PURPOSE OF PROGRAM
 
The purpose of the School Lunch Program shall be to provide nutritional, balanced meals to the students of the school district on a self-supporting, non-profit basis and to utilize the program as an instrument for the teaching of nutrition education.
 
 
Legal Reference.:          Iowa Code Section 283A.1
 
 
Adopted:  January 13, 1986                  
 
Reviewed:   February 13, 1995
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006
August, 2008
December 16, 2013

SCOPE OF PROGRAM
 
School food service facilities are provided to serve students and all school personnel when school is in session and during school related activities.  Facilities may also be used under the supervision of the Food Service personnel for:  (1)  teacher or other school personnel groups, (2)  parent-teacher meetings, (3)  civic organization meetings for the purpose of better understanding the schools, and  (4)  senior citizens.
 
The child nutrition program shall be under the supervision of the manager of Food Service who will prepare menus and recipes, initiate purchasing, recommend personnel for employment, promotion, or dismissal, and conduct in-service training programs. The superintendent will establish and maintain a central record system, develop standards, and approve in-service training programs.
 
 
Adopted:  January 13, 1986                  
 
Reviewed:   February 13, 1995
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006
August, 2008
December 16, 2013

FINANCIAL SUPPORT
 
District tax funds may, upon approval of the Board of Directors, be used to provide necessary physical plant facilities, purchase the initial equipment necessary for the establishment of food service in new or existing building, replace major items of equipment, and for payment of the salary of the manager of Food Service.
 
 
Legal Reference:           Iowa Code Section 283A.2
 
 
Adopted:  January 13, 1986                  
 
Reviewed:   February 13, 1995
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006
August, 2008
December 16, 2013

ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE OR REDUCED-COST MEALS
 
Students enrolled and attending school in the school district, who are unable to afford the cost or a portion of the cost of the school lunch, breakfast and supplemental foods, will be provided the school food program services at no cost or at a reduced cost.  Whether or not a particular child is eligible for free or reduced price meals or milk will be determined by the building principal in accordance with guidelines set by the National School Lunch program.  Decisions on eligibility may be appealed to the superintendent of schools.
 
In accordance with the guidelines for participation in the National School Lunch program, and in accordance with the wishes of the Board, no child who a teacher believes is improperly nourished will be denied a meal simply because the proper papers have not been filed by his/her parents or guardian.  The needs of the individual child will always be considered first.
 
The criteria and procedures for determining a student's need and the steps to secure free or reduced price meals will be outlined and made known to the general public by the superintendent.  These criteria and procedures are established at the state/federal level.
 
Students who participate in free or reduced price meal programs will not be distinguished in any way from students who pay the regular price; great care shall be taken to protect the anonymity of these students.  Their names will not be made known to any person except such staff member or members as needed to make the special arrangements for them.
 
The Board, in accordance with state and federal requirements, adopts an annual policy statement as recommended by the Department of Public Instruction, Child Nutrition Program Division of the State of Iowa.  When such a policy is adopted, a copy of the policy statement and attachments will be included in the minutes of the Board.
 
Note:                The annual agreement on participation in food programs between the school district and the state is on file in the office of the superintendent , together with copies of application forms, news releases, and appeal procedures.  Copies of application forms are also available from each building principal's office.
 
 
Legal Reference:           Iowa Code Chapter 283A
 
 
Adopted:  January 13, 1986                  
 
Reviewed:   February 13, 1995        
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006
August, 2008
December 16, 2013
 
Revised:  March 15, 2004

LOCAL AND STATE TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONS
 
The policy and rules and regulations for the transportation of pupils to and from school shall be in compliance with statutory provisions, State Department of Public Instruction regulations, and rules established and approved by the Board of Directors.
 
 
Legal References:          Iowa Code Chapters 285, 321
 
 
Adopted:  January 13, 1986                  
 
Reviewed:   February 13, 1995
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006
August, 2008
December 16, 2013

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY FOR BUS SERVICE
 
The following requirements are set by law:
 
--Elementary students living more than two miles--and high school students living more than three miles--from their designated school will be furnished transportation.
 
