CHAPTER 19
ATTENDANCE CENTERS
281—19.1(256,279) Policy. The board of directors of a school district has discretion as to the number of attendance centers it shall operate within the district. The process for determining whether to close an attendance center must involve public notice, public consideration and public involvement. The policies set forth in rule 281—19.2(256,279) are meant to ensure full opportunity for public participation in the relevant events. It is intended that the policies shall be implemented by local boards in such a way as will most reasonably accommodate the specific facts and circumstances surrounding the decision with which the local board is faced.
281—19.2(256,279) Attendance center closing procedure. When making a decision regarding whether to close an attendance center within its district, the board of directors of a school district shall substantially comply with all of the following steps.
	19.2(1) The board shall establish a timeline in advance for carrying out the procedures involved in making the decision on the matter, focusing all aspects of the timeline upon the anticipated date that the board will make its final decision.
	19.2(2) The board shall inform segments of the community within its district that the matter is under consideration by the board. This shall be done in a manner reasonably calculated to apprise the public of that information.
	19.2(3) The board shall seek public input in all study and planning steps involved in making the decision.
	19.2(4) The board and groups and individuals selected by the board shall carry out sufficient research, study and planning. The research, study and planning shall include consideration of, at a minimum, student enrollment statistics, transportation costs, financial gains and losses, program offerings, plant facilities, and staff assignment.
	19.2(5) The board shall promote open and frank public discussion of the facts and issues involved.
	19.2(6) The board shall make a proper record of all steps taken in the making of the decision.
	19.2(7) The board shall make its final decision in an open meeting with a record made thereof.
281—19.3(256,279) Grade realignments. When making a decision regarding a realignment of the grades to be taught in an attendance center within its district, the board of directors of a school district shall substantially comply with all of the following steps.
	19.3(1) The board and groups and individuals selected by the board shall carry out sufficient research, study and planning. The research, study and planning shall include consideration of, at a minimum, student enrollment statistics, transportation costs, financial gains and losses, program offerings, plant facilities, and staff assignment.
	19.3(2) The board shall post or cause to be posted the grade realignment proposal in a prominent place at the affected attendance center(s). The board shall also publish the grade realignment proposal in the agenda of an upcoming board meeting open to the public.
	19.3(3) The board shall promote open and frank public discussion of the facts and issues involved.
	19.3(4) The board shall make its final decision in an open meeting with a record made thereof.
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 256.7(5) and 279.11.
[Filed 5/9/03, Notice 4/2/03—published 5/28/03, effective 7/2/03]