Source: http://policy.linnmar.k12.ia.us/book/export/html/9
Timestamp: 2018-10-20 12:24:26
Document Index: 438163674

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1401', '§ 256', '§ 279', '§ 285', '§ 285', '§ 256', '§ 285', '§ 279', '§ 1751']

Reviewed 4/15 701.1 Local and State Transportation Regulations
Reviewed 4/15 701.2 Student Conduct on School Transportation
Reviewed 4/15 701.2-R1 Administrative Regulations Regarding Student Conduct on School Transportation
Reviewed 4/15 701.2-R2 Administrative Regulations Regarding Vehicle Video Monitoring Systems
Reviewed 4/15 701.3 Transportation of Non-School Groups
Reviewed 4/15 701.4 School Transportation Usage by Unassigned Students
Reviewed 4/15 701.5 Transportation of Non-Resident and Non-Public School Students
Reviewed 4/15 701.6 Student Transportation for Co/Extra-Curricular Activities
Reviewed 4/15 701.7 Summer Programs Bus Service
Reviewed 4/15 701.8 Transportation Insurance Program
Reviewed 4/15 701.10 School Bus Safety Instructions
Reviewed 4/15 701.11 Transportation in Inclement Weather and Emergency Situations
Reviewed 4/15 701.12 Use of District Vehicles and Fuel
Reviewed 4/15 701.13 District Vehicle Idling
Revised 8/17 702.1 Nutrition Services Program
Reviewed 8/17 702.1-R Administrative Regulations Regarding Meal Charges
Revised 8/17 702.4 Eligibility for Free or Reduced Cost Meals
Reviewed 8/17 702.4-R Administrative Regulations Regarding Eligibility for Free or Reduced Cost Meals
Revised 4/16 702.5 Vending Machines
701 - Transportation
701.1 - Local and State Transportation Regulations
Elementary and middle school students living more than two miles from their designated school attendance centers and high school students living more than three miles from their designated attendance centers are entitled to transportation to and from their attendance center at the expense of the school district.
Transportation of students who require special education services shall generally be provided as for other students, when appropriate. Specialized transportation of a student to and from a special education instructional service is a function of that service and, therefore, an appropriate expenditure of special education funds generated through weighted funds or Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) federal funds designated for special education purposes.
Transportation of a student to and from a special education support service is a function of that service and is specified, when necessary, in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) or the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). When the IEP or IFSP team determines that unique transportation arrangements are required, and the arrangements are specified in the IEP or IFSP, the district will provide one or more of the following transportation arrangements for instructional services and the area education association (AEA) for support services:
Transportation from the student’s residence to the location of the special education program and back to the student’s residence, or childcare placement for students below the age of six.
Special assistance or adaptations in getting the student to and from and on and off the vehicle enroute to and from the special education program.
Reimbursement of the actual costs of transportation when, by mutual agreement, the parents/guardians provide transportation for the student to and from the special education program. Reimbursement of actual cost will be based on the rate set by the state of Iowa.
The district is not required to provide reimbursement to parents/guardians who elect to provide transportation in lieu of school-provided transportation.
A student may be required at the board’s discretion to meet a school vehicle without reimbursement up to three-fourths of a mile. The board may require parents/guardians to transport their student up to two miles to connect with school transportation at the expense of the district when conditions deem it advisable. It is within the discretion of the board to determine such conditions. Parents/guardians of students who live where transportation by school vehicles is impracticable or unavailable may be required to furnish transportation to and from the designated attendance center at the expense of the district. Parents/guardians who transport their children at the expense of the district are reimbursed at the rate per mile set by the State of Iowa.
Transportation arrangements made by agreement with a neighboring school district will follow the terms of the agreement. Students who choose to attend a school in a district other than their resident school district will provide transportation to and from the school at their own expense.
Students who have been granted an attendance exception request (AER) from their attendance center school to another school must provide their own transportation to the selected school.
