Westwood Legal Notifications

Equal Employment Opportunity

Inquiries by employees or applicants for employment regarding compliance with equal employment opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, will be directed to Connie Smits, Affirmative Action Coordinator by writing to the Affirmative Action Coordinator, Westwood Community School District, 1000 Rebel Way, Sloan, Iowa 51055; or by telephoning 712 428 3355. 

Inquiries by employees or applicants for employment regarding compliance with equal employment opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VII office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 310 W. Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 800, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53203-2292, (414) 291-1111 or the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14^th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121 or 1-800-457-4416, http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc/index.html.  This inquiry or complaint to the federal office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.

Further information and copies of the procedures for filing a complaint are available in the school district's central administrative office and the administrative office in each attendance center.

Open Enrollment

            Parents who wish to transfer their child out of the district under Open Enrollment may pick up appropriate forms in the office of the superintendent.  These forms must be completed and returned to the superintendent’s office on or before March 1^st of the year preceding the year in which the student wishes to transfer.  The deadline is September 1^st for those entering kindergarten.  This deadline may be waived if the parents show good cause which for the purposes of open enrollment means a change in the status of a child or a change in the status of the child’s resident district.  A change in the status of a child includes a change in the child’s residence due to a change in the family residence, a change in the state in which the family residence is located, a change in a child’s parents’ marital status, a guardianship proceeding, placement in foster care, adoption, participation in a foreign exchange program, participation in a substance abuse or mental health treatment program, or a similar set of circumstances consistent with the definition of a good cause.  A change in the status of the resident district includes failure of negotiations for whole-grade sharing, reorganization, a dissolution agreement, rejection of a current whole-grade sharing agreement, a reorganization plan, or a similar set of circumstances consistent with the definition of good cause.  If the good cause relates to a change in the status of a child’s school district of residence, however, action by a parent must be taken to file the notification within forty-five days of the 1st board action or within thirty days of the certification of the election, whichever is applicable to the circumstances.

Student Fee Waiver and Reduction Procedures

            Students whose families meet the income guidelines for free and reduced price lunch, the Family Investment Program (FIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), transportation assistance under open enrollment, or who are in foster care are eligible to have their student fees waived or partially waived.  Students whose families are experiencing a temporary financial difficulty may be eligible for a temporary waiver of student fees.  Parents or students who believe they qualify for temporary financial hardship should contact the principal or secretary at registration time for a waiver form.  This waiver does not carry over from year to year and must be completed annually.

Fines or charges assessed for damage or loss to school property are not fees and will not be waived.

Multicultural and Nonsexist Equity Education Opportunity Policy

            The Westwood Community School District is committed to providing an educational program that is multicultural and nonsexist.  Multicultural, nonsexist education is the district’s planned curriculum and instruction, which educates students about the cultural diversity of our society.

            The board will not discriminate in its educational activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status.  The board requires all persons, agencies, vendors, contractors and other persons and organizations doing business with or performing services for the school district to subscribe to all applicable federal and state laws, executive orders, rules and regulations pertaining to contract compliance and equal opportunity.  The board is committed to the policy that no otherwise qualified person will be excluded from educational activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.  Further, the board affirms the right of all students and staff to be treated with respect and to be protected from intimidation, discrimination, physical harm and harassment.

Notice to Homeless Children of School Age

The Westwood School under Chapter 281-33 wishes to notify you that our school is available to you. We can assist with records, immunization, waiver of fees, etc… to help get you started. Please contract our Homeless Liaisons, Secondary Principal 712-428-3303 or Elementary Principal 712-428-3200 for further information. If you prefer our school is located at 1000 Rebel Way, which is on the east edge of Sloan, Iowa.

Student Abuse Investigators

            If a student, school district employee, or other member of the school district community believes a child has suffered abuse by a school district employee in the course of his/her employment, it should be reported to the designated investigator immediately.

Level I Investigators:  Sue Oberg (428-3303) & Connie Smits (428-3200).

Non-Discrimination Policy

Students, parents, employees and others doing business with or performing services for the Westwood Community School District are hereby notified that this school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (except students), religion, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities.

The school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (except students), religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its hiring and employment practices.  Any person having inquiries concerning the school district's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), § 504 or Iowa Code § 280.3 is directed to contact:

Equity Coordinator – Connie Smits, Westwood Guidance Office, Westwood Schools, 1000 Rebel Way, Sloan, IA 51055 712 428 3355, who has been designated by the school district to coordinate the school district's efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the ADA, § 504 and Iowa Code § 280.3 (2007).

Westwood Equity Action Plan

July 2009

Board Action for Updating Plan

Index:

·         Westwood Equity Statement

·         Internal Monitoring and Reporting Statement

·         Affirmative Action Committee

·         Meeting Schedule

·         Affirmative Action Coordinator

·         Identification of Areas of Concern

·         Numerical Goals

·         Qualitative Goals

Westwood Equity Statement

It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school district.  Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use it and its education program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth.  In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same opportunity.

The board supports the delivery of the education program and services to students free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.  This concept of equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to school district facilities, employment, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students.

In the delivery of the education program, students will treat the employees with respect and students will receive the same in return.  Employees have the best interests of the students in mind and will assist them in school-related or personal matters if they are able to do so.  Students should feel free to discuss problems, whether school-related or personal, with the guidance counselor or other employees.

