Generally, students may not be interviewed during the school day by persons other than parents and school district officials and employees.
Requests from law enforcement officers and from persons other than parents, school district officials, and employees to interview students are made through the principal's office. Upon receiving a request, it is the responsibility of the principal to determine whether the request will be granted. Generally, prior to granting a request, the principal will attempt to contact the parents to inform them of the request and to ask them to be present.
If a child abuse investigator wishes to interview a student, the principal will defer to the investigator's judgment as to whether the student should be interviewed independently from the student's parents, whether the school is the most appropriate setting for the interview, and who will be present during the interview.
Students will not be taken from school without the consent of the principal and without proper warrant.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 232; 280.17.
281 I.A.C. 102.
441 I.A.C. 9.2; 155; 175.
I.C. Iowa Code Description
Iowa Code § 232 Juvenile Justice
Iowa Code § 280.17 Uniform School Requirements - Child abuse reporting
I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code Description
281 I.A.C. 102 Abuse of Students by School Employees Investigation Procedures
441 I.A.C. 155 Human Services - Child Abuse Prevention
441 I.A.C. 175 Human Services - Abuse of Children
441.I.A.C. 9.2 Human Services - Statement of Policy
Cross References 402.02 Child Abuse Reporting
502.10 Use of Motor Vehicles
902.02 News Conferences and Interviews
Approved: 7/18/2016, 9/20/2021, 1/28/2026
Reviewed: 12/15/2025
Revised: 12/15/2025