The board authorizes the superintendent, or designee, to establish bus routes for the district in accordance with this policy. Consideration of safe walkways, speed limits, and traffic density shall be reviewed prior to the establishment of bus routes. When route changes are made, the district will notify families if possible, no later than six months prior to change. If route change is caused by construction, another entity, or a force majeure the administration reserves the right to issue notice on a condensed timeline.
Reviewed: 10/12; 4/15
Revised: 10/10; 9/11; 11/13; 8/14
Related Policy (Code#): 501.15; 602.5
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): 20 USC §§ 1401, 1701 et seq (2012);
34 CFR Pt 300 et seq (2012; §§ 256B.4; 285; 321 (2013);
281 IAC 41.412
701.2 - Student Conduct on School Transportation
Students utilizing school transportation shall conduct themselves in an orderly manner fitting to their age and maturity with mutual respect and consideration for the rights of the driver, adult rider, and the other passengers. Students who fail to behave in an orderly manner will be subject to disciplinary measures.
The driver or adult rider shall have the authority to maintain order on the school vehicle. It shall be the responsibility of the driver or adult rider to report misconduct to the transportation manager.
The board supports the use of video cameras on school vehicles used for transportation to and from school as well as for excursions/trips and curricular or co/extra-curricular events. The video cameras will be used to monitor student behavior and may be used as evidence in student disciplinary proceedings. The video recordings are student records subject to school district confidentiality, board policy, and administrative regulations.
The transportation manager can recommend the suspension or imposition of other appropriate student discipline in collaboration with the appropriate administrator.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, or designee, in conjunction with the building principals, to develop administrative regulations regarding student conduct and discipline when utilizing district transportation.
Reviewed: 9/11; 10/12; 4/15
Revised: 10/10; 11/13
Related Policy (Code #): 502.1; 503.1-R; 502.5; 502.5-R1-R3; 503.6
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 279.8; 285; 321 (2013)
701.2-R1 - Administrative Regulations Regarding Student Conduct on School Transportation
Good student conduct contributes to safety. It helps to avoid accidents which may result from the distraction of the driver. It also reduces the number of accidents in which students injure themselves or others.
The following outline represents the standards and procedures relative to student conduct while riding on school vehicles. Violations of these standards will be reported to the transportation manager and the building principal.
All students should conscientiously observe all rules and respond respectfully and promptly to the driver’s instructions.
The driver or adult rider are responsible for the vehicle and deportment of the riders. They have the authority to assign seats or refuse transportation to violators of the following regulations:
Waiting at Designated Loading Zones:
Students are requested to stand at least 10 feet from the roadway unless specifically directed otherwise.
Students are requested to be at their vehicle loading zone five minutes before their published schedule. The school vehicle must not be kept waiting. Safety standards must be practiced while students are waiting.
Students who have to walk some distance along the roadway to a vehicle loading zone must walk on the left-hand side facing oncoming traffic. This will also apply to students leaving the vehicle loading zone after school.
Students who must cross a roadway to reach their vehicle loading zone should wait until the school vehicle has arrived before crossing the roadway.
Receiving and Discharging Students:
All able-bodied students shall board and exit from the right front entrance of every school vehicle and, if said students must cross the roadway, they shall be required to pass in front of the vehicle, look in both directions, and proceed to cross the roadway only on signal from the driver.
The above sections shall not apply to business and residence districts, but shall apply in suburban districts of cities and towns.
Boarding School Vehicles:
Students are not permitted to move toward the vehicle at the loading zone until the vehicle has been brought to a complete stop.
Students should not push prior to loading the vehicle.
Students must board the vehicle in single file.
Students are required to go directly to their seats and not block the aisle. Students must follow the driver’s or adult rider’s instructions as to seating arrangements.
Conduct while Riding School Vehicles:
Students should sit facing forward in school vehicles.
Students riding school vehicles are permitted to converse quietly with others seated near them. Boisterous talk and actions will not be permitted. Singing, whistling, yelling, and loud noises are not permitted on the vehicle.
Students are to be absolutely quiet when approaching a railroad crossing.
