100 Series- Educational Philosophy

101 Legal Status of the School District

Adopted: March 31, 2003 MSBA/MASA Model Policy 101
Revised: 2022 Rev. 2022

101 LEGAL STATUS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

I. PURPOSE
A primary principle of this nation is that the public welfare demands an educated and informed citizenry. The power to provide for public education is a state function vested in the state legislature and delegated to local school districts. The purpose of this policy is to clarify the legal status of the school district.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
A. The school district is a public corporation subject to the control of the legislature, limited only by constitutional restrictions. The school district has been created for educational purposes.
B. The legislature has authority to prescribe the school district’s powers and privileges, its boundaries and territorial jurisdictions.
C. The school district has only the powers conferred on it by the legislature; however, the school board’s authority to govern, manage, and control the school district, to carry out its duties and responsibilities, and to conduct the business of the school district includes implied powers in addition to any specific powers granted by the legislature.

III. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ENTITIES
A. The school district is a separate legal entity.
B. The school district is coordinate with and not subordinate to the county(ies) in which it is situated.
C. The school district is not subservient to municipalities within its territory.

IV. POWERS AND AUTHORITY OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
A. Funds
1. The school district, through its school board, has authority to raise funds for the operation and maintenance of its schools and authority to manage and expend such funds, subject to applicable law.
2. The school district has wide discretion over the expenditure of funds under its control for public purposes, subject to the limitations provided by law.
3. School district officials occupy a fiduciary position in the management and expenditure of funds entrusted to them.

B. Raising Funds
1. The school district shall, within the limitations specified by law, provide by levy of tax necessary funds for the conduct of schools, payment of indebtedness, and all proper expenses.
2. The school district may issue bonds in accordance with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 475, or other applicable law.
3. The school district has authority to accept gifts and donations for school purposes, subject to applicable law.

C. Property
1. The school district may acquire property for school purposes. It may sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of property which is no longer needed for school purposes, subject to applicable law.
2. The school district shall manage its property in a manner consistent with the educational functions of the district.
3. The school district may permit the use of its facilities for community purposes which are not inconsistent with, nor disruptive of, its educational mission.
4. School district officials hold school property as trustees for the use and benefit of students, taxpayers, and the community.

D. Contracts
1. The school district is empowered to enter into contracts in the manner provided by law.
2. The school district has authority to enter into installment purchases and leases with an option to purchase, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 465.71 or other applicable law.
3. The school district has authority to make contracts with other governmental agencies and units for the purchase, lease or other acquisition of equipment, supplies, materials, or other property, including real property.
4. The school district has authority to enter into employment contracts. As a public employer, the school district, through its designated representatives, shall meet and negotiate with public employees in an appropriate bargaining unit and enter into written collective bargaining agreements with such employees, subject to applicable law.

E. Textbooks, Educational Materials, and Studies
1. The school district, through its school board and administrators, has the authority to determine what textbooks, educational materials, and studies should be pursued.
2. The school district shall establish and apply the school curriculum.

F. Actions and Suits
The school district has authority to sue and to be sued.

Legal References:

Minn. Const. Art. 13, § 1
Minn. Stat. Ch. 123B (School District Powers and Duties)
Minn. Stat. Ch. 179A (Public Employment Labor Relations)
Minn. Stat. § 465.035 (Public Corporation, Conveyance or Lease of Land)
Minn. Stat. §§ 465.71; 471.345; 471.6161; 471.6175; 471.64 (Rights, Powers, Duties; Municipalities)
Minnesota Association of Public Schools v. Hanson, 287 Minn. 415, 178 N.W.2d 846 (1970)
Independent School District No. 581 v. Mattheis, 275 Minn. 383, 147 N.W.2d 374 (1966)
Village of Blaine v. Independent School District No. 12, 272 Minn. 343, 138 N.W.2d 32 (1965)
Huffman v. School Board, 230 Minn. 289, 41 N.W.2d 455 (1950)
State v. Lakeside Land Co., 71 Minn. 283, 73 N.W.970 (1898)