--Students may be required to meet a school bus on an approved route a distance of not more than three-fourths of a mile from their home.  Distances may exceed three-fourths of a mile when snow/emergency routes are necessary.
 
--When transportation by school bus is impracticable or where school bus service is not available, the Board may require the parents or guardians to transport their children to the school designated for attendance.  The parent or guardian will be reimbursed for such transportation as designated by statute.
 
--Distance to school or to a bus route will be measured only on the public highway.  The Board will determine the safest and most passable route, which will start in the roadway opposite the private entrance to the residence of the student and end in the roadway opposite the entrance to the school grounds or designated point on the route.
 
--Students attending nonpublic schools will be provided transportation in accordance with the provisions and restrictions of the statutes.
 
 
Note:                For the purpose of determining the distance a student must live from his/her designated school before he or she is entitled to transportation, "high school" means a school which commences with either grade 9 or grade 10, as designated by the Board of Directors under their policy organizing the schools' instructional pattern.
 
 
Legal References:          Iowa Code Sections 285.1 et seq.;  Chapter 321
Iowa Administrative Code 22.1 (1) through (6)
 
 
Cross Reference:           702 and all subcodes (all pertain to transportation)
 
 
Adopted:  January 13, 1986                  
 
Reviewed:   February 13, 1995        
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006 
August, 2008
December 16, 2013
 
Revised:  April 10, 1995

SPECIAL EDUCATION BUS SERVICE
 
Transportation for Handicapped Students
 
Resident students who qualify for special education classes and are assigned to a school approved by the State Department of Public Instruction in this or a neighboring school district will be provided transportation as required by state and federal law pertaining to the education of handicapped students.  When transportation by school bus is impracticable, the Board may require the parents or guardians to transport their children to the designated school; the parent or guardian will be reimbursed for such transportation as provided by law.
 
 
Legal References:          P.L. 94-132, Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
Sec. 504, Voactional Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Iowa Code Sections 281.4: 285.11
Iowa Administrative Code 12.9
 
 
Cross References:          602.6    Special Education
702.1    Local and State Transportation Regulations (Note)
 
 
Adopted:  January 13, 1986                  
 
Reviewed:   February 13, 1995
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006
August, 2008
December 16, 2013

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES BUS SERVICE
 
School buses may be used to transport students and assigned teachers to and from extra-curricular activities, when such activities are part of the regular and summer school program and sponsored by the school.
 
School buses may also be used by an organization of, or sponsoring activities for, senior citizens, children, handicapped persons.
 
 
Legal References:          Iowa Code Section 285.11(6)
Iowa Administrative Code 22.10(1); 22.10(5)
 
 
Cross References:          504       Student Activities
602.13  Co-Curricular Activities
 
 
Adopted:  January 13, 1986                  
 
Reviewed:   February 13, 1995
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006
August, 2008
December 16, 2013

TRANSPORTATION INSURANCE PROGRAM
 
The Board of Directors shall carry insurance on all school owned, leased or borrowed motor vehicles, including buses.  The following type and amounts of insurance should be carried:
 
      Comprehensive Auto Liability Insurance
 
Bodily Injury & Property Damage  (at least)    $1,000,000. single limit
 
Medical Payments  (at least)                            $       2,000. each person
 
Uninsured Motorist  (at least)                          $      30,000. each student
 
      Auto Physical Damage Insurance
 
All covered autos are afforded actual cash value comprehensive and $100.00 or more deductible collision.
 
The automobile liability and medical payment insurance shall provide coverage for all activities and during all time periods as specified by the Board of Directors in accordance with the law.
 
 
Legal References:          Iowa Code Section 285.10(6), 285.10(9), 285.10(10), 613A.7
 
 
Adopted:  January 13, 1986                  
 
Reviewed:   April 10, 1995
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006
August, 2008
December 16, 2013

REGULATIONS FOR STUDENTS RIDING BUSES
 
Bus transportation for students enrolled in the school district is one of the requirements set forth by the Iowa State Department of Public Instruction.  In complying with this requirement, the Board is authorized to establish policies and regulations that will ensure safe transportation for all students.
 