Students are not permitted to stand, change seats, or annoy other students during the ride to/from school. Fighting or scuffling is not permitted.
Student use of cell phones is expected to be appropriate, respectful, and legal.
Eating, lighting matches, or the use of any contraband material is not permitted on school vehicles. The use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, or look-alike substances is prohibited.
Students must, under no circumstances, put their hands or arms out of the windows.
Throwing objects in the vehicle is not permitted and students shall not throw anything out of the windows.
Musical instruments or large parcels should be left with the driver or adult rider if they so request. Students must keep books and personal belongings out of the aisle.
Students who damage seats or other equipment shall reimburse the district for the cost of the repair or replacement.
Students should not be rude or abusive to the driver or adult rider and/or persons whom they pass on the route.
The instructions of the driver and/or adult rider shall be obeyed at all times. Disrespect of the driver or adult rider will not be tolerated.
In case of a road emergency, students are to remain in the vehicle unless directed otherwise by the driver and/or adult rider.
When Leaving School Vehicles:
Students are required to remain in their seats until the vehicle has made a complete stop.
Students should not remain in the area where vehicles are unloading.
The driver and/or adult rider will not discharge students at places other than regular stops at the home or at school buildings without proper written authorization from the parent/guardian or school official.
Revised: 9/11; 11/13
Related Policy (Code#): 701.2; 701.2-R2; 701.3-8; 701.10-11
701.2-R2 - Administrative Regulations Regarding Vehicle Video Monitoring Systems
The board supports the use of video cameras on school vehicles as a means to monitor and maintain a safe environment for students and employees. The video cameras may be used on vehicles during transportation to and from school, excursions/trips, curricular events, and co/extra-curricular events. The contents of surveillance recordings may be used as evidence in any disciplinary proceedings regarding riders and employees.
Student Records: The contents of the recordings are considered confidential student records and are subject to board policy and administrative regulations regarding confidential student records. Only those persons with a legitimate, educational purpose may view the recordings. In most instances, individuals with a legitimate, educational purpose may be the superintendent, building principals, transportation manager, bus driver, and special education staffing team. A surveillance recording during a school-sponsored trip, such as an athletic event, may also be accessible to the sponsor or coach of the activity. If the content of the recording becomes the subject of a student disciplinary proceeding it may be treated like other evidence in the proceeding.
Notice: The district will provide the following notice to students and parents/guardians on an annual basis:
The Linn-Mar Community School District Board of Directors has authorized the use of video cameras on school vehicles. The video cameras will be used to monitor student behavior to maintain order on school vehicles to promote and maintain a safe environment. Parents/guardians and students are hereby notified that the content of the recordings may be used in student disciplinary proceedings. Contents of the recordings are confidential student records and will be retained with other student records. Recordings will only be retained, if necessary, for use in student disciplinary proceedings or other matters as determined necessary by the administration. Parents/guardians may request to view the surveillance recordings of their student if the recordings are used in a disciplinary proceeding involving their student.
Determination of how video cameras will be used and which school vehicles will be equipped with video equipment will be made by the superintendent in consultation with the building principals and the transportation manager.
Students are prohibited from tampering with the video cameras on the school vehicles. Students found in violation of this regulation shall be disciplined in accordance with the district’s discipline policy and good conduct rule and shall reimburse the district for any repairs or replacements necessary as a result of the tampering.
Adopted: 11/93
Revised: 11/13
Related Policy (Code#): 701.2; 701.2-R1; 701.3-8; 701.10-11
701.3 - Transportation of Non-School Groups
School district vehicles may be available to local non-profit entities which promote cultural, educational, civic, community, or recreational activities for transporting to and from non-school sponsored activities within the state as long as the transportation does not interfere with or disrupt the education program of the school district and does not interfere with or delay the transportation of students.
The local non-profit entity must pay the actual cost of using the district vehicle as determined by the transportation manager. Prior to making the district vehicle available to the local non-profit entity, the school bus signs shall be covered and the flashing warning lamps and stop arm made inoperable.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, or designee, to develop administrative regulations for use of district vehicles to transport students and others to school-sponsored events within the state and application for, use of, and payment for use of district vehicles by local non-profit entities for non-school sponsored activities.
