Opinion ID: 1900995
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Overview of Statutory Termination Procedure.

Text: Public school teachers in Iowa work during a school year under a written contract of employment with the board of directors of the school district. Iowa Code § 279.13(1). The term of the contract can cover the school year and is automatically renewed for subsequent school years, except when altered by mutual agreement or terminated by the board. See id. § 279.13(2). The termination of a contract by the board is governed by rules and regulations established by the legislature in chapter 279 of the Code. Generally, the process requires the superintendent of the school district, or a designee, to give the teacher written notice no later than April 30 of the school year that the superintendent will recommend to the school board at its next meeting, held no later than May 15, that the teacher's contract be terminated at the end of the current school year. Id. § 279.15(1). The termination notification and recommendation must contain a short and plain statement of the reasons to support just cause for the recommendation. Id. § 279.15(2). Within five days after receipt of the notice, the teacher is permitted to request a private hearing with the school board. Id. If a request is made, the hearing must be held within twenty days, but no earlier than ten days, unless the parties agree to a hearing date outside the statutory time frame. Id. Prior to the hearing, an exchange of information takes place. Id. At least five days prior to the hearing, the board must furnish the teacher with any documentation that may be presented at the hearing, as well as a list of persons who may address the board in support of the termination recommendation. Id. At least three days before the hearing, the teacher must likewise provide any documentation the teacher expects to present, together with the names of any persons who may address the board on behalf of the teacher. Id. The information must be exchanged pursuant to this time line, unless otherwise agreed by the board and the teacher. Id. The board must hold the hearing in a manner best suited to ascertain and conserve the substantial rights of the parties. Id. § 279.16(4). However, the process and procedure is to be as summary as reasonably possible. Id. The board does not adhere to technical or formal rules of procedure and is not bound by common law or statutory rules of evidence. Id. The evidence at the hearing is limited to the specific reasons stated in the termination notice and recommendation. Id. § 279.16(1). The superintendent presents evidence and argument on the issues presented. Id. The teacher is also permitted to present evidence and argument and may cross-examine witnesses. Id. The parties may also stipulate to evidence. Id. The presiding officer of the board is authorized to administer oaths to witnesses and is required to issue subpoenas for witnesses and for the production of documents as the board or teacher may designate. Id. § 279.16(2). If a subpoenaed witness refuses to attend the hearing or if the witness appears and refuses to testify or produce documents requested by a subpoena duces tecum, the board must report the matter to the district court. Id. § 279.16(3). On receipt of the report, the district court is required to resolve the matter as if it occurred in a proceeding before the court. Id.