603.03 - Special Education

The board recognizes some students have different educational needs than other students. The board will provide a free appropriate public education program and related services to students identified in need of special education. The special education services will be provided from birth until the appropriate education is completed, age twenty-one or to maximum age allowable in accordance with the law. Students requiring special education will attend general education classes, participate in nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities and receive services in a general education setting to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of each individual student. The appropriate education for each student is written in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). 

Special education students are required to meet the requirements listed for special education students in board policy 505.05 and in their IEPs for graduation. It is the responsibility of the superintendent and the area education agency director of special education to provide or make provisions for appropriate special education and related services. 

Children from birth through age 2 and children age 3 through age 5 are provided comprehensive special education services within the public education system. The school district will work in conjunction with the area education agency to provide services, at the earliest appropriate time, to children with disabilities from birth through age 2. This is done to ensure a smooth transition of children entitled to early childhood special education services. 

 

Legal Reference: Board of Education v. Rowley, 458 U.S. 176 (1982). 

Springdale School District #50 v. Grace, 693 F.2d 41 (8th Cir. 1982). 

Southeast Warren Comm. School District v. Dept. of Public Instruction, 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979). 

20 U.S.C. §§1400 et seq. 

34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq. 

Iowa Code §§ 256.11(7); 256B; 273.1, .2, .5, .9(2)-(3); 280.8. 

281 I.A.C. 41.109; 41.404 

 

I.C. Iowa Code Description 

Iowa Code § 256.11 DE - Educational Standards 

Iowa Code § 256B Special Education 

Iowa Code § 273 AEAs 

Iowa Code § 280.8 Uniform School Requirements - Special Education 

 

I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code Description 

281 I.A.C 41.404 Special Education - Policies 

281 I.A.C. 41.109 Special Education - FEOG 

U.S.C. - United States Code Description 

20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 IDEA - General Provisions 

 

U.S. Supreme Court Description 

480 U.S. 279 School Board of Nassau Cnty. V Arline (1987) 

 

Case Law Description 

Board of Education v. Rowley 458 U.S. 176 (1982) 

SE Warren CSD v. Dept. of Public Instruction 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979) 

Springdale SD #50 v. Grace 693 F.2d 41 (8th Cir. 1982) 

 

Cross References Description 

501.16 Homeless Children and Youth 

503.01 Student Conduct 

503.01-R(1) Student Conduct - Regulation 

505.05 Graduation Requirements 

506.01 Education Records Access 

506.01-R(1) Education Records Access - Regulation 

506.01-E(1) Education Records Access - Request of Nonparent for Examination or Copies of Education Records 

506.01-E(2) Education Records Access - Authorization for Release of Education Records 

506.01-E(3) Education Records Access - Request for Hearing on Correction of Education Records 

506.01-E(4) Education Records Access - Request for Examination of Education Records 

506.01-E(5) Education Records Access - Notification of Transfer of Education Records 

506.01-E(6) Education Records Access - Letter to Parent Regarding Receipt of a Subpoena 

506.01-E(7) Education Records Access - Juvenile Justice Agency Information Sharing Agreement 

506.01-E(8) Education Records Access - Annual Notice 

507.02 Administration of Medication to Students 

507.02-E(1) Administration of Medication to Students - Authorization - Asthma, Airway Constricting or Respiratory Distress Medication Self-Administration Consent Form 

507.02-E(2) Administration of Medication to Students - Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Medication or Special Health Services to Students 

507.02-E(3) Administration of Medication to Students - Parental Authorization and Release Form for Independent Self Carry and Administration of Prescribed Medication or Independent Delivery of Health Services by the Student 

507.02-E(4) Administration of Medication to Students - Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Voluntary School Stock of Over-the- Counter Medication to Students 

507.08 Student Special Health Services 

507.08-R(1) Student Special Health Services - Regulation 

601.01 School Calendar 

711.01 Student School Transportation Eligibility 

802.05 Buildings & Sites Adaptation for Persons with Disabilities 

 

Approved: 6/20/2016, 9/20/2021, 10/21/2026

Reviewed: 10/21/2026

Revised: 10/21/2026