Reviewed: 9/11; 10/12; 11/13; 4/15
Revised: 10/10
Related Policy (Code#): 701.1; 701.2; 701.2-R1
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 285.1(21); .10(9-10) (2013); 281 IAC 43.10
701.4 - School Transportation Usage by Unassigned Students
Unassigned students may ride a school vehicle on its regular route only when the legal passenger capacity will not be exceeded.
For the safety and welfare of the students, the protection of the driver and/or adult rider and the school district, the legal passenger capacity shall be observed at all times.
Written or oral permission from parents/guardians must be provided to the transportation manager in advance.
701.5 - Transportation of Non-Resident and Non-Public School Students
The board has sole discretion to determine the method to be utilized for transporting non-resident and non-public students. Non-resident students paying tuition may be, and resident students attending a non-public school accredited by the State Department of Education may be, transported on an established public school vehicle route as long as such transportation does not interfere with resident, public student transportation. Non-resident and non-public school students shall obtain the permission of the superintendent, or designee, prior to being transported by the school district.
Parents of resident students who provide transportation for their students attending a non-public school accredited by the Iowa Department of Education will be reimbursed at the established state rate. This reimbursement shall be paid only if the district receives the funds from the state. If less than the amount of funds necessary to fully reimburse parents of the non-public students is received by the district, the funds shall be prorated.
The charge to the non-resident students shall be determined based on the students’ pro rata share of the actual costs for transportation. The parents of these students shall be billed for the students’ share of the actual costs of transportation. The billing shall be according to the schedule developed by the superintendent or designee. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, or designee, to determine the amount to be charged and report it to the business manager for billing.
Continued transportation of non-resident and non-public students on a public school vehicle route will be subject to resident public school student transportation needs. The superintendent, or designee, shall make recommendations as necessary to the board regarding the method to be used. In making a recommendation to the board, the superintendent shall consider the number of students to be transported, the capacity of the school vehicles, the financial condition of the district, and other factors deemed relevant by the board or the superintendent.
Non-resident and non-public school students shall be subject to the same student conduct regulations as resident public students as prescribed by board policy and to other policies, rules, or regulations developed by the district regarding transportation of students by the school district.
Reviewed: 10/10; 9/11; 4/15
Revised: 10/10; 10/12; 11/13
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 285.1-2; .10; .16 (2013)
701.6 - Student Transportation for Co/Extra-Curricular Activities
The board shall require school district transportation for co/extra-curricular activities including but not limited to transporting student participants to and from co/extra-curricular activities.
Students participating in co/extra-curricular activities other than those held at district facilities shall be transported to the co/extra-curricular activity by district transportation vehicles or by another means approved by the superintendent or designee. Students attending co/extra-curricular activities other than those held at the district facilities may be transported to the co/extra-curricular activity by district transportation vehicles.
The board authorizes the superintendent, or designee, to recover all costs for furnishing a vehicle and driver for students and patrons attending as spectators to co/extra-curricular activities as provided by state code. A vehicle shall be used as provided in this subsection only at times when it is not needed to transport students to and from school.
Students who are provided transportation in district transportation vehicles for co/extra-curricular activities shall ride both to and from the event in the school vehicle unless arrangements have been made with the coach/sponsor/licensed personnel prior to the activity. A student's parent/guardian may personally appear and request to transport their student to and/or from a school-sponsored activity.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, or designee, to make an annual report to the board on transportation that has been provided. In making the report to the board the superintendent, or designee, shall consider the financial condition of the district, the number of students who would qualify for such transportation, and other factors the board or superintendent deem relevant.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, or designee, to develop administrative regulations for the transportation of students to and/or from co/extra-curricular activities.
