Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Gender in Education Programs

The Preston Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of gender in the education programs or activities it operates. The district does not discriminate on the basis of gender in admission to or employment in its education programs or activities. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations may be referred to the Title IX coordinator or to the Office for Civil Rights.

Inspection of Instructional Materials

Parents and other members of the school district community may review instructional materials used by the student. Arrangements to review materials must be made through the appropriate building level administrator. Copies of material may be obtained according to board policy, “Examination of School District Public Records.”

Policy Title: Educational Equity Policy

It is the policy of Preston Community School District to provide equal educational opportunities and not to illegally discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability in its educational programs or activities. Affirmative steps will be taken to integrate students in attendance centers, programs, and classes on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability.

This agency shall provide program activities, a curriculum, and instructional resources which will reflect the racial and cultural diversity present in the U.S. and the variety of careers, roles, and life styles open to both men and women in our society. One of the objectives of the school’s programs, curriculum, services, and teaching strategies is to reduce stereotyping and to eliminate bias on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. The curriculum, programs, and services shall foster respect and appreciation for the cultural diversity found in our country, and an awareness of the rights, duties, and responsibilities of each individual as a member of a pluralistic society.

Inquiries or grievances related to this policy may be Preston Community School District, 121 South Mitchell St., Iowa 52060, (563) 689-3431; the Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission in Des Moines; or the Director of the Regional VII Office of the Civil Rights. Inquiries may also be directed to the Director, Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.

Open Enrollment Timelines

Parents/guardians considering the use of the open enrollment option to enroll their child/ren in a public school district in the state of Iowa other than their district of residence should be aware of the following dates:

March 1, 2010--Last date for regular open enrollment requests for the 2010-2011 school year. (March 1, 2010 was the last date for 2010- 2011). Parent/Guardian must file open enrollment papers with BOTH the receiving district and the resident district.

Those students falling under the “good cause” definition may apply for open enrollment after March 1st, but Good cause relates to only two general areas: (1) there is a change in the status of the pupil’s resident district (failure of negotiations for a whole grade sharing agreement, reorganization proposal, dissolution agreement or the rejection of a current whole grade sharing agreement or reorganization plan); or, (2) there is a change in the residence of the pupil (change in the pupil’s parents’ marital status, a guardianship proceeding, placement in foster care, adoption, or participation in a substance abuse or mental health treatment program) or similar sets of circumstances. If these circumstances occur after March 1, a parent or guardian may file a “late” open enrollment application. September 1st is the last date for open enrollment requests for kindergarten students for the 2010-2011 school year.

Parents/guardians of open enrolled students whose income falls below 160% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for transportation assistance. This may be in the form of actual transportation or in the form of a cash stipend.

Parents should be aware pupils who transfer school districts under open enrollment in all grades 10-12, shall not be eligible to participate in interscholastic contests and competitions during the first 90 school days of transfer.

Parents/guardians are not required to renew open enrollment requests. Children will remain on open enrollment status unless the parent/guardian decides to cancel it or the agreement is terminated as a result of the parent/guardian moving, by not sending the child to the requested district or any other circumstance that results in the pupil no longer attending the receiving district.

For application forms or further details, contact the school district office at 689-3431.

Sexual Abuse by School Employees

It is the policy of the Preston Community Schools that school employees and volunteers not commit acts of physical or sexual abuse, including inappropriate and intentional sexual behavior, toward students.

It is the policy of the district to respond to allegations of abuse by school employees or volunteers by investigating or arranging for the full investigation of any allegations, and to do so in a reasonably prudent manner.

Anyone believing that a student has been abused by a district employee or volunteer may report the abuse to their building administrator or the Superintendent of Schools.

The entire policy on abuse of students by district personnel is defined in Board policy and is available in the Administration Office and each school building office.
Level One Investigator is the school principal (563) 689-3431 and Level Two Investigator is the chief of police at (563) 689-6868.

The school district does not tolerate employees physically or sexually abusing or verbally harassing students. Students who are physically or sexually abused or harassed by an employee should notify their parents, teacher, principal or another employee. The Iowa Department of Education has established a two-step procedure for investigating allegations of physical or sexual abuse of students by employees. That procedure requires the school district to designate an independent investigator to look into the allegations.

Physical abuse is a non-accidental physical injury that leaves a mark at least 24 hours after the incident. While employees cannot use physical force to discipline a student, there are times when the use of physical force is appropriate. The times when physical force is appropriate include, but are not limited to, times when it is necessary to stop a disturbance, to obtain a weapon or other dangerous object, for purposes of self-defense or to protect the safety of others, to remove a disruptive student, to protect others from harm, for the protection of property, or to protect a student from self-inflicted harm.
Sexual abuse includes, but is not limited to, sexual acts involving a student and intentional sexual behavior as well as sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when submission to such 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 is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that student; or the conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a student’s academic performance by creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment.

If any questions, please call the superintendent 689-3431, ext. 2113.