Cross References:

MSBA/MASA Model Policy 201 (Legal Status of School Board)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 603 (Curriculum Development)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 604 (Instructional Curriculum)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 606 (Textbooks and Instructional Materials)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 704 (Development and Maintenance of an Inventory of Fixed Assets and a Fixed Asset Accounting System)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 705 (Investments)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 706 (Acceptance of Gifts)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 801 (Equal Access to School Facilities)

102 Equal Educational Opportunity

Adopted: April 23, 2001 MSBA/MASA Model Policy 102
Revised: August 19, 2024 Rev. 2024

102 EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that equal educational opportunity is provided for all students of the school district.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

The policy of the school district is to provide equal educational opportunity for all students. The school district does not discriminate on the basis of one or more of the following: race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, parental status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, including gender identity and expression, or age. The school district also makes reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
The school district prohibits harassment and discrimination of any individual based on any of the protected classifications listed above. For information about the types of conduct that constitute violation of the school district’s policy on harassment and violence and the school district’s procedures for addressing such complaints, refer to the school district’s policy on harassment and violence (Policy 413).
The school district prohibits discrimination of students with a disability, within the intent of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”), who need services, accommodations, or programs in order to receive a free appropriate public education. For information as to protections that may apply pursuant to Section 504 and the school district’s corresponding procedures for addressing disability discrimination complaints, refer to the school district’s policy on student disability nondiscrimination (Policy 521).
The school district prohibits sexual harassment discrimination of any individual on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities. For information as to the protections that apply pursuant to Title IX and school district’s corresponding procedures and processes for addressing sexual harassment and discrimination, refer to the school district’s policy on Title IX sex nondiscrimination (Policy 522).
This policy applies to all areas of education including academics, coursework, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, or other rights or privileges of enrollment.
Every school district employee shall be responsible for complying with this policy
Any student, parent or guardian having a question regarding this policy should discuss it with the appropriate school district official as provided by policy. In the absence of a specific designee, an inquiry or a complaint should be referred to the superintendent.

Legal References:

Minn. Stat. § 121A.03, Subd. 2 (Sexual, Religious, and Racial Harassment and Violence Policy)
Minn. Stat. Ch. 363A (Minnesota Human Rights Act)
20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972)
42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq. (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964)
42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. (Americans with Disabilities Act)

Cross References:
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 413 (Harassment and Violence)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 521 (Student Disability Nondiscrimination)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 522 (Title IX Sex Nondiscrimination Policy, Grievance Procedure and Process)

103 Complaints - Students, Employees, Parents, Other Persons

Adopted: April 28, 2003 MSBA/MASA Model Policy 103
Revised February 15, 2022 Rev.2022

103 COMPLAINTS - STUDENTS, EMPLOYEES, PARENTS, OTHER PERSONS

I. PURPOSE

The school district takes seriously all concerns or complaints by students, employees, parents or other persons. If a specific complaint procedure is provided within any other policy of the school district, the specific procedure shall be followed in reference to such a complaint. If a specific complaint procedure is not provided, the purpose of this policy is to provide a procedure that may be used.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