Although the law requires the district to provide transportation, it does not relieve parents from the responsibility of supervision until such time as the child boards the bus and after the child leaves the bus at the end the school day.  Nor does it relieve students from the responsibility to behave in an orderly and safe manner on the bus.  School bus transportation is a privilege that can be taken away any time a student's conduct is considered bad enough to jeopardize the safety of the other passengers.  The right to safe transportation will not be taken from an entire busload of students because a few of them disobey the rules.
 
Those students guilty of flagrant, repeated, or gross disobedience or misconduct on school buses are subject to suspension within the guidelines of the district's Student Suspension Policy, Code No. 502.2.  Continued violation of bus rules will be considered sufficient cause for refusing to transport the student(s) involved, and may lead to suspension from school, depending upon the seriousness of the matter.
 
The bus driver shall have complete control of the bus and the students he or she is transporting for the duration of the bus ride.  Any problem arising with a student will be promptly reported to the building principal, who shall discipline the student in accordance with procedures developed by the superintendent and approved by the Board.
 
 
Legal References:          Iowa Code Section 285.10;  321.372
Iowa Administrative Code 22.40;  22.43
Court Cases:  Johnson v. Swoboda 260 N.W. 2d 530 1977
 
 
Cross References:          503.1 R1  Student Suspension
 
 
Adopted:  January 13, 1986                  
 
Reviewed:   February 13, 1995
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006
August, 2008
December 16, 2013

BUS USAGE BY NONRESIDENT STUDENTS
 
Subject to the prior claim of resident students, any student not residing in the district but accepted on a tuition basis may be transported on a district bus over a regularly established bus route, provided prior approval is obtained from the superintendent of schools.  This approval may be withdrawn should the granting of bus privileges to nonresident students cause an overload on a bus.
 
Students who qualify under the school district's policy on the admission of nonresident students are not required to pay transportation costs (see Code No. 501.6).
 
 
Legal References:          Iowa Code Section 285.1(10)et seq.;  HF 2551, 7/1/80, SF 552, 7/1/81 A.D.A.
 
Cross References:          501.5    Resident Students
501.6    Nonresident Students
 
 
Adopted:  January 13, 1986                  
 
Reviewed:   February 13, 1995
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006
August, 2008
December 16, 2013

SPECIAL CONVENIENCE BUS STOPS
 
No bus shall leave the public highway to receive or discharge students unless their safety is ensured or the private road is maintained in the same manner as the public highway.
 
A bus shall not stop to load or unload students unless the driver has an unobstructed view of at least 300 feet in each direction, except to the extent that visibility is reduced by fog, snow or other weather conditions.  In such circumstances, the driver is expected to use his/her best judgment to ensure the safety of the children and the bus.
 
 
Legal References:          Iowa Code 285.11(7);  321.372 as amended;  279.8 as amended
 
 
Cross References:          507.9    Emergency School Closings (Transportation in Poor Weather Conditions)
 
 
Adopted:  January 13, 1986                  
 
Reviewed:   February 13, 1995
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006
August, 2008
December 16, 2013

INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURES
 
The Superintendent is empowered to close the district schools, delay the opening of schools, or dismiss them early in the event of hazardous weather or other emergencies which threaten the health or safety of students and personnel.  Such action is never to be taken lightly, for public education is one of the principal functions of the community and should be maintained at a normal level except in extreme circumstances.
 
The School Districts buses 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 will be used that is possible with the information available.
 
If school is canceled, school opening is delayed, or school is dismissed early due to inclement weather conditions, announcements will be made on the local radio and television stations, the district hotline and website, Snowcap, and other communication technologies.
 
When weather conditions deteriorate after the buses are on route, the bus driver will make on route decisions concerning the visibility conditions and the safety of students.  Every attempt will be made to stop at all designated stops.  However, if visibility at any given stop is less than 300 feet, the bus will proceed onto the next safe stop.  Should conditions at a given location be such that the driver deems it unsafe to load or unload students, the bus driver will radio the dispatcher and advise the condition of the stop.  The dispatcher will instruct the driver to miss those stops and will call the homes of students involved advising parents to transport their own children.  It would be the parent's decision whether to send the children to school or keep them home.
 
