WELLMAN

Iowa’s School Safety Improvement Fund makes up to $50,000 per school building available for districts to implement recommended safety measures, and Mid-Prairie looks to take advantage of it. On Monday night, Superintendent Brian Stone introduced school board members to E3, a safety app available for all devices that shows what’s happening on campuses in real time during an emergency.

The app can connect to law enforcement and first responders, who can visually see specific areas of concern. It also would allow school staff to alert each other – bus drivers, school nurses, administrators, etc. – quickly and conveniently whenever help is needed.

“Is it perfect and does it do everything you want to do? It doesn’t, but it is just another means of communication that is just easy and efficient,” Stone said.

The board will further consider purchase of the app, which costs $3,000 to set up and $4,000 a year thereafter, at a future work session.

Policy Updates

The board approved second readings of a range of board policies at the Aug. 12 meeting, including those for Non-Instructional Operations and Business Service, Buildings and Sites, and School District-Community Relations.

The board also approved a second reading of IASB Board Policy Primer Updates, with the exception of one policy: 200.4 Board Member Social Media Engagement. The IASB recommended policy, which walks a line between acknowledging board members’ freedom of speech and expecting them to “always act in the best interests of the district” while using social media continues to be a sticking point.

Specifically, the policy cautions board members that if they discuss district-related matters on social media, “they may be prohibited from blocking individual communications and posters based upon the content of their posts.” Additionally, they must refrain from posts that violate “the district’s obligation to protect the privacy of its students and employees.”

“I think it’s unenforceable and likely to be misused,” Board President Jake Snider said.

Board members acknowledged the lack of clarity over who would monitor their social media engagement. They also wondered if protecting the privacy of students and employees wasn’t already covered under another policy.

The IASB notes that the policy is discretionary and merely reflects best practices. The board agreed to exclude it from the second reading and continue discussion at a future work session.

Additional Action

The board approved the Bank Depository Resolution for the 24-25 school year and accepted the 22-23 Independent Audit Report.

The board concluded the meeting with a tour of East Elementary and Middle Schools, where construction of additional classrooms and parking lot paving is nearing completion.

The Mid-Prairie Board of Education will next meet on Monday, Aug. 26 at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room for a work session.