205 - Board Member Liability

Board members will not be held personally liable for actions taken in the performance of their duties and responsibilities vested in them by the laws of Iowa and the members of the school district community. In carrying out the duties and responsibilities of their office, board members will act in good faith.

The school district will defend, save harmless and indemnify board members against tort claims or demands, whether groundless or otherwise, arising out of an alleged act or omission occurring within the scope of their official duties, unless the act constitutes a willful or wanton act or omission. The school district, however, cannot save harmless or indemnify board members for punitive damages.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Wood v. Strickland, 420 U.S. 308 (1975).
                                       42 U.S.C. §§ 1983, 1985
                                       Iowa Code ch. 670.

I.C. Iowa Code References                                Description
Iowa Code § 670                                               Tort Liability of Gov't Subdivisions

U.S.C. - United States Code References              Description
42 U.S.C. § 1985                                               Public Health - Civil Rights Interference
42 U.S.C. §§ 1983                                             Public Health - Civil Rights

U.S. Supreme Court References                         Description
420 U.S. 308                                                     Wood v Strickland (1975)

Case Law References                                        Description
Wood v. Strickland                                           420 U.S. 308 (1975).

Cross References:  213  Public Participation in Board Meetings
                                         709  Insurance Program
                                         903.04  Public Conduct on School Premises

Approved: 11/16/2015, 1/14/2019, 10/16/2023, 1/21/2025
Reviewed: 12/16/2024
Revised: 12/16/2024