402.03 - Abuse of Students by School District Employees

Physical or sexual abuse of students, including but not limited to sexual or physical relationships, grooming behavior, and otherwise inappropriate relationships with students by employees will not be tolerated. The definition of employees for the purpose of this policy includes not only those who work for pay but also those who are volunteers of the school district under the direction and control of the school district. Employees found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

The school district will respond promptly to allegations of abuse of students by school district employees by timely reporting to all relevant agencies as required by law. The processing of a complaint or allegation will be handled confidentially to the maximum extent possible. Employees are required to assist in the investigation when requested to provide information and to maintain the confidentiality of the reporting and investigation process. If the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reports to the board of directors of the district that an allegation of abuse of a student has been made against a school employee, the district will place the employee on administrative leave until the resolution of the investigation. The employee will be prohibited from entering school property while on administrative leave.

The superintendent is responsible for drafting administrative regulations to implement this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 232.67, .70, .73, .75; 235A; 256.160; 272A; 280.17; 709; 728.12(1).
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.3(12), 102; 103.
                                      441 I.A.C. 155; 175.

I.C. Iowa Code                                      Description
Iowa Code § 232                                   Juvenile Justice
Iowa Code § 235A                                Child Abuse
Iowa Code § 272A                                Interstate Agreement of Qualification of Ed Personnel
Iowa Code § 280.17                              Uniform School Requirements - Child abuse reporting
Iowa Code § 709                                   Sexual Abuse
Iowa Code § 728.12                              Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
Iowa Code § 256.160                             DE - Reporting Requirements-complaints

I.A.C Iowa Administrative Code            Description
281 I.A.C. 102                                      Abuse of Students by School Employees Investigation Procedures
281 I.A.C. 103                                      Corporal Punishment, Physical Restraint, Seclusion
281 I.A.C. 12.3                                     Administration
441 I.A.C. 155                                      Human Services - Child Abuse Prevention
441 I.A.C. 175                                      Human Services - Abuse of Children

Cross References:  104  Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy
                                        104-R(1)  Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Investigation Procedures
                                        104-E(1)  Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Complaint Form
                                        104-E(2)  Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Witness Disclosure Form
                                        104-E(3)  Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Disposition of Complaint Form
                                        401.06  Limitations to Employment References
                                        402.02  Child Abuse Reporting
                                        503.05  Corporal Punishment - Mechanical Restraint and Prone Restraint
                                        503.06  Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students
                                        503.06-R(1)  Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students - Regulation
                                        503.06-E(1)  Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students - Documentation Form
                                        503.06-E(2)  Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students - Debriefing Letter to Guardian of student Involved in an Occurrence Where Physical
                                                   Restraint or Seclusion was Used
                                        503.06-E(3)  Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students - Debriefing Meeting Document

Approved: 2/15/2016, 8/16/2021, 11/21/2022, 11/20/2023, 2/18/2025, 9/15/2025
Reviewed: 8/15/2025
Revised: 8/15/2025