inform students, employees, and visitors in the facilities of an emergency. The system shall be maintained on a regular basis under the maintenance plan for the District buildings and sites. Students shall be informed of this system
 
Each classroom and office shall have a plan for helping those in need of assistance to safety during an emergency. This shall include, but not be limited to students and employees with disabilities. Licensed employees shall be responsible for instructing students on the proper techniques to be followed during an emergency.
 
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2009-2010
Revised: 2012-2013; January 26, 2015

As soon as a security threat is reported to the administration, the District facility that is the subject of the threat shall follow the appropriate safety procedures.  The District will provide training to employees regarding appropriate safety procedures.
 
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep a report of each security threat for District records.
 
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2009-2010
Revised: 2012-2013; January 26, 2015

The board shall develop and implement a program to comply with the “Right To Know Act.”  A designated administrator shall develop and administer a Comprehensive Hazardous Chemical Communications Program consistent with state law.  The program will consist of material safety data sheets, container labeling, chemical inventories, and employee training and transmittal of the program to applicable employees, the community, and Emergency Response personnel.  The District shall implement the Comprehensive Hazardous Chemical Communications Program
 
Approved: January 25, 2015
Reviewed:
Revised:

The board shall implement the rules of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), including developing an asbestos management plan.  Each District building will maintain a copy of the District’s asbestos management plan.  The board shall appoint two designated persons, as required in the rules, as well as provide required training for employees as necessary. 

Friable and non-friable asbestos containing materials will be maintained in good condition and appropriate precautions will be followed if the material is disturbed. If there is a need to replace asbestos, it will be replaced with non-asbestos containing materials. Prior to any renovation in the district, all matierals will be sampled and results received by a certified asbestos inspector prior to the start of work.

Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2019-2020
Revised: 2019-2020; August 19, 2019