Students will have an equal opportunity for a quality education without discrimination, regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, color, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

The education program is free of discrimination and provides equal opportunity for the students.  The education program will foster knowledge of and respect and appreciation for the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups, as well as men and women, to society.  Special emphasis is placed on Asian Americans, African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans and persons with disabilities.  It will also reflect the wide variety of roles open to both men and women and provide equal opportunity to both sexes.

Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, are directed to the Affirmative Action Coordinator by writing to the Affirmative Action Coordinator, Connie Smits, Westwood Guidance Counselor, Westwood Community School District, Sloan, Iowa 51055; or by telephoning712 428 3355.

Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VII office of Civil Rights, http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc/index.html U.S. Department of Education 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, MO.  64114 (816) 268-0550 or Iowa Dept. of Education, Grimes State Office Bldg., Des Moines, IA. (515) 281-5294.  This inquiry or complaint to the federal or state office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.

Further information and copies of the procedures for filing a complaint are available in the school district's central administrative office and the administrative office in each attendance center.

Internal Monitoring and Reporting Statement

1.                  The Affirmative Action Committee will be infused into the District Leadership Team (DLT) according to criteria that makes every effort to reflect the diversity of the American culture. The DLT will review the Affirmative Action Plan yearly focusing on the goals and areas of concern identified during the previous year. New goals will be developed if deemed appropriate.

2.                  The finding of the DLT will be presented to the Westwood School Board annually.

3.                  Any changes to the Affirmative Action Plan shall be placed on the Westwood School web site at www.westwood.k12.ia.us and forwarded to the appropriate governmental agencies.

4.                  Changes to the Affirmative Action Plan will also be addressed in the Staff Handbook and Family Handbook annually.

Affirmative Action Committee

1.                  Kirk Ahrends, Superintendent

2.                  Steve Lemke, Secondary Principal

3.                  Connie Smits, EOE/AA Coordinator

4.                  Plus members of the DLT

Meeting Schedule

The DLT will meet at least once each year and review the district goals and data and report to the board.

Affirmative Action Coordinator

1.         Review equal opportunity and affirmative action policy. If changes are not made, submit to board for re-confirmation. If changes are recommended, submit to board for action, noting the changes. 

2.         Analyze current staff and compare current staff with staff composition shown in previous plan.

3.         Prepare a summary of changes in staff composition including changes in totals as well as the demographic composition of the staff.

4.         Review relevant labor market areas used in the past and determine if they are appropriate or should be changed for one or more job categories.

5.         Determine number and percentages of women, men, and minorities that are available for each job (or job group) by the use of the following:

            a. Availability of individuals with requisite qualifications in the relevant labor market.

            b. Analysis of the demographic composition of the applicants for positions during the past two years.

6.         Compare demographic composition of current staff for each job (or job group) with that of the relevant labor market. Determine whether underrepresentation exists. If underrepresentation exists examine vacancy trends and other factors such as enrollment trends and current budget.

7.         Perform the qualitative analysis. Review what has been done under previous qualitative goals. If previous goals were not accomplished, decide whether those goals were valid and if so, recommend them for re-adoption. Determine if additional goals are needed and, if so, develop and recommend them to the board for adoption.

8.         Work with District Leadership team for receiving systematic input.

9.         Submit proposed updated affirmative action plan to board for action every two years.

10.       Implement plan according to schedule, including annual dissemination of policies internally and externally.

11.       Receive and process any complaints as provided by policies.

Identification of Areas of Concern

1.                  There are only two male staff members in pk-5^th grade.

2.                  There is no male in the aide position pk-12^th grade.

3.                  There is no male in the nutrition program pk-12^th grade.

4.                  There is only one minority on the pk-12^th staff although there have been in the past.

Numerical Goals

1.                  Increase the numbers of male staff members in pk-5^th grade by at least one member. However, with declining enrollment there are limited positions projected to be open in the near future.

2.                  Increase the number of male staff members in the aide positions by at least one.

3.                  Increase the number of male staff members in the nutrition program by at least one.

4.                  Increase the number of minority staff pk-12^th by at least one member.

Qualitative Goals

The qualitative analysis conducted identified specific areas for improvement in equitable employment practices. While progress has been made the goals should be ongoing for the district.

1.                  Board Policy: The school board will publicize a statement reflective of the essential elements of the policy on Affirmative Action in all major publications and the district web site.

2.                  Grievance Procedure: Information pertaining to the district’s grievance procedures will be communicated to staff through the staff handbook. The same information will be included in all major publications and the district’s web site.

3.                  Job Descriptions: The district will provide job descriptions that are EOE/AA compliant for each position in the district.

4.                  Recruitment: In an effort to equalize minority representation job advertisements for full-time positions will be made in newspapers in diverse job markets like Sioux City, Omaha, and Des Moines. Internet based advertisements will also be used where available.

5.                  Application process: The school district will review the application process to include application forms that are EOE/AA compliant.

6.                  Interviews: Increased awareness will be given to maintain equity in the interview process.

Appendix A

(Supporting equity policies)

Policy 102 Equal Education Opportunity, Notice and Grievance Forms and Procedures

Policy 302.1 Superintendent Qualifications, Recruitment, Appointment

Policy 303.2 Administrator Qualifications, Recruitment, Appointment

Policy 401.1 Equal Employment Opportunity

Policy 402 Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Harassment Prohibited

Policy 405.2 Licensed Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection

Policy 411.2 Classified Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection

Policy 500 Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for Students

Policy 502.10 Equal Educational Opportunities: Prohibition of Harassment, Bully and Hazing of Students, Grievance Forms and Procedures

Policy 600 Goals and Objectives of the educational program

Policy 603.4 Multicultural/Gender Fair Education