MPCSD clarifies equal education opportunities with policy changes

MT. PLEASANT — Mt. Pleasant Community School District seek to initiate change in Policy Series 100 to clarify equal educational opportunities, including additional contact resources for student inquires and complaints concerning these policies.

The Equal Education Opportunity Policy 104 will hence forth read, “It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school district.”

“Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use its education program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth.”

“In doing so, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same educational opportunity.”

For questions or grievances contact the Director of Instruction, Equity Coordinator at (319) 385-7750.

Additionally, the Policy 100 series states that Board policies, regulations, and rules affect students while they are on school property or on property under school jurisdiction.

They are also in affect while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles, while attending or participating in school activities, and even while away from school grounds if misconduct directly affects “the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.”

Students with questions about compliance with the equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies should contact the school superintendent at (319) 385-7750.

The policy change also allows for students to make inquiries in writing to the Director of Region VII office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago Il., 60604 or OCR.Chicago@ed.gov for email.

Other avenues for contact include the Iowa Civil Rights Commissioner, https://icrc.iowa.gov, or the Iowa Department of Education, Grimes, State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319.

Student inquiry or complaint to the federal or state office may be submitted instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.

According to Mt. Pleasant CSD Administrative Assistance Cindy Smith, first reading occurred at the Oct. 10 board meeting, the second reading will take place at the Nov. 14 meeting.

“If it is approved, then the changes will go into effect at the November meeting,” Smith said.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com