Reviewed: 10/12; 11/13; 4/15
Revised: 10/10; 9/11
Related Policy (Code #): 502.1; 502.1-R; 502.5; 502.5-R1-R3; 502.6; 503.101
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 256B.4; 285.1-4; 321 (2013); 281 IAC 41.412
701.7 - Summer Programs Bus Service
The school district may use school vehicles for transportation to and from summer co/extra-curricular activities. The superintendent, or designee, shall make a recommendation to the board regarding use on an annual basis.
Transportation to and from a student’s attendance center for summer school instructional programs shall be within the discretion of the superintendent. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, or designee, to make a recommendation regarding transportation of students in summer school instructional programs at the expense of the school district. In making the recommendation to the board the superintendent, or designee, shall consider the financial condition of the district, the number of students involved in the summer school programs, and other factors deemed relevant by the board or the superintendent.
Related Policy (Code #): 602.4; 603.2
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): § 285.10 (2013); 281 IAC 43.10; 41.412
701.8 - Transportation Insurance Program
The Board of Directors shall carry insurance on all district-owned vehicles and see that insurance is carried by all contractors hired by the board to transport students.
The following types and minimum amounts of insurance should be carried:
Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability: Combined single limit of $1,000,000
Medical Payments: Minimum amount of $5,000 per passenger
Collision: $100 to $1,000 deductible
Comprehensive on Each Vehicle: $0 to $500 deductible
Liability and medical care insurance should be purchased for the school term only except for vehicles that are to be used for approved activities during the summer months.
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): 285.10
701.10 - School Bus Safety Instructions
The school district shall conduct school bus safe riding practices instruction and emergency safety drills twice a year for students who utilize school district transportation.
Each school bus vehicle shall have, in addition to the regular emergency safety drill, a plan for helping those students who require special assistance to safety during an emergency. This shall include but not be limited to students with disabilities.
School district vehicle drivers and adult riders are required to attend each safety drill.
All school personnel and designees must wear seat belts while operating school and private vehicles for school functions. All school personnel must use the tire protective cage when inflating or deflating a tire used on school buses and tractors.
Employees shall be responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed during an emergency as well as safe riding practices. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent in conjunction with the transportation manager to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Reviewed: 10/10; 9/11; 10/12; 4/15
Related Policy (Code #): 502.1; 502.1-R; 804.2
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 279.8; 321 (2013); 281 IAC 41.412; 43.40
701.11 - Transportation in Inclement Weather and Emergency Situations
The superintendent, or designee, shall have the authority to close schools, to delay the start of schools, or to dismiss schools ahead of the regular schedule because of extreme weather or other emergency conditions for the length of time the emergency exists.
School district vehicles will not operate when weather conditions due to fog, rain, snow, or other natural elements make it unsafe to do so. Because weather conditions may vary around the district and may change quickly, the best judgment possible will be used with the information available.
Conditions other than weather could warrant an emergency situation. Each situation will be evaluated separately and handled with the best judgment possible keeping in mind the safety of students and staff.
The final judgment as to when conditions are unsafe to operate the schools will be made by the superintendent. The superintendent will be assisted by the actual “on location” decisions and reports of the transportation manager.
Parents/guardians, students, and drivers will be notified by various media outlets including electronic methods when school is cancelled or temporarily delayed. When school is cancelled because of weather anywhere in the district, all schools will be closed. If it is necessary to close an individual building due to an emergency situation, the decision will be clearly communicated by various media outlets including electronic notification.
When weather conditions deteriorate during the day after school has begun, cancellation notices will be announced by various media outlets including electronic notification. Students will be returned to their regular drop-off sites unless weather conditions prevent it. If students are taken to drop-off sites other than their regular drop-off sites, or are to be picked up at other than their regular pick-up points, this will be communicated by the driver (on the two-way radio) to the base station in order to be relayed to the parents of the affected students. If no parent contact can be made, students will be kept at school until they are picked up by the parents/legal guardians.
When weather or road conditions dictate unsafe, non-hard surface roads, a hard surface routing will be initiated. This will be communicated by various media outlets including electronic notification.
