Code Number: 405.10
Physical or sexual abuse of students, including inappropriate and intentional sexual behavior, by employees will not be tolerated. The definition of employee for purposes of this policy includes both those who work for pay and also those who are volunteers under the direction and control of the District. Any employee who commits such an act is subject to disciplinary sanctions up to and including discharge from employment.
Any person who has knowledge that a District employee has physically or sexually abused a student must immediately report it to the District’s Level One investigator or designated alternate.
The District will respond promptly to allegations of abuse of students by school employees by investigating or arranging for a full investigation of any allegation. The processing of a complaint or allegation will be handled confidentially to the maximum extent possible. All employees are required to assist in the investigation when requested to provide information and to respect the confidentiality of the reporting and investigating process. The Title IX Coordinator must be notified whenever a complaint involves sexual abuse allegations so that the procedures mandated by Title IX can be implemented as appropriate.
The Board has designated a Level One investigator and an alternate Level One investigator, and has arranged for or contracted with a trained, experienced professional to serve as the Level Two investigator, including law enforcement authorities or the county attorney’s office, personnel of the local office of the Department of Human Services, or private parties experienced and knowledgeable in the area of an abuse investigation. The Level Two investigator shall not be a District employee. The Level One investigator and alternate will be provided training in the conducting of an investigation at the expense of the District. Initial training shall be undertaken within six (6) months of appointment and follow-up training shall be undertaken at least once every five (5) years.
On an annual basis, the Board shall identify the names of the Level One investigator and alternate at an open public meeting of the Board and shall direct that the names or positions of the Level One investigator and alternate, and their telephone numbers or other contact information be published in the local newspaper. That information shall also be included in the Parent/Guardian-Student Handbook and prominently displayed in all buildings operated by the District.
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall prescribe rules in accordance with the regulations adopted by the State Board of Education to carry out this policy.
- First Adoption:
- 2020-08-24
- Reviewed Dates:
- July 21, 2020
- Legal Reference:
-
Iowa Code § 280.17
281 I.A.C. Chapter 102