When weather conditions deteriorate during the day after school has begun, students will be returned home if conditions permit.  If weather conditions make transportation too hazardous, students will be kept at their school of attendance until such time that road conditions permit school buses to transport them home or until parents can pick up the students at their attendance center.
 
 
Adopted:  January 13, 1986                  
 
Reviewed:   February 13, 1995     
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006
August, 2008
December 16, 2013
 
Revised:  November 11, 1997
January 20, 2014

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
 
It is the intention of this School District to provide safe student transportation for the district students eligible for bus service.  It is essential that the discipline on a school bus be such that the driver can give his/her attention to driving.  Students are expected to know and follow the rules for bus riders.  Those who do not will be subject to disciplinary action.
 
It should be remembered that it is not the bus driver nor the principal who excludes a student from riding the bus.  It is the student who excludes himself/herself with anti-social behavior which may endanger the student as well as others.
 
Parents who want their students to have school bus transportation and students who want such transportation have a major responsibility for seeing that school bus behavior standards are followed.
 
1.         Obey the bus driver at all times.
 
2.         Physical or verbal abuse (profanity or obscene language or gestures), damaging school or other students' property, and scuffling or wrestling are not permitted.  Intentional damage caused to seats or other parts of the bus is grounds for suspension from riding.  The student and the parent or guardian are responsible for payment for damage.
 
3.         Smoking or igniting any items or use of a controlled substance on a bus is prohibited.
 
4.         Hands, arms, and other parts of the body are not to be outside of the bus windows.  Spitting, throwing or shooting of any objects, either inside or outside of bus windows, are prohibited.  This includes use of water guns, rubber bands, paper, or any other materials.
 
5.         Shouting on the bus or out of the bus windows, and the use of whistles and/or other noise makers will not be allowed.  Noise on the bus is to be kept at a reasonable level.
 
 6.         Students are to remain seated at all times.  Aisles are to remain clear of feet and other items of obstruction.  There is to be no littering of bus floors.  Eating on the bus is allowed only by permission of driver.
 
7.         Students waiting to board a bus will stand a safe distance from the curb until  the bus comes to a complete stop and doors are opened.  Pushing or shoving while waiting to board the bus or when being seated is not permitted.
 
 
Adopted:  January 13, 1986                  
 
Reviewed:   February 13, 1995
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006
August, 2008
December 16, 2013

TRANSPORTATION:  SCHOOL SPONSORED ACTIVITIES
 
Students participating in a school sponsored activity shall ride in school transportation, under school supervision, to and from the activity unless the parent provides the coach or office with a written request for their child to return home with them or a parent of another student in the H-M-S School District.  Written request to ride with a parent of another student shall be submitted prior to leaving for the activity and shall include the name of the parent driving, date signature of the parent and a brief explanation for the need to transport the student separately from the team.
 
Summer sports/activities:  Students may ride to an out-of-district game or activity with a parent as described above by making a written request to the coach a minimum of one hour prior to the scheduled departure.
 
 
Adopted:  November 9, 1992                
 
Reviewed:   February 13, 1995
March 8, 1999
December 15, 2003
August, 2006
August, 2008
December 16, 2013

District Vehicle Idling
 
The board recognizes that it has a role in reducing environmental pollutants and in assisting students and others be free from pollutants that may impact their respiratory health.  Unnecessary vehicle idling emits pollutants and wastes fuel.  The board directs the superintendent, in conjunction with the Director of Transportation, to work on administrative regulations to implement this policy and reduce school vehicle idling time.
 
 
Legal References:  Iowa Code §279.8 (2007).
 
  
Cross References:  403  Employee Health and Well Being
507  Student Health and Well-Being
711  Transportation
 
 
Approved:  August 16, 2010 
 
Reviewed:  December 16, 2013