Adopted: 11/96
701.12 - Use of District Vehicles and Fuel
School vehicles are to be used exclusively for the transportation of riders for school purposes and for the purpose of conducting the day-to-day business of the school district. Personal use of school vehicles is strictly forbidden. On-call employees are allowed to take home a school vehicle with the prior approval of the superintendent, or designee, for the purpose of conducting school-related duties only.
All keys to school vehicles will be kept by the transportation manager. Vehicles can be checked out from the transportation office. When not in use, vehicles will be stored on school property. Records of trips are to be filled out and turned in to the transportation manager.
A procurement card for the purchase of gasoline/diesel fuel, while conducting school business, is available from the transportation manager. Records relating to the use of this card are to be turned in to the transportation manager. Personal use of this card is strictly forbidden.
School fuel shall be used only in school-owned or school-leased vehicles or equipment.
Adopted: 4/85
701.13 - District Vehicle Idling
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent in conjunction with the transportation manager to develop administrative regulations to reduce vehicle idling time because of the effect of environmental pollutants, and in assisting students and others to be free from pollutants which may impact their respiratory health.
Unnecessary vehicle idling time emits pollutants and wastes fuel.
Adopted: 7/08
702 - Nutrition Services Program
702.1 - Nutrition Services Program
The district will operate a school lunch and breakfast program in each attendance center under the guidelines of the USDA. The Nutrition Services Program will include breakfast and lunch through participation in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Students may bring their lunches from home and purchase milk or juice and other incidental items.
Nutrition Services facilities are provided to serve students and all school personnel when school is in session and during school-related activities. These facilities may also be used by other groups deemed appropriate and acceptable by the superintendent, or designee, and under the supervision of the Nutrition Services manager. If other groups use school facilities and require the use of kitchen equipment, a Nutrition Services employee must be present. The cost of providing the Nutrition Services employee shall be reimbursed by the group. In addition, a maintenance rental fee may be required as determined by Policy 1004.1 – Community Use of School Buildings, and the related administrative regulations.
The Nutrition Services Program is operated on a nonprofit basis. The revenues of the Nutrition Services Program will be used only for paying the regular operating costs of the Nutrition Services Program. Supplies of the Nutrition Services Program shall only be used for the Nutrition Services Program. The board will set and periodically review the prices for school lunches and breakfast. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, or designee, to make a recommendation regarding the prices of school lunch, breakfast, and milk. Prices will be determined per USDA regulations in accordance with federal and state laws.
District tax funds may be used to provide necessary physical plant facilities, purchase the equipment necessary for the establishment of Nutrition Services in new or existing buildings, replace major items of equipment, and payment for labor over and above revenue from sale of meals to students and adults.
The Nutrition Services Program shall be under the direction of a Nutrition Services manager who will establish and maintain a central record system; prepare menus; develop standards; initiate purchasing; recommend personnel for employment, promotion, or dismissal; and conduct in-service training programs.
It shall be the responsibility of the Nutrition Services manager to administer the program and to provide the superintendent and the Board of Education an annual report on the functioning of the Nutrition Services Program.
Reviewed: 10/12; 11/13
Revised: 10/10; 9/11; 4/15; 4/16; 8/17
Related Policy (Code #): 1004.1
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): 42 USC §§ 1751 et seq (2012);
7 CFR Pt 210 et seq (2012); 283A; 281 IAC 58
702.1-R - Administrative Regulations Regarding Meal Charges
In order to maintain financial stability and equality of all lunch-paying students amidst a fast growing school district, policies regarding lunch accounts have been adopted. The State of Iowa Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services recommends that negative balances should not be acceptable.
Elementary students will be provided a meal;
Balance reminders will be provided to students when their account is less than $7.50;
Hand stamps will be used at the elementary level to remind parents/guardians when the meal account balance is low; parents/guardians may request no hand stamp;
Families will receive email communications when the account balance is low.