Students, parents, employees or other persons, may report concerns or complaints to the school district. While written reports are encouraged, a complaint may be made orally. Any employee receiving a complaint shall advise the principal or immediate supervisor of the receipt of the complaint. The supervisor shall make an initial determination as to the seriousness of the complaint and whether the matter should be referred to the superintendent. If a person has a complaint with a coach or staff member, that person is encouraged to resolve the issue directly with that coach or staff member. If the complaint is not resolved at this level, it should be referred to the building administrator.
Depending upon the nature and seriousness of the complaint, the supervisor or other administrator receiving the complaint shall determine the nature and scope of the investigation or follow-up procedures. If the complaint involves serious allegations, the matter shall promptly be referred to the superintendent who shall determine whether an internal or external investigation should be conducted. In either case, the superintendent shall determine the nature and scope of the investigation and designate the person responsible for the investigation or follow-up relating to the complaint. The designated investigator shall ascertain details concerning the complaint and respond promptly to the appropriate administrator concerning the status or outcome of the matter.
The appropriate administrator shall respond in writing to the complaining party concerning the outcome of the investigation or follow-up, including any appropriate action or corrective measure that was taken. The superintendent shall be copied on the correspondence and consulted in advance of the written response when appropriate. The response to the complaining party shall be consistent with the rights of others pursuant to the applicable provisions of Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act) or other law.

Legal References:

Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act)

Cross References:

MSBA/MASA Model Policy 206 (Public Participation in School Board Meetings/Complaints about Persons at School Board Meetings and Privacy Considerations)

MSBA/MASA Model Policy 403 (Discipline, Suspension and Dismissal of School District Employees)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 413 (Harassment and Violence)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 514 (Bullying Prohibition)
MSBA School Law Bulletin “I” (School Records-Privacy-Access to Data)

101.1 Name of the School District

Adopted: April 28, 2003 MSBA/MASA Model Policy 101.1
Revised: 1999 Rev. 1999

101.1 NAME OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to clarify the name of the school district.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

Pursuant to statute, the official name of the school district is Independent School District No. 75. However, the school district is often referred to by other informal names. In order to avoid confusion and to encourage consistency in school district letterheads, signage, publications and other materials, the school board intends to establish a uniform name for the school district.

III. UNIFORM NAME

The name of the school district shall be St. Clair School.
The name specified above may be used to refer to the school district and may be shown on school district letterheads, signage, publications and other materials.
In official communications and on school district ballots, the school district shall be referred to as Independent School District No. 75 St. Clair, but inadvertent failure to use the correct name shall not invalidate any legal proceeding or matter or affect the validity of any document.

Legal References:

Minn. Stat. § 123A.55 (Classes, Number)

Cross References:

104 School District Mission Statement

Adopted: April 28, 2003 MSBA/MASA Model Policy 104
Revised: August 19, 2024 Rev: 2024

104 SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear statement of the purpose for which the school district exists.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

The school board believes that a mission statement should be adopted. The mission statement should be based on the beliefs and values of the community, should direct any change effort and should be the basis on which decisions are made. The school board, on behalf of and with extensive participation by the community, should develop a consensus among its members regarding the nature of the enterprise the school board governs, the purposes it serves, the constituencies it should consider, including student representation, and the results it intends to produce.

III. MISSION / VISION STATEMENT

The St. Clair Educational Community will maximize learning for all, in order to thrive in an ever changing world.

IV. PRIORITIES AND GOALS

The administrative team will determine consistent, measurable tools to monitor individual student achievement and overall school performance. The administrative team and staff leadership teams will work with all staff to determine specific strategies and annual action plans to achieve these district goals. Ongoing communication of progress toward these goals will be shared with the school board and community.

1. Raise Student Achievement
Assessment data will be understood and used by classroom teachers to help all students with their annual learning goals.
Enhance critical thinking skills.

2. Deliver a rigorous and relevant curriculum
Actively differentiate the curriculum and use research based interventions to meet the needs of all learners.
Map and modify curriculum as needed.

3. Communicate effectively with all stakeholders
Foster positive relationships between board members, administrators, staff, students, parents, and community members.

Practice effective use of the communication chain by all stakeholders.
Have ongoing professional dialogue between the board and the Superintendent.
Have ongoing professional dialogue between the board and the principals and staff.

4. Maintain a financially stable school district

Legal References:

Minn. Stat § 120B.11 (School District Process for Reviewing Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Achievement Goals; Striving for Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness)

Cross References: None

100 Series Educational Philosophy - Printable Policies