Students may charge any combination of meals up to a value of $15.00;
No snacks or a la carte items may be charged; with the exception of milk;
When the charge limit is reached, a substitute sandwich; such as peanut butter or cheese, will be served until charges are paid in full;
Allergies will be taken into consideration;
Students will be notified of their balance verbally at the cash register when the balance falls below $7.00;
No charges are allowed;
Students must present their ID card to the cashier in order to make a purchase;
Adults will be notified of their balance verbally at the cash register when the balance falls below $9.00;
Adults will receive email communications when the account balance is low.
Adopted: 4/16
Reviewed: 8/17
Related Policy (Code #): 702.1
702.4 - Eligibility for Free or Reduced Cost Meals
Students enrolled and attending school in the district who are unable to afford the cost or a portion of the cost of the school breakfast or lunch will be provided the Nutrition Services Program at no cost or at a reduced cost according to the guidelines established by the USDA.
It shall be the responsibility of the Nutrition Services manager to determine if a student qualifies for free or reduced cost Nutrition Services. Students whom the principal believes are improperly nourished will not be denied Nutrition Services simply because the paperwork has not been completed.
Employees, students, and others will be required to deposit funds into a meal account to cover meals consumed.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent [or designee] to develop administrative regulations for implementing this policy.
Revised: 10/10; 8/17
7 CFR Pt 210 et seq (2012); 283A; 21 IAC 58
702.4-R - Administrative Regulations Regarding Eligibility for Free or Reduced Cost Meals
The Linn-Mar Community School District agrees to participate in the National School Breakfast/Lunch Program, to receive commodities donated by the USDA, and accepts responsibility for providing either free or reduced price meals to eligible children in the schools under its jurisdiction.
The School Food Authority assures the Child Nutrition Programs Division that the school system will uniformly implement the following policy to determine the children’s eligibility for free and reduced price meals in all National School Breakfast/Lunch Program schools under its jurisdiction. In fulfilling its responsibilities, the School Nutrition Authority:
Agrees to serve meals free to children from families whose income is at or below that qualifying them for free meals.
Agrees to serve meals at a maximum reduced price at or below the maximum amount allowed by regulations to children from families whose income is at or below that qualifying them for reduced price meals.
Agrees to provide these benefits to foster children and to children from families who are experiencing strikes, layoffs, and unemployment which cause the family’s income to fall within qualifying limits.
Agrees that there will be no physical segregation of, nor any other discrimination against, any child because of inability to pay the full price of meals. The names of the children eligible to receive either free or reduced price meals will not be published, posted, or announced in any manner and there will not be overt identification of any such children by use of special tokens, tickets, or any other means. Further assurance is given that children eligible for either free or reduced price meals shall not be required to:
Work for meals
Use a separate lunchroom
Go through a separate serving line
Enter the lunchroom through a separate entrance
Eat meals at a different time
Eat meals different from those sold to children paying full price
Agrees that in the operation of child nutrition programs no child will be discriminated against because of age, race, creed, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, or physical appearance.
Agrees to establish and use a fair hearing procedure for parental appeals of the school’s decisions on applications and for school officials’ challenges to the correctness of information contained in an application or to the continued eligibility of any child for either free or reduced price meals. During the appeal and hearing process, the child will continue to receive free or reduced price meals. A record of all appeals and challenges and their dispositions will be retained for three years.
Prior to initiating the hering procedure, the parent or school official may request a conference to provide an opportunity to discuss the situation, resent information, and obtain an explanation of data submitted in the application and decisions rendered. Such a conference will not in any way prejudice or diminish the right to a fair hearing. The hearing procedure will provide the following:
A publically announced, simple method for making an oral or written request for a hearing.
An apportunity to be assisted or represented by an attorney or other person.
An opportunity to examine, prior to and during the hearing, the documents and records presented to support the decision under appeal.
Reasonable promptness and convenience in scheduling a hearing and adequate notice as to the time and place of the hearing.
An opportunity to present oral or documentary evidence and arguments supporting its position without undue influence.
An opportunity to question or refute any testimony, or other evidence, and to confront and cross examine any adverse witnesses.
The hearing be conducted and the decision made by a hearing official who did not participate in the decision under appeal or in any previous conference.
The parties concerned, and any designated representative thereof, be notified in writing of the decision of the hearing official.
For each hearing a written record be prepared; including the decision under appeal, any documentary evidence and summayr of any oral testimony presented at the hearing, the decision of the hearing official and reasons therefore, and a copy of the notificaiton to the parties concerned of the hearing official's decision.
Such written record be preserved for a period of three years and be available for examination by the parties concerned, of their representatives, at any reasonable time and place during such period.
Agrees to designate the Manager of Nutrition Services* for the Linn-Mar Community School District (2999 N 10th St, Marion, IA 52302) as the determining official who will review applications and make determinations of eligibility. The official will use the criteria outlined in this policy to determine which individual children are eligible for either free or reduced price meals.
Agrees to develop and send to each child’s parent/guardian a letter as outlined herein, including an application for either free or reduced price meals, at the beginning of each school year and whenever there is a change in eligibility criteria.
On an annual basis, parents will need to complete the application and return it to the determining official (Nutrition Services Manager) for review. Such applications and documentation of action taken will be maintained for three years after the end of the fiscal year to which they pertain.
Applications may be filed at any time during the year. Any parent enrolling a child in a school for the first time at any time during the year will be supplied with such documents. If a child transfers from one school to another under the jurisdiction of the same School Food Authority, eligibility for either free or reduced price meals will be transferred to, and honored by, the receiving school. All children from a family will receive the same benefits. Within 10 working days of receipt of applications, parents/guardians will be notified individually, in writing, of the acceptance or denial of their applications. Children will be served meals immediately upon the establishment of their eligibility.
When an application is rejected, parents/guardians will be informed of the reason for denial and of the hearing procedure. The designated hearing official is the Superintendent of Schools* (2999 N 10th St, Marion, IA 52302).
Agrees to submit to the news media, local employment offices, and major employers contemplating or experiencing large layoffs the public release, which is attached.
Agrees to collect racial and ethnic data on all applicants for free and reduced price benefits and keep this information on file for the processed applications.
*Must be different people
The following attachments are adopted with and considered part of the preceding policies. Should the School Food Authority wish to develop its own format for any of these attachments, it must be certain that all essential elements are retained and all meanings remain obvious and correctly presented in any such modifications.
Attachment A: Income guidelines for free and reduced price meals
Attachment B: Sample letter to parents/guardians
Attachment D: Sample notification form
Attachment E: Public release
Attachment F: Collection procedures
Attachments A through F are reviewed annually by the Chief Financial/Operating Officer of the Linn-Mar Community School District (2999 N 10th St, Marion, IA 52302).
Attachments A, B, and C are published annually in the district’s back to school booklet.
Reviewed: 9/11; 10/12; 4/15; 8/17
Revised: 10/10; 11/13; 4/16
Attachment A Income Guidelines & How to Apply for Free/Reduced Price Meals
Attachment B Letter to Parents with FAQ
Attachment C Application Form
Attachment D Sample Notification Form
Attachment E Public Release
Attachment F Collection Procedures
702.5 - Vending Machines
Food served or purchased by students during the school day and food served or purchased for other than special circumstances shall be approved by the superintendent, or designee, and shall meet the criteria established by the USDA Smart Snacks guidelines. Vending machines in the school buildings shall be the responsibility of the building principal. Purchases from the vending machines, other than juice/water machines, shall not be made during meal periods and other times of the day as governed by the Policy 504.12 Wellness and the USDA Smart Snacks guidelines.
Money raised from vending machines in areas accessible by students shall be used to support student programs.
Vending machines in staff lounges can be tied to the building’s pop fund, and the money raised from the machine can be used to support staff-related social initiatives on the school district site.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, or designee, in conjunction with principals to develop administrative regulations regarding the use of vending machines and other sales of food to students.
Reviewed: 9/11; 11/13; 4/15
Revised: 10/10; 10/12; 4/16
Related Policy (Code #): 504.12
7 CFR Pt 210 et seq (2012); Ch 283A (2013); 